Baboon Lakes

The Sabrina Basin Trail near Bishop, California, offers a classic Sierra Nevada experience, leading you through a landscape of dramatic granite peaks and numerous alpine lakes. You'll traverse shrub-clad slopes with aspens and conifers before the terrain opens up to scrub-covered granite, revealing expansive views of high peaks and the colorful Piute Crags. The trail is a moderate 8.9-mile (14.3 km) out-and-back hike with 2069 feet (631 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 4 hours and 37 minutes, making it a challenging but highly rewarding day trip.

To plan your visit, be aware that the trailhead parking can fill up early, so an early start is recommended. If you're considering an overnight trip, wilderness permits are required, and bear canisters are mandatory beyond Blue Lake. The best hiking season is generally from late spring to early fall, after the snowmelt, but always check Sabrina Basin trail conditions and weather before you go.

This route is celebrated for its exceptional scenic beauty within the John Muir Wilderness, often cited as one of the best hiking trails in the Bishop area. You'll encounter cascading creeks, small waterfalls, and high meadows, with highlights like Blue Lake, Dingleberry Lake, and Midnight Lake nestled in glacial-scoured basins. The higher elevations feature a timberline region between 10,000 to 11,000 feet, encircled by impressive 12,000 to 13,000-foot peaks with sheer granite cliffs.