Deadman Canyon Loop

The signed Twin Lakes Trail leaves Lodgepole Campground with a steep climb through conifers, past Silliman Creek and Cahoon Meadow, then up rocky switchbacks to the alpine basin. Heavy packs make that first gain feel longer than the mileage suggests. From Twin Lakes, keep climbing to Silliman Pass; the high saddle opens broad views across granite basins toward Mount Silliman and the Great Western Divide. Snow can linger around the passes into early summer, so check conditions before setting out.

The trail drops from Silliman on rough granite steps, then traverses quieter forest and meadow country. The core route skips the side trips to Beville, Ranger and Seville lakes. Lost Lake is a worthwhile extra half-mile each way beneath a jagged ridge, but count those miles separately. In Comanche Meadow, aspens open the view toward Mitchell Peak. Beyond the meadow, the path climbs a moraine for a look down the Roaring River drainage before descending to the ranger station. In the lower-traffic stretches, brush and faint tread can make junctions easy to miss.

From Roaring River, the route turns south and steadily climbs into Deadman Canyon, the loop’s namesake and one of its most memorable stretches. A small herder’s grave sits in an aspen grove in the canyon; leave the marker undisturbed. The trail continues up the valley toward Elizabeth Pass at 11,371 feet, then crosses rocky, exposed terrain where cairns help pick out the line. Start high-pass climbs early when possible; afternoon thunderstorms are a recurring Sierra risk.

The descent from Elizabeth Pass drops toward Lone Pine Creek and Bearpaw Meadow, then turns west on the High Sierra Trail. Its carved ledges are narrow and exposed above steep slopes, so take your time if heights unsettle you. At the Alta and Panther Gap junction, climb over Panther Gap and follow the mapped return through Wolverton to Lodgepole. That closing connector is part of this loop. Longer lake-focused itineraries may finish at Crescent Meadow and use a seasonal shuttle, but that is a different version.

An overnight wilderness permit is required. Quota-season entries are limited and reserved with a fee; outside quota season, permits are self-issued. Pets are not allowed on park trails. Carry an approved bear-resistant food canister and all the food you need; there is no food service along the remote route, and food-storage boxes are not continuous. This is a strenuous trip at high elevation, with long gaps between services and few easy exits once you are beyond the trailheads.