Star Lakes Trailhead

Star Lakes Trailhead sits in the Sierra National Forest just outside Fish Camp, the small town at Yosemite's south entrance, and puts you on a rugged doubletrack that climbs to a cluster of alpine lakes tucked below Mount Raymond. It's shared-use terrain — hikers, high-clearance 4x4s, and OHVs all use the same rocky road — so come with the right expectations rather than a quiet singletrack in mind.

The Route

AllTrails logs the out-and-back to Star Lakes and Mount Raymond at 5.5 miles round trip with 1,538 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate and averaging 3 to 3.5 hours. The road follows White Chief Branch and Rainier Creek on the way up, then splits: most hikers turn around at the lakes, but the route continues on to Mount Raymond's summit for anyone who wants the extra climb and the views that come with it.

Know Before You Go

• The road (Forest Service route #22E203) is open to ATVs and motorcycles as well as foot traffic — expect a narrow, rocky doubletrack rather than a groomed trail, and expect to share it.
• High-clearance or 4WD vehicles can drive a portion of the route; check current Sierra National Forest conditions before counting on vehicle access all the way up.
• Fish Camp sits a few miles from Yosemite's South Entrance on Highway 41, making this an easy add-on for anyone already staying in the area.