Bishop Pass Trail

Overview

This is the Eastern Sierra at its best: a steady climb from South Lake up granite benches past a chain of alpine lakes to the 11,972-foot Bishop Pass, then a drop into Dusy Basin inside Kings Canyon National Park. As a day hike, it’s about 11.1 miles round trip to the pass with roughly 2,300+ feet of gain. If you continue into Dusy Basin, plan on roughly 15 miles round trip and closer to 3,000 feet of cumulative gain. The trail is well-built but rocky near the top; altitude makes everything feel a notch harder.

What You’ll See

You’ll thread a postcard lineup of lakes—South, Long, Saddlerock, and Bishop—backed by jagged granite faces of the Inconsolable Range and peaks like Hurd and Goode. Higher up, the water can take on that glacial-turquoise tint, and the views explode the moment you crest the pass. Beyond the pass, you enter Kings Canyon National Park and descend about 600 feet into Dusy Basin, a remote spread of alpine tarns with classic Sierra granite scenery. Expect wildflowers early summer and big-sky alpine vistas the whole way.

Difficulty and Crowd Factor

The grade isn’t brutal, but the altitude is real—most of the route is above 10,000 feet—so pace yourself and hydrate. Footing turns stony on the upper switchbacks, which slows you down, especially with an overnight pack. This trail is popular; parking fills early on summer weekends. Start at dawn if you want an easier parking situation and calmer weather.

Best Time to Hike

Prime season runs July through September. Expect lingering snow in spring and early summer, and typical Sierra afternoon thunderstorms in summer—plan to be off high ridges by early afternoon. Mosquitoes can be fierce early season; mid-to-late summer is friendlier. October can bring crisp temps and standout fall color in the Eastern Sierra corridor, but nights can be cold and early storms happen.

Permits and Regulations

Day hikers do not need a wilderness permit. Overnight trips require a permit for entry from the South Lake trailhead (quota system) and proper food storage with an approved bear-resistant container. Dogs are allowed on the Inyo National Forest side but are not permitted once you cross Bishop Pass into Kings Canyon National Park—turn around at the pass if you brought a pup.

Route Tips and Variations

If you’re day hiking, Bishop Lake makes a great turnaround if the pass feels too ambitious. For backpackers, a night or two wandering Dusy Basin is hard to beat. A scenic variation is the Chocolate Lakes loop, which reconnects near Long Lake. Regardless, start early, check the forecast, bring layers for sudden temperature swings, and carry traction if you’re pushing into early season snow.