Gibbon Pass Trail

This is a 13.1-mile (21.1-km) out-and-back from Vista Lake Trail Head to Gibbon Pass, passing Vista Lake, Arnica Lake and both Twin Lakes before climbing to the saddle. Plan roughly 9–10 hours for the distance, repeated climbs and stops. Published totals vary from about 17 to 23 km; this description follows the connected main route to the pass and back, with shoreline and waterfall wandering extra. The longer Sunshine–Egypt Lake traverse is a different, one-way route.

The trail first drops about 100 m to Vista Lake, then climbs more than 500 m toward Arnica Lake. Much of this stretch is forested, with bridges over boggy ground and occasional openings toward Boom Mountain and Mount Bell. Highway noise can carry up the lower climb. At Arnica, the lake sits beneath the rocky face of Storm Mountain.

From Arnica, the path climbs to a larch-filled saddle, then descends to Upper Twin Lake. Lower Twin is about 750 m farther on and slightly lower again; a bridge crosses its outlet. Shoreline ground can be muddy. A short walk toward the far end of Lower Twin adds a waterfall view but is a mucky side trip. Stay on the main trail above the lake: a faint drainage line has led hikers onto very steep, trackless slopes.

The final climb winds through larches to the pass plaque at roughly 2,300 m, with the Ball Range opening to the southwest. This is the turn-around point for this day hike; continuing beyond the pass belongs to a longer backcountry itinerary. Upper Twin Lake has a small five-pad backcountry campground for permit-holding overnight visitors.