California is a backpacker’s paradise, with stunning trails in national and state parks, and in the mountains, deserts, and along the ocean. Yet for all of this natural beauty, some of the state’s best backpacking actually lies in a little-known wilderness area near Fresno.
Dinkey Lakes Trail guides hikers past a series of alpine lakes in a remote part of the Sierra National Forest. And this picturesque, wild escape deserves a spot on your to-do list.
Dinkey Lakes: California’s Hidden Gem
Located approximately 45 miles from Fresno, Dinkey Lakes Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area that covers 30,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest at elevations ranging from about 8,000 to 10,000 feet.
It lies right next to the John Muir National Forest, separated by an off-highway vehicle route, and is close to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park. The closest town with basic services is Shaver Lake, which is located about 22 miles away from the trailhead.
What to Do: Alpine Lakes and Views
The vast pine forests of Dinkey Lakes offer a great choose-your-own-adventure experience, with lakes and dispersed camping every two to three miles. If you’ve got younger kids or just want a short, simple trip, you can stop at First or Second Dinkey Lake. For a longer hike with varied terrain, go the full 11 miles to Cliff Lake…