Chain Lakes Hike
Table of contents
Route Description for Chain Lakes Hike
The Chain Lakes Hike is a must-add to your Yosemite adventure itinerary. This epic alpine excursion provides amazing panoramas, but can also expose you to extreme weather conditions; be sure to check the forecast and prepare accordingly. Though not necessary, a trail GPS can also prove useful along this hike! Wear layers and pack plenty of water for this taxing trek! Note: the National Park charges an entrance fee; check out the NPS website for additional information and an updated pricing guide.
Embark on your adventure along the Chain Lakes Hike from the Clark Range Trailhead. Setting out from here, you will be guided north through mixed conifers and past granite outcrops to Chiquito Pass and Chiquito Lake. Revel in the alpine views and keep right at the intersection to continue hiking north over several snowmelt streams and up along granite ridges. Eventually, you will reach another junction. Keep right here and you will be diverted east to the Chain Lakes.
Starting out past Lower Chain Lake, you will climb east through the mountain basin past Middle Chain Lake and up to Upper Chain Lake. Revel in the sights of the picture-perfect alpine lake flanked by Gale Peak. Take some time to admire the scenery, before retracing your footing along the path back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Chain Lakes Hike Trailhead
The Chain Lakes Hike departs from the Clark Range Trailhead off Sky Ranch Road.Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Backcountry Camping, Wilderness Permit Required.
When to do:
May-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Chain Lakes Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
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