Lower Chain Lake

Lower Chain Lake sits at the low end of a string of three alpine lakes tucked into Yosemite's remote southern backcountry — a spot you reach on foot over a long day or two, not from a roadside pullout. It's the kind of destination that rewards people willing to carry a full pack, not a quick stop between overlooks.

Getting there

The standard approach starts outside the park at the Chiquito Pass or Clark Range trailhead in Sierra National Forest, climbing north past Chiquito Lake before reaching Lower Chain Lake and continuing on through the basin to Middle and Upper Chain Lake. The full Chain Lakes Trail runs about 14.9 miles round trip with roughly 2,437 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate to hard. Most people treat it as an overnight backpacking trip; a few strong hikers push through in one long day.

What to expect

• Wildflowers peak along the approach in late spring and early summer.
• Bug spray is worth packing for that same stretch of the season.
• A wilderness permit is required for any overnight stay in the backcountry.

Because the trailhead sits well outside Yosemite Valley, foot traffic here is a fraction of what you'll find on the park's front-country trails. This is backcountry solitude — check current wilderness permit and trail conditions before you go.