Hiking & Backpacking to Hungry Packer Lake from Lake Sabrina (California)

The hike to Hungry Packer Lake starts at Lake Sabrina, located in the Eastern Sierra of California. This trail takes you to mesmerizing blue lakes, picturesque alpine meadows, and a unique waterfall. In autumn, the Lake Sabrina area is also a prime spot for fall colors!

When planning this hike, what initially caught my attention were the whimsical names of the lakes. Just a few examples: Dingleberry, Topsy Turvy, Baboon, and Hungry Packer lakes. There are so many lakes along this trail that even if you don’t want to do the full hike, you’ll still see plenty. However if you end up camping on the Hungry Packer Lake trail, you could spend days exploring the side trails to additional lakes. 

In this guide to Hungry Packer Lake I’ll share information that will help you plan your visit. I’ll also share my Hungry Packer Lake backpacking trip report, which also includes Blue, Hungry Packer, Midnight, and Moonlight Lakes, as well as Moonlight Falls.

If you need a refresher, check out my guide to day hiking and beginner’s guide to backpacking. For more places to explore in California, browse my California destination guides.

Related Articles:
Big Pine Lakes
Fall Colors in the Eastern Sierra
Big McGee Lake
Little Lakes Valley
Bishop Pass

Hungry Packer Lake Backpacking Trail Report

Lake Sabrina and Blue Lake Trail Report

The Hungry Packer Lake hike was my first trek in California’s Eastern Sierra, and I was beyond excited. I’d heard many claims that the Eastern Sierra region was the most scenic place in the entire state, with some comparisons even drawing parallels to the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia. After my visit, I can confirm that California’s most stunning scenery is found here!

I started my hike at Lake Sabrina, an artificial reservoir that serves the Bishop Creek hydraulic power plants and is popular for fishing and boating. The initial mile of the trail was a moderate stroll above the shoreline, providing gorgeous views of the lake below. The subsequent two miles were a challenging ascent to Blue Lake and featured seemingly sections of endless stone stairways.

Upon reaching Blue Lake, my frustration from the difficult climb quickly faded. The lake’s clear blue waters and inviting rocky coves had me mesmerized! I felt too tired to continue hiking toward Hungry Packer Lake with my heavy camping equipment, so I decided to pitch my tent at Blue Lake. 

From Blue Lake I did an out-and-back trip to the lakes further along the trail. I made sure to continue halfway along the shore of Blue Lake before taking a sharp right to head towards Hungry Packer Lake. Continuing straight would lead to a different trail to Baboon and Donkey Lakes.

Moonlight Falls Trail Report

After about 3 miles of moderate ascent from Blue Lake the trail emerged from the forest, splitting into two paths leading to Moonlight or Hungry Packer Lakes. The dense trees gave way to a lush meadow, which was still vividly colored during my late September hike. I can only imagine how beautiful the meadow must be during the spring wildflower blooms.

From here I spotted Moonlight Falls on the left. The waterfall has a unique slab shape and is easy to spot from afar. I didn’t find an official trail to get there and forged my own path through the meadow. I’m not sure where the name “Moonlight” comes from, but to me the reflection of the waterfall in the pool below resembles a crescent moon. The falls are a nice place to cool off, and at the time of my visit I had them all to myself.

Moonlight Lake, Hungry Packer Lake, and Midnight Lake Trail Report

From Moonlight Falls, I returned to the fork and continued on the trail to Sailor Lake and ultimately Moonlight Lake. Moonlight Lake did not have brightly colored water, but its large and flat shoreline was popular with campers. 

I then continued to hike to Hungry Packer Lake and Midnight Lake. Both lakes were intensely turquoise colored and gleamed in the sunlight, contrasting against the snowy mountains behind them. I wished I had more time to spend there, but I had to get going since it was getting late and my campsite was 3 miles away.

Unexpectedly, I also felt mild altitude sickness. I was surprised because I’ve previously hiked with ease to 16,500 feet with a fully loaded backpack, and now I found myself struggling at 11,100 feet with only a light daypack. The midday heat and sun exposure, combined with the fact that I arrived just the day before, really took its toll. If you can, acclimate before your hike so you can avoid having a similar experience!

After spending a night at Blue Lake I returned to the trailhead the next day, happy with all I’d managed to see in 2 days on the trail. I’d love to return someday to explore the side trails off of the Hungry Packer Lake trail. I’d also like to see the sun rise and set from Moonlight Falls, which was my favorite spot on this hike.

Trip Planning Information

Hungry Packer Lake Map and Trail Information

The Hungry Packer Lake hike is moderately strenuous and can be done as a day hike, or extended into a multi-day backpacking trip. The trails start from Lake Sabrina and most sections of the trail are well-maintained and easy to follow.

For a shorter day hike, visit Blue Lake. This route is a total of 5.9 miles, with 1,453 feet elevation gain.

The full Hungry Packer Lake hike will make for a longer day hike or backpacking trip. This hike is ~15 miles round trip, with 2,710 feet elevation gain. This route visits Blue, Moonlight, Hungry Packer, and Midnight Lakes, as well as Moonlight Falls. 

For an extended backpacking trip to Hungry Packer Lake, explore additional side trails leading to Donkey, Baboon, Emerald, and Topsy Turvy Lakes.

Hungry Packer Lake Hike Useful Tips

• Limited phone service: Expect limited to no phone service on the road to the trailhead and on the trail itself. Download Google Maps of the area and hiking trail GPS information in advance. 
• Altitude awareness: Altitude sickness can occur above 8,000 ft elevation. The trailhead at Lake Sabrina is at 9,100 ft and ascends to 11,100 ft at Hungry Packer Lake. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and turn around if needed.
• Beat the heat. Start hiking early, especially in summer. Much of the trail is not shaded and can get hot.
• Leave no trace. Let’s preserve this beautiful area.

Hungry Packer Lake Weather and When to Go

Plan your visit to Hungry Packer Lake between late spring and early fall. Depending on the year, the trail may have ice and snow from late October into July. Check recent trail reports on AllTrails and call the Inyo National Forest ranger for current trail conditions. 

The trail gets very busy on summer weekends. If you can, go on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Temperatures on the trail in summer are very hot during the day and cool at night. If you’re hiking in fall, check local conditions first. Fall wildfires are common.

Park Information

The Hungry Packer Lake trail is part of the John Muir Wilderness, located in Inyo National Forest. There’s no entrance fee or specific opening hours for the trailhead. You can bring your dog on this trail.

Hungry Packer Lake Permits

If you’re doing a day hike, you don’t need a permit.

If you’d like to camp overnight at Hungry Packer Lake, a permit is mandatory. From May 1 through November 1, there is a limit of 25 people per day. 60% of the permits are released 6 months in advance, and the remaining 40% are released 2 weeks in advance. Reserve your permit early and have backup dates in mind due to the trail’s popularity. 

When you’re ready to reserve your permit, visit the reservation site and select “JM17 Sabrina Lake”. Remember to print your Hungry Packer Lake permit before your trip and bring it with you.

Lake Sabrina Directions and Parking

The Hungry Packer Lake trail starts at Lake Sabrina, which is off of Highway 395 on the Eastern side of California’s Sierra mountains. The closest city is Bishop (30 min). The trailhead is a 4 hr 40 min drive from Los Angeles, and 5 hr 40 min from the Bay Area.

If you’re coming from the Bay Area, the shortest route will likely be through Tioga Pass. Check that Tioga Road is open for the season. This route passes through Yosemite Park, so be ready to pay the entrance fee and expect heavy traffic on weekends and holidays.

The road to the trailhead is paved. Route 168W (Road to Bishop Creek/ Aspendell) may close seasonally in winter; check the Inyo County road closures page for more information.

For day hikers, navigate to the hiker parking lot at “Sabrina Lake Trailhead”. Don’t continue to the boat landing parking, which is further from the trailhead.

Overnight campers will need to park 0.6 miles further up the road. This area is marked “Overnight Parking” on Google Maps and is located at the intersection of Route 168 and N Lake Road.

Bear boxes are available at both parking lots, and you should avoid leaving scented items in your car. Restrooms are located at the Lake Sabrina campground or boat landing. This is a popular area, so get there early to secure a parking spot.

What to Bring to Hike Hungry Packer Lake

For a full list of what to bring, refer to my complete day hiking and backpacking checklists. For this hike I would stress the following:

Hungry Packer Lake Day Hike Items

• Trail Map. Download the map for offline navigation. 
• Day Hiking Backpack or Backpacking Pack (Women’s, Men’s). Invest in a high-quality and durable pack that will last for years!
• Hiking Shoes. Women’s, Men’s. I do not recommend running or general athletic shoes for this hike. Their lack of traction will cause you to slip.
• Hiking Socks. Women’s, Men’s. Wool is essential to keep your feet dry and blister-free.
• Hiking Pants. Women’s, Men’s. I love these pants because they are lightweight, durable, and have pockets.
• Hiking T-Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. Quick-drying T-Shirts are ideal. Tank tops will cause your skin to rub uncomfortably against your backpack straps.
• Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. This is the best way to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitos. 
• Swimsuit and Microfiber Towel. You’ll want to swim in these lakes!
• Trekking Poles. These will save your knees on descents and provide stability when crossing streams and rocky terrain.
• Hat. This hike is very exposed, so protect yourself from the sun.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip Balm with SPF.
• Mosquito spray. I love this all-natural one because it’s very effective and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
• Mosquito head net. Mosquitos can be unbearable in some seasons. I use this to prevent them from getting in my eyes and mouth or biting my face.
• Water in a Reservoir or Bottle.  Bring a lot of water – this is a long and hot hike.
• Water Filter. Bring a filter so you can carry less water!
• Electrolytes. These help prevent dehydration and fatigue, especially on strenuous hikes in hot weather and high elevation.
• Snacks, Packed Lunch
• Portable Charger and Cable. It’s good to be prepared if your phone battery dies.
• Headlamp and Spare Batteries. Whether or not you plan to camp, this is a safety essential.
• Garmin inReach (optional). Sends your GPS coordinates and calls for help in emergency situations. 
• First-Aid Kit

Hungry Packer Lake Backpacking Items

• Bear canister. Bear canisters or bags are required for camping in this area. 
• Tent
• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag and Compression Sack
• Stove
• Puffy Jacket. Women’s, Men’s. It gets cold at night.

Hungry Packer Lake Camping Locations (for Backpackers)

There are many places to camp throughout the trail, meaning that despite its popularity you can usually find a peaceful spot to yourself.

Campsites are limited at Hungry Packer and Midnight Lakes due to the steep lake shorelines.

I recommend camping at Blue, Dingleberry, Sailor, or Moonlight Lakes. The meadow near Moonlight Falls is also an excellent place to camp. Blue and Dingleberry Lakes have several good forested sites, while the campsites near the upper lakes are more exposed.

Backpacking Water Sources

If you’re hiking to Hungry Packer Lake with a filter there are many places to refill, although some of them may run dry late into the season. To be safe, bring enough water for the first 3 miles up to Blue Lake.

Where to Stay

Before hiking the Hungry Packer Lake trail, it’s a good idea to stay nearby the night before to ensure an early start on the trail and to acclimate to the altitude. I frequently get mild altitude sickness in this area and can attest to the importance of getting a good night’s sleep nearby to adjust.

Hungry Packer Lake Camping

There are many Inyo National Forest and BLM campgrounds near the Hungry Packer Lake trailhead that are open seasonally. Some campsites along Route 168 are reservable and others are first-come, first-serve. You can reserve on recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Make sure to reserve early, as the area around Lake Sabrina is popular for camping. 

Nearby Accommodation

Lake Sabrina
Rent cabins at the Cardinal Village Resort in Aspendell.

Bishop
Budget: The Hostel California. Whether you choose a private room or shared dorm, this is a comfortable place to stay where you’ll likely meet other hikers. The kitchen will come in handy to prepare your hiking snacks.
Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Eastside Guesthouse and Bivy

Mammoth Lakes
Mid Range: Juniper Springs Resort
Splurge: The Westin Monache Resort

Things to Do Near Hungry Packer Lake

Lake Sabrina Map of Nearby Attractions

California’s Eastern Sierra region is full of interesting attractions. This area has some of the best hiking in all of California, so I’d recommend checking out some other hikes if you have the time. If not, there are still many places you can visit that involve minimal hiking.

Along Route 168: Visit North Lake, go fishing or rent a boat at Lake Sabrina, and make the scenic drive to South Lake. If you’re visiting in autumn, check out the local fall foliage!

North of Lake Sabrina: Crowley Lake Stone Columns, Hot Creek Geologic Site, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Convict Lake, Devil’s Postpile, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop, Mono Lake

South of Lake Sabrina: Keough’s Hot Springs, Erick Schat’s Bakery, Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Whitney Portal Road

Thanks for reading, and I hope this detailed guide to Hungry Packer Lake makes planning your day hike or backpacking trip a breeze. Which lake are you most excited about visiting? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments. See you on the trail!

For more places to explore, check out my guides to other hikes and backpacking trips in California.

Confirm all logistical and safety information before your trip. Also If you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for supporting me in creating free content for you to enjoy!

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