State Lakes Loop Trail

State Lakes Loop is a 5.57-mile circuit between two junctions on the remote Simpson Meadow Trail. The named lake route between those junctions is reported as 4.2–4.4 miles point to point; adding about 1.4 miles on Simpson Meadow Trail closes the circuit. The 7.6-mile State Lakes plus Horseshoe Lakes outing is a separate extension. Allow roughly four to six hours for this loop itself, including about 1,000 feet of climbing at around 10,000 feet. Reaching the junction from road access adds substantial wilderness miles, which aren't included here.

From the southern junction, the mapped State Lakes path climbs through the basin to Lower and Upper State Lakes, then returns to the northern Simpson Meadow junction. The Lower Lake shore has rocky launch spots for a swim. Upper State Lake is shallower and more open. The second creek crossing comes before the climb to Lower Lake and can be difficult in wet years.

After Upper State Lake, the tread can disappear among rocks. This is the part that catches hikers: pause at junctions and keep checking your map through the talus. The return along Simpson Meadow Trail closes the circuit between the two junctions. The loop itself reaches about 10,500 feet; its distance and time do not cover the longer approach through the wilderness.

This is a remote backcountry route, not a drive-up hike. The exact roadhead-to-junction mileage isn't established by the sources available, and there are no food or toilet facilities reported on the loop. Overnight wilderness trips require an NPS permit. Pets are prohibited on park trails. At Lower State Lake, include the granite wall and a strip of water in a photo to show how the shoreline sits beneath the steep basin.