Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a high Sierra lake about five miles up the Lakes Trail from Wolverton, tucked below Alta Peak in a glacier-carved bowl. Reaching it means about 10.6 miles round trip and 2,170 feet of climbing, so plan a full day and save it for when you want a substantial hike. The lake is also a backcountry camping destination for hikers who want to stay in the high country.

From Wolverton, the trail climbs through forest and meadows, past granite cliff overlooks and a string of lakes. Heather and Aster come before Emerald; Pear Lake lies farther along. NPS describes the trail as moderately strenuous. Overnight wilderness permits are required, and Heather and Aster are closed to overnight use; Emerald is an identified camping destination about five miles from the trailhead. Check current permit rules before planning a night out.

At about 9,230 feet, Emerald Lake sits beneath Alta Peak and jagged ridges in a bowl carved by ice. Polished granite slabs and cliffs around the lake are part of the payoff. Take a moment to look across the whole basin after the climb.

Give the lake and the granite ridges behind it room in the same frame; a tight shot of the water loses the high-country setting. The trip to the shore is the point, so take a few minutes there before turning back. Wolverton has parking, picnic tables and flush restrooms at the trailhead.