A linkup of lakes around a multicolored mountain, requiring mild scrambling and some route finding.
Hiking Moderate
This hike begins at the popular South Lake trailhead, but forges into lesser-traveled terrain around Chocolate Peak. The name probably comes from the peak's reddish brown color, contrasting with the pale gray of most Sierra rock. On this loop you'll circle all the way around the peak, and even have the option to climb it.
You'll begin on the main trail to Bishop Pass, which climbs gradually through a forest of rocks and trees to Long Lake. It's a nice place to cool off if the weather is warm, but more lakes await higher up.
Leave the Bishop Pass trail by turning toward Ruwau Lake, taking short but steep ascent. The views get even better at this lake, with a picturesque island on the water and Cloudripper Peak on the horizon.
From there, a rugged trail continues to the saddle above the lake. This is where you can scramble the ridge to the top of Chocolate Peak, or simply cross over to the next basin where you'll find the Chocolate Lakes. Along these shores the trail can be hard to follow, but multiple paths exist. As you work your way down toward Bull Lake, you'll look up at the color-banded face of Chocolate Peak, resembling a giant scoop of ice cream in an alpine bowl.
Sources: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20358&actid=50 https://quincykoetz.com/2019/09/chocolate-peak-and-lakes-california-hike-bushwhack/
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
8.7 km away
Miles 831-857.7 of the northbound PCT: Climbing along lakes and falls to Muir Pass, rolling through sky-high meadows of Evolution Basin, then descending through yet another waterfall gorge of the central Sierra Nevada.
Difficult Hiking
72 routes · Hiking