Gardisky Lake Trailhead

Gardisky Lake Trailhead near Lee Vining earns a 4.9-star rating across 9 reviews — high praise for a hike that reviewers consistently describe as short but steep. The trailhead itself is easy to reach; one reviewer notes the drive in is straightforward and doable in a standard sedan, with nothing technical about the access road.

What to Expect

The climb starts steep and stays that way, following a small creek up the hillside. About ten minutes in, a flat rock area off to the side opens up a view of the valley and surrounding mountains — one reviewer calls it a natural pause point, and mentions a resident grouse that calls from the same spot year after year. Push on to the lake itself, and one reviewer describes a crystal-clear blue lake ringed by wildflowers, with snow-capped peaks behind it.

Parking and Access

• The trailhead itself has room for only about six vehicles
• A larger overflow lot sits a couple hundred feet before the trailhead
• One reviewer was swarmed by mosquitoes right at the trailhead — come prepared with repellent

One reviewer has hiked to the lake four times over several seasons, camping and fishing along the way, and reports rarely running into other groups — a sign this stays quieter than more heavily trafficked trailheads in the area.