Big Pine Area

Oranges and yellows fill the background above a pond

Camping, fishing, hiking and backpacking draw many visitors to the Big Pine Creek Area every year. Beautiful First Falls is a short walk from the picnic area. Longer hikes up the north fork trail leads to glacier fed lakes, First through Seventh lakes and great views into the Palisade Glacier Basin. Overnight stays in the John Muir Wilderness require a wilderness permit.

At a Glance

Information Center:	White Mountain Visitor Center ( 760) 873-2500.

General Information

Directions:

From Big Pine drive west on Crocker St/Glacier Lodge Road approximately 10 miles to the campgrounds and trailhead parking.

Parking:

Parking for Day Use and backpackers is at the end of the road. Do not park in campgrounds unless registered.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:

There are three family campgrounds in the Big Pine Creek Area with a total of 79 campsites. Click on each campground for specifics and reservation information.

RV Camping

Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:

Big Pine Creek Campground

Small RV's and trailers will find nice campsites in the Big Pine Creek Area. There are no hook-ups here. The road to the area is paved but narrow, steep and winding.

Vehicle Clearence	Always watch overhead for low hanging branches.
Fire Information	Fires permitted only in fireplaces provided.
Pavement Type of Parking	Paved parking.

Group Camping

Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:

Big Pine Canyon Group- Clyde & Palisade Glacier

There are two group camps at Big Pine Creek. Both must be reserved in advance at www.recreation.gov or at 1-877-444-6777.

Mountain Climbing

Recreation areas with activity Mountain Climbing:

Temple Crag, Mt. Sill, North Palisade, Mt. Gayley.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

Fishing in high country lakes for trout, and a small fishing pond near Glacier Lodge with easy access.

River and Stream Fishing

Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:

Taboose Pass Trail

Fishing is a popular pastime in Big Pine Creek.

Permit:	All anglers over the age of 16 must have a current CA Fishing License in possession.

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

No permits are required for day hiking in the John Muir Wilderness. A valid California Campfire Permit is required to use a campstove. Campfire permits are available at all four Inyo National Forest Visitor Centers. There is no charge for a campfire permit.

The trails listed below include those at Big Pine Creek and the surrounding areas.

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the John Muir Wilderness. Trail quotas are in effect from May 1 through November 1 and quota space may be reserved on line www.recreation.gov.

The trails listed below include those at Big Pine Creek and the surrounding areas.