Moraine Lake Trail

Overview

Moraine Lake isn’t a stand-alone day hike—it's a classic backcountry stop along the High Sierra Trail (HST) on the Chagoopa Plateau. Think tall pines, a calm, swimmable lake, and a well-earned shady camp that many hikers treat as a reset between the Kern Canyon and Big Arroyo/Kaweah Gap stretches. It’s undeniably scenic, but getting there is a grind—expect a sustained climb and limited water along the way.

Distance and Difficulty

A common approach is from Kern Hot Spring on the HST: about 8.3 miles one way with roughly +3,317 ft / –948 ft of elevation change to the lake, which sits around 9,290 ft. Another typical start is Upper Funston Meadow in the Kern Canyon, roughly 6 miles with nearly 2,700 ft of gain. For most fit backpackers, plan on 4.5–5.5 hours of moving time from the Kern Hot Spring side. This is a strenuous, sun-exposed ascent at altitude—start early.

Scenery and Geology

You’ll switchback out of the deep, glacially carved Kern Canyon onto the open Chagoopa Plateau, passing forest and meadows before cruising the mostly flat final miles to the lake. “Moraine” hints at the area’s glacial past—look for U-shaped valleys, smoothed granite, and meadow basins that define this slice of the Sierra. The lake itself is ringed by trees and granite, with relaxed shoreline hangouts perfect for an afternoon dip.

Water and Navigation

Water is limited on the climb from the Kern. Reports note a mid-climb tributary of Funston Creek and, from Upper Funston Meadow, a key refill at Chagoopa Creek. Don’t count on frequent sources—leave the river with full bottles, especially in heat. The HST is a well-built singletrack, but it’s a long, sustained grade with a lot of switchbacks.

Camping and Regulations

Moraine Lake is a popular HST camp with established sites in the trees near the shore. Hikers have reported a metal food-storage locker (bear box) at the lake—helpful, but still carry and use an approved bear-resistant container per park rules. Overnight travel here requires a wilderness permit; this is quota country, so plan ahead. Keep camps the required distance from water and follow Leave No Trace.

Best Time to Hike

Beat the heat and typical afternoon storms with an early start on climbing days. Expect cooler, calmer conditions in the morning for the ascent and better light for the lake in the late afternoon. Weeknights often mean quieter camping, but Moraine Lake is a known HST stop, so don’t expect solitude in peak season.

Getting There (Reality Check)

There’s no road to Moraine Lake. You reach it as part of a multi-day HST itinerary—commonly between the Kern Hot Spring/Upper Funston Meadow segment and the push toward Big Arroyo and Kaweah Gap. If you’re looking for a road-accessible alpine lake day hike, this isn’t it.