Ball and Pyramid Lakes Trail #43

The trailhead (elevation 5920 ft) is 1/2 mile along Trail 13. A registration box intended for upper Trout Creek area users is located at this junction.

It is a short trail offering quick access to Pyramid and both Ball Lakes. A good day hike or extended camping trip for the family.

The trail winds through spruce and alpine fir at a gentle grade. Bridges cross numerous creeks and seasonal drainages along the trail.

At 3/4 mile the trail approaches Pyramid Lake at its outlet. The hourglass shaped lake is set in a sub-alpine cirque with headwall and scree field on the southwest side.

Trail 43 crosses the bridge at the outlet, then switchbacks into a steep, rugged ascent from the Pyramid Lake bowl.

After reaching the top of the headwall at the 1 1/4 mile the trail takes a short, less steep pitch through stunted trees and boulder strewn meadow to a trail junction.

The right-hand trail leads 100 yards to the upper Ball Lake (elevation 6708 ft). The left fork leads 1/2 mile down to the lower Ball Lake. Both Ball Lakes sit at the base of another huge granite headwall with large scree fields descending to their edges.

IPNF Visitor Maps & Guides

USGS Quad(s): Pyramid Peak
View an elevation profile of the trail.
View a more detailed map of the trail area.