Gibbs Lake

Gibbs Lake is a small alpine lake tucked into the Ansel Adams Wilderness above Lee Vining, reached by a steep, lightly-traveled trail that follows an old mining road along Gibbs Creek. There's no paved lot or trail-system junction here — it's a dead-end route to one lake, which is exactly why the hikers who make the climb tend to have the shoreline to themselves.

The Hike

The out-and-back route runs roughly 9 miles round trip with about 2,240 feet of elevation gain, and it's rated a hard trail for good reason: the first mile climbs straight up the mountainside before the grade eases into gentler switchbacks alongside the creek. The lake itself sits at roughly 9,500 feet, walled in by Mount Gibbs (12,764') and Mount Dana (13,057'). Because the trail doesn't connect to any other route, traffic stays light even in peak season.

Getting There

The trailhead starts near Upper Horse Meadow, reached via a rough dirt road off Highway 395 just outside Lee Vining — a high-clearance vehicle makes the approach easier. Snow can linger into early summer at this elevation, so May through October is the practical window for hiking it.

What to Bring

• Sturdy boots — the lower mile is loose, steep, and eroded in places
• A fishing rod if you're inclined; the lake holds trout
• Layers — wind off Mount Dana can turn the shoreline cold fast, even in summer