Snow Lakes Trail #1553

Trail users should anticipate potential for 15-30 minute delays through first ¼ mile of trail during September – October 2021 and March – April 2022.  MORE INFORMATION

Overnight reservation permit required May 15 to October 31

This trail is within Alpine Lakes Wilderness.  The Snow Lakes Trail is 12 miles long, gains 6500 feet of elevation, and is designated hiker-only. The trail begins at Snow Lakes Trailhead, crossing a bridge over Icicle Creek, then starts to switchback up the rocky canyon. The heavily-used trail has very little tree cover and no water for approximately 2.5 miles, then it passes Snow Creek on the right and continues to switchback up through the forest. The trail climbs more steeply across an old landslide path, and heads into denser forest, leveling out and opening up at Nada Lake, which is about 5.6 miles from the trailhead. There are many well-established campsites on the east shore of Nada Lake, and the trail continues to the southeast end of the lake. It then switchbacks up over a large talus and scree slope, climbing 1.7 miles until it reaches Lower Snow Lake, where there are several well-marked campsites. The trail goes over the old dam between Upper and Lower Snow Lakes, and continues for 1.5 miles along the south shore of Upper Snow Lake, where there are dozens of  campsites. After the head of Upper Snow Lake, the trail is designated unmaintained, and is very rugged. The path switchbacks up extremely steeply: parts of it cut through dense forest, where gnarled roots grow in the middle of the trail, and sections of it cross precipitous granite outcroppings that can be very slick if it is raining. The trail reaches Lake Viviane after about 1 mile of steep uphill scrambling, and there are several lovely campsites here with breathtaking views of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. A short, steep climb up the north-facing granite cliff, and the trail passes Leprechaun Lake, then continues less steeply—though no less ruggedly—past Sprite Pond and around the east side of Perfection Lake. At the head of Perfection Lake, Snow Lake Trail ends and becomes Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1, which continues through the Upper Enchantments. Please be advised: while heavily-trafficked, the trail beyond Upper Snow Lake to the Core Enchantments is a primitive route marked with rock cairns, and is recommended only for experienced hikers.

DRONES ARE PROHIBITED IN ALL WILDERNESS AREAS

DOGS ARE PROHIBITED

DOGS are prohibited on Colchuck Lake trail, Stuart Lake trail and within the Enchantment Permit Area. Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited.
Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent DO NOT QUALIFY AS SERVICE DOGS under the regulation and are NOT ALLOWED. Defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. Part 35.136.

At a Glance