The Eastern Sierra is packed with alpine lakes that feel like hidden gems, but Treasure Lakes in Bishop is an underrated “off-the-main-trail” destination that needs to be on your hiking bucket list for a quick half-day hike. Tucked just above South Lake, this hike offers stunning mountain views, crystal-clear alpine water, and a quieter experience compared to the popular Bishop Pass Trail and Sabrina Lake.
If you’re chasing solitude in Inyo National Forest and big Sierra scenery without committing to a grueling trek, Treasure Lakes is a perfect pick.
Quick Hike Stats
HIKE TO: Treasure Lakes
TRAIL: Bishop Pass Trail > Treasure Lakes Trail
TRAILHEAD: South Lake in Bishop, CA
MILES: 5.76 miles out and back
TIME: 3 hrs
DATE I WENT: 8/21/25
BEST SEASON: Late June – October (depending on snow)
DIFFICULTY: moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 1,054 ft
ELEVATION: 10,660 ft
HIKE PERMIT: not for day hikes
PARKING PERMIT: no
LOCATION: Eastern Sierra CA
Getting to the Trailhead
The hike to Treasure Lakes starts at South Lake Trailhead, the same one used for Bishop Pass, Mount Agassiz, and a handful of other epic adventures. From Bishop, head west on Line St up Hwy 168 toward South Lake. The 30-minute drive from town is gorgeous and winds its way into the heart of the Sierra. This is also a stunning drive for Fall colors around early October.
There’s a decent-sized parking lot at South Lake, but it fills quickly during summer weekends. I recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a spot. We arrived mid-day and waited for hikers to leave to snag a spot. There’s also toilets at the trailhead.
Hiking to Treasure Lakes
We started our hike at 11:24 am with a trailhead elevation of 9,808 ft. From the South Lake parking lot, hop on the Bishop Pass Trail. In just a couple of feet, the dirt trail starts gradually climbing up and in the exposed sun with views of South Lake.
You’ll only follow this popular route for about 0.8-mile before reaching a junction for Bishop Pass and Treasure Lakes—keep right to continue toward Treasure Lakes.
Overall, the trail to Treasure Lakes climbs gradually through pine forest, offering peeks of granite walls and mountain ridges, but there is a gradual descent for about 0.7 miles after passing the junction.
The next mile until you reach the lakes gains about 676 ft. There were a couple of mini creek crossings, all with well-used logs to pave the way.
At 10,660 ft and 2.88 miles, we reached the beginning of Treasure Lakes at 12:59 pm.The reward? A series of turquoise alpine lakes nestled in a granite basin, with dramatic peaks towering above.
The maintained trail does continue about half a mile further between the lakes basin, bringing the entire hike to a 3.3 mile hike, one-way. Our objective for this hike was just to get out for 5-6 miles and see a pretty lake before driving back to SoCal, so after exploring a bit around the beginning of the lakes, we headed back.
At the Lakes
There are a few lakes in the Treasure Lakes basin, each offering a slightly different vantage point of the surrounding peaks. I believe Mount Gilbert is the big one you see from the first lake, but I could be wrong (Fun fact: Mt. Gilbert was my first alpine ice climb back in 2021, entering from a different part of the trail).
Bring a snack (or your whole lunch) and soak in the views from the granite slabs along the shoreline.
If you’re feeling brave, you can take a quick dip — but like most alpine lakes in the Sierra, the water is ice-cold, even in midsummer.
Why Hike Treasure Lakes?
Most people heading up Bishop Pass don’t take the side trip to Treasure Lakes, which means fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience. We were looking for a short trail, around 6 miles out and back, and this trail is short enough to make for a solid half-day adventure but still feels like you’ve discovered something special.
It’s also a fantastic option if you’re acclimating for bigger Bishop hikes like Bishop Pass, Sabrina Basin, or even Mt. Goode.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Altitude: The trail starts above 9,000 ft. Take it slow if you’re not used to high elevation.
- Parking: Free parking is available at South Lake Trailhead but it fills up very fast.
- Permits: No day-use permit required, but overnight camping requires an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit.
- Best Time: Wildflowers peak mid-summer, while fall brings golden aspens along Hwy 168.
FAQ About Treasure Lakes Hike
How long is the hike to Treasure Lake?
About 5.5 miles roundtrip, with around 1,054 feet of elevation gain.
How tall are the Treasure Lakes in Bishop?
The lakes sit at roughly 10,600 feet in elevation.
How long is the Bishop Pass Trail?
The full Bishop Pass Trail is about 12 miles roundtrip with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Treasure Lakes branches off early, making it a much shorter hike.
Can you swim in South Lake Bishop?
Yes, swimming is allowed in South Lake, though the water is fed by snowmelt — expect it to be freezing cold! Kayaking and fishing are also popular here.
Final Thoughts: Treasure Lakes via Bishop Pass Trail
Treasure Lakes is exactly what the name suggests: a hidden gem in Bishop’s treasure trove of alpine scenery. Whether you’re looking for a shorter hike with big views or just want a peaceful Sierra lake day, this trail checks all the boxes.
If you’re planning more adventures nearby, check out my guides to Bishop Pass, Little Lakes Valley, and Big Pine Lakes — all within reach of Bishop and just as stunning.
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Eastern Sierra Road Trip Guide
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Tiff, the owner and author of Follow Tiff’s Journey, is a California/ Colorado-based adventurer and outdoor connoisseur who divides her heart between the Eastern Sierra Mountains and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Despite her fear of heights, she’s become a seasoned mountaineer, ultralight hiking and backcountry camping enthusiast, expert road trip planner, and a fervent explorer of alpine lakes, natural hot springs, and sandstone canyons.
With 10 years of experience exploring the outdoors, her blog is your go-to source for all things wilderness, offering invaluable insights and pro tips, essential gear recommendations, and awe-inspiring stories from her adventures.
Join Tiff on her quest to share the wonders of nature and inspire others to follow their own path in the great outdoors.