Pine Creek Loop

This Pine Creek Loop is a 48.5-mile backpacking loop in the Sierra Nevada that starts and ends at Pine Creek Trailhead at the end of Pine Creek Road. Due to route finding and navigation necessities, as well as significant elevation gain in exposed conditions, it is recommended that hikers are experienced backpackers to attempt this route. Depending on both hiker speed and personal preference, this route can usually be done anywhere from 3 to 5 days, with opportunities to extend with side trips to wonderful mountain lakes and/or mountain climbing.

The trail ascends steeply along Pine Creek, passing Pine Lake and Upper Pine Lake, on the way to Pine Creek Pass near mile 7.5. From the pass, the trail takes a gradual descent into French Canyon and on toward the dramatic landmark of Pilot Knob and Hutchinson Meadow. The trail becomes Piute Canyon Trail and enters Piute Canyon before joining the Pacific Crest Trail near mile 17.5. Here, begin the climb to Selden Pass and the beautiful Marie Lake just beyond. Near mile 32, take the junction onto Lake Italy Trail. This follows Hilgard Branch toward Mt. Hilgard and, after 10.3 miles, reaches the aptly-named Lake Italy. As of the summer of 2024, the trail in this section was difficult to find and a large block of snow made traversing the south shore of the lake difficult. In his essential Sierra guidebook, Secor was not quite impressed with this lake, but attractiveness is subjective, and many hikers will find beauty here. The route reaches its high point at Italy Pass near mile 39 before descending into Granite Park and rejoining the Pine Creek Pass Trail just after passing Honeymoon Lake. 

Hikers will pass through the John Muir Wilderness in Inyo National Forest and Sierra National Forest. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry camping, which can be found at www.recreation.gov. For more information regarding advisories, weather, road conditions, campgrounds and more, check out the Inyo National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo. Practice the principles of leave no trace, and take action to defend threatened wilderness areas (wildernesswatch.org).