Description

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/