Backpacking to Hamilton Lake (Sequoia National Park)

Hamilton Lake is an alpine oasis hidden in the mountains of Sequoia National Park. The hike to get there is long, but you’ll be rewarded by a surreal turquoise lake in a craggy granite basin. This is one of my favorite destinations in California for hiking and backpacking! 

This hike follows the High Sierra Trail, which runs from Crescent Meadow to Hamilton Lake. The scenery along the way is incredible: wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and Yosemite-like granite formations.

In this guide I’ll share detailed information that will help you plan your own adventure to Hamilton Lake. I’ll also summarize my backpacking trip there (complete with a bear sighting) to give you an idea of what to expect! 

It’s best to do the Hamilton Lakes trail as a backpacking trip due to its length. If you’re a day hiker who is considering getting into backpacking, check out my beginner’s guide to backpacking to learn how to get started! Also for more places to explore in California, browse my California destination guides.

Related Articles:
Alta Peak Trail (Sequoia National Park)
Lakes Trail to Pear Lake (Sequoia National Park)

Hamilton Lake Trail Report

Wolverton to High Sierra Trail

I did this hike starting from the Wolverton parking lot because of its proximity to Alta Peak and Pear Lake, which I wanted to explore on the same trip. In hindsight, I would have spent more time exploring the side trails closer to Hamilton Lake. This exceptionally beautiful area lacks the crowds present in other parts of the park.

I started my hike early in the morning on the Lakes Trail. Five minutes into my hike I had a strange feeling that I was being watched. I looked to the side of the trail and locked eyes with a black bear! The bear shyly ran off into the wilderness before I could snap a photo. 

I continued on the Panther Gap trail, passing through lush meadows with wildflowers in full bloom. After a pleasant ~2.8 miles I reached the Alta trail, where the forest cleared and revealed a stunning panorama of the valley below. I followed the ridge before descending to meet the High Sierra Trail.

High Sierra Trail to Hamilton Lakes

Upon reaching the High Sierra Trail the terrain became mostly forested. I passed by campsites at Mehrten Creek, 9-mile Creek, and Buck Creek, all of which were completely deserted. I told myself that I would camp at Buck Creek if I came back in the future; its location next to a waterfall seemed too good to pass up. 

Shortly after I reached Bearpaw Meadow. The Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra camp was abandoned and its cabins and terrace looked badly damaged from the elements. I stopped for lunch here, enjoying the view of the Great Western Divide and trying not to overthink the upcoming section of the hike.

It was getting hot, but unfortunately I still had over 4 miles to go. My goal was to arrive at Hamilton Lake on my first day, for a total of 15 miles. From Bearpaw Meadow the trail became exposed and hugged the side of a ridge. My excitement grew as I saw the granite domes and peaks in the distance; the landscape reminded me of Yosemite. Waterfalls originating from Hamilton Lake cascaded into the valley below. 

I soon arrived at Lone Pine Creek. “Creek” is an understatement! It looked more like a raging river at the bottom of a deep canyon, and I was thankful that there was a large bridge to facilitate crossing. From the creek I began the final grueling 2.5 mile ascent. One mile before Hamilton Lake I reached Hamilton Creek, which consisted of two waterfalls framed by a craggy granite wall called “Valhalla”.

Hamilton Lakes

The long ascent was finally over once I reached Lower Hamilton Lake. The lake was a striking emerald-green color, with the dramatic Valhalla wall rising above it. From here, Upper Hamilton Lake was just a short walk away. The water here was a delicate aquamarine, cradled by a granite basin with cascading waterfalls. 

I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the smooth rocks by the lakeshore. The sounds of the waterfalls and gentle lapping of the lake were very peaceful! At one point I went in the water, which I quickly regretted. The water was ice-cold and swarms of mosquitoes were waiting for me as soon as I got out.

Camping at Hamilton Lake

I was the second person to arrive at Hamilton Lake and I pitched my tent in a scenic spot overlooking the lake and the Valhalla wall. Curious deer and marmots lingered hopefully next to the bear boxes, and I kept all of my gear in my tent to avoid waking up to a missing shoe or chewed-through trekking pole.

The day ended with a spectacular sunset, the red alpenglow crowning the mountaintops above Hamilton Lake. I fell asleep to a pure starry sky and a brightly glowing moon. 

The next day I contemplated changing my plans to spend another day in this area. I thought about visiting Precipice Lake, but at the time of my visit in August the trail was still very icy and I didn’t have the proper equipment to tackle this. Instead I decided to pack up, reluctantly heading out the way I came. The exposed ascents on the way back were exhausting, but the frequent waterfalls and brightly colored wildflowers worked like a charm to lift my spirits.

Trip Planning Information

Hamilton Lake Trail Map and Information

The Hamilton Lake hike is strenuous and best done as a 2 – 5 day backpacking trip. The trail is very well-maintained and easy to follow.

You can reach Hamilton Lake by hiking out and back from Crescent Meadow (30.1 mi and 6,200 ft elevation gain). Alternatively, you can start from Wolverton parking lot (29.8 mi and 7,100 ft elevation gain).

If you have more time, there’s many beautiful side trails you can explore. From Hamilton Lake, do an out and back hike to Precipice Lake (~6.9 mi and ~2,000 ft elevation gain). Or, check out Tamarack Lake, accessed on a trail found between Bearpaw Meadow and Hamilton Lake. And for a real challenge, continue on the High Sierra Trail all the way to Mt. Whitney!

Hamilton 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. Hamilton lake is at ~8,300 ft. 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 keep this area pristine!
• Check trail conditions. Springtime can bring high water levels, making creek crossings difficult or dangerous.
• Marmots. They are cute, but protect your car and gear from them. From spring to mid-summer marmots may chew through radiator hoses and car wiring. Use a tarp to protect your car; the ranger station may have some to lend to you. Marmots also live at Hamilton Lake and like to chew on shoes, hiking poles, and backpack straps. Keep all of your gear inside your tent.

Sequoia National Park Weather and When to Go

Plan your visit 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 Sequoia National Park ranger for information on current conditions.

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.

In winter, temperatures are very cold and roads within the park may close. Chains may be required to drive in Sequoia National Park in winter.

Sequoia National Park Information

Sequoia National Park entrance is $35 per car, paid at the kiosk on the road leading to the park. You can use your US National parks pass or purchase one once you arrive for $80.

There are no specific park hours, and dogs are not permitted on the trails.

Hamilton Lake Permits

If you’re doing a day hike (I’m impressed!), you don’t need a permit.

If you’d like to camp overnight at Hamilton Lake to break up the long hike, a wilderness permit is mandatory. From May 24 through September 28, overnight visitors are limited to 30 people per day. 20 permits are released online 6 months in advance. 10 permits are available on a walk-up basis. You can obtain a walk-up permit from Lodgepole Visitor Center starting from 1:00 PM the day before your trip begins.

To reserve your camping permit in advance, visit the reservation site and select “High Sierra Trail”. No other permits will allow you to hike this trail. Have backup dates in mind due to the trail’s popularity.

Pick up your wilderness permit at the Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park (open 8 AM – 5 PM) before your hike. Ask the rangers for advice about your planned route and current conditions, they are very helpful!

Sequoia National Park Directions and Parking

Sequoia National Park is accessed from Generals Highway and is on the Western side of California’s Sierra mountains. The closest city is Fresno (2 hr). The Hamilton Lake trailhead is a 4 hr 20 min drive from Los Angeles or from the Bay Area.

The roads in Sequoia National Park are paved but may close seasonally or for construction. Check current conditions before heading out.

To hike the Hamilton Lakes trail, navigate to either “Wolverton Picnic Area” or “Crescent Meadow Picnic Area”, depending on where you want to start your hike. The parking lots are for both day and overnight use and have restrooms. Bear boxes are available; avoid leaving scented items in your car. Also arrive early to ensure a parking spot.

What to Bring to Hamilton Lake

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

General Hiking Items:

• Trail Map. Download the map for offline navigation. 
• Hiking Shoes. Women’s, Men’s. 
• 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. 
• Puffy Jacket. Women’s, Men’s. It gets cold at night.
• Swimsuit and Microfiber Towel. You’ll want to swim in this lake!
• 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
• Electrolytes. These help prevent dehydration and fatigue, especially on strenuous hikes in hot weather and high elevation.
• Portable Charger and cable. Be prepared if your phone battery dies.
• Headlamp and Spare Batteries
• Garmin inReach (optional). Sends your GPS coordinates and calls for help in emergency situations. 
• First-Aid Kit
• Microspikes. May be needed if you’re hiking early in the season.

Hamilton Lake Backpacking Essentials:

• Backpacking Pack. Invest in a high-quality and durable pack that will last for years!
• Bear Canister. Bear canisters are required for camping in this area. 
• Tent
• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag and Compression Sack
• Stove

Recommended Hamilton Lake Camping Sites

Backpacking campsites along the Hamilton Lake trail include Mehrten Creek (at 5.7 mi), 9-Mile Creek (at 8.4 mi, has bear box), and Buck Creek (at 9.6 mi, has bear box). These sites are mostly forested.

Bearpaw Meadow is a larger forested campsite at 10.7 mi. It has a bear box and pit toilet. Although the High Sierra Camp at Bearpaw Meadow used to offer beds in cabins and meals, it is now sadly closed. 

Hamilton Lake is the most scenic campsite, located at mile 15. It has a bear box and pit toilet. Campsites here are mostly exposed and located near the trail. The lakeshore further from the trail is steep and unsuitable for camping. When camping at Hamilton lake, protect your gear from the marmots and deer! Also, you’re limited to a 1 night stay at Hamilton Lake due to its popularity. Get there early to claim the best campsites.

If you’re continuing past Hamilton Lake, Precipice Lake is also a very scenic place to camp.

Backpacking Water Sources

There are many places to refill on the Hamilton Lake hike, but some water sources may dry up late in the season. Make sure to refill at Bearpaw Meadow because the next reliable water source is Hamilton Creek, a 3.5 mile exposed ascent away.

Where to Stay

Before hiking to Hamilton Lake, It’s a good idea to stay nearby the night before to acclimate to the altitude and ensure an early start on the trail.

Sequoia National Park Camping

There are many campgrounds in Sequoia National Park that are open seasonally. The closest ones to the Hamilton Lake trailhead are the Lodgepole and Potwisha campgrounds. You can reserve them on recreation.gov up to 4 months in advance. Reserve early, as spots go quickly in the high season.

Accommodation near Sequoia National Park

Mid-range options: 

• Cozy Cottage (Miramonte)
• Lazy J Ranch Motel (Three Rivers)
• Rustic Rooms by Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks (Squaw Valley)

The only place to stay that’s within the park itself is Wuksachi Lodge, which is perfect if you’re looking to splurge!

Things to Do Near the Hamilton Lake Hike

While you’re in Sequoia National Park, check out the Sequoia groves! The General Sherman tree is the largest tree on earth by volume, at over 36 ft (11 m) in diameter. The giant sequoia trees can live to be up to 3,000 years old and are native only to California. This is the best spot to get your quintessential Sequoia National Park photos.

For more hiking, check out the trails to Pear Lake or Alta Peak.

Thanks for reading, and I hope this guide has inspired you to hike to Hamilton Lake in Sequoia National Park! Have you hiked or backpacked in Sequoia before? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments. Happy trails!

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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