Trip: Tyee Lakes
The Tyee Lakes are a beautiful string of lakes climbing the sierras just outside of Bishop, CA leading towards the top of Table Mountain. As you climb higher into the sierras the lakes become more pristine and the fish are more plentiful. I recommend three days for this trip, especially if you wish to explore the large plateau of Table Mountain. For the dayhikers, it is possible to see all the lakes in one day, but doing so will not allow the time to truly appreciate them.
How to Get there: Located just outside Bishop, CA off of South Lake Road, the Tyee Lakes Trailhead has parking alongside Bishop Creek. Cross the footbridge across Bishop Creek to start onto the trail and head up towards the first of the Tyee Lakes.
The Climb: The climb to the first and second Tyee Lakes is relatively quick and easy. While you might not need it, taking a break at the first Tyee Lake offers some beautiful views. Be careful, the first Tyee Lake has been known to be quite buggy at times. Traveling from the second Tyee Lake on becomes more of a climb with a number of switchbacks and steep ascents. The path is clearly defined along the way as hikers are pretty common in this area. The trail does not pass close to the third Tyee Lake, but the view from the top of Table Mountain allows you too see it. Once you reach the 4th Tyee Lake you have done the majority of the climbing. A quick route around the lake takes you to the inlet/outlet connection to the 5th Tyee Lake. Follow the path up the 5th Tyee. About 100 yards from your first view of Tyee Lakes the path with lead you straight through the best camping in this area. Ample tree cover blocks wind and there is enough distance from the water to help limit any bugs that might be present. The camping area is very noticeable. The path to the 6th lake requires some boulder hopping and can be seen by looking directly across the 5th Tyee Lake from the outlet of the lake to the 4th Lake.
Things to Do: Aside from exploring the area and all the lakes, both the 5th and 6th Tyee Lakes provide amazing fishing opportunities, especially for Rainbow Trout. Be sure you are properly licensed and the season is open before fishing. Special regulations may apply to this area. Another "must do" is the day-hike to the top of, and around, Table Mountain. This large plateau offers spectacular views of the valley, Tyee Lakes, George Lake, and Lake Sabrina. The climb to this top is short from the 5th Lake and traveling around the perimeter of the plateau, while long, is relatively flat.
Route Options: Many hikers follow the Tyee Lakes trail to the top of Table Mountain and then down to Lake George and Lake Sabrina. This is a short, but fun through hike that requires transportation arrangements. There also exists an "off trail" route that follows a ridge from the top of the plateau down to the campground off South Lake Road. None of our authors have followed this trail (yet), but it was highly recommended by others if you have good navigational skills. Do not attempt this route unless you are very experienced with, and knowledgeable about off trail navigation.
Distances: Trailhead to 5th Lake: 4 Miles 5th Lake around Table Mountain (as shown): 8 Miles
Length: This makes for an excellent, relaxing 3 day trip. Can be done in 1 or 2 days, but 3 days allows you to really enjoy everything the Tyee Lakes has to offer.
Permits: Permits are required and can be obtained through the Inyo National Forest ranger district.
This article can also be seen by visiting: http://www.peakpassages.com/tripideas/trip-tyee-lakes/
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