Barney Lake
Photos Maps Summary: This is a great hike in the eastern Sierra whose destination is a fantastically beautiful lake at 8,258' of elevation. Other than the lake itself, Crown Point (11346') is the prominent feature of the view at the end of the hike. Just driving to the western end of Twin Lakes is almost worth the time with gorgeous views of the lake and Sawtooth Ridge to the south. As you head west on the trail you pass through several stands of Aspen as well as many wide open spaces. In these open spaces the views of the surrounding mountains are beautiful. The wildflower display in these open spaces during the early to mid part of summer could also bring added beauty. Looking west you can see Hunewill Peak (11,713'), looking north the slopes of Robinson Peak (10,793') and Victoria Peak (11,683') and later in the hike you can look up Little Slide Canyon towards Kettle Peak (11,010'). Many excellent backpacking trips could be had beyond Barney Lake into the northeastern corner of Yosemite National Park and the surroundings. Be sure to bring a windbreaker when you're up at the lake.Distance: 7.65 miles round-tripElevation Gain/Loss: 1,130' totalSeason: June through OctoberFees & Permits: None for dayhikers. Parking fee for backpackers.Finding the Trailhead: 38.1470 N, 119.3817 W (western end of campground). From Bridgeport, take the Twins Lakes Road to the southwest for ~13.5 miles to the western end of Twin Lakes. Here, drive through the kiosk (fee if staying overnight) and park in the designated parking area. Follow the dirt road (~1/4 mile) west through the campground to the northeastern end of the meadow, where the trail officially starts.
The Hike: At the signed trailhead follow the trail west, where it will veer off to the right from the road and become a single track path. Here, the trail makes its way through the Jeffrey Pine, Juniper, Cottonwood, and Aspen forest. Every once in a while there is view of the craggy peaks to the south. After ~1.3 miles from the trailhead, the trail emerges from the trees for the first wide open views of the surroundings. The views here are truly extraordinary looking to the north, west, and south. Keep your eye out for beaver dams along the creek. Here also, the foliage transitions to sagebrush, manzanita, mule's ear, mountain mahogany, and rabbitbrush with a few more smaller stands of Aspens coming up. The trail continues by mostly staying in the open with a few short treks through Aspen stands. At ~2.35 miles from the trailhead there is a nice view up into Little Slide Canyon to the south with Kettle Peak standing tall on the western edge of the canyon. Here, the trail passes into the Hoover Wilderness and at ~2.65 miles the trail begins a series of switchbacks up to the lake. When the trail reaches ~8,000' elevation, there is a nice view to the east of the western end of Twin Lakes. At ~3.05 miles, the trail finishes the switchbacks and continues to climb toward the lake at a calmer slope. The northern shore of Barney Lake is reached ~3.75 miles from the trailhead. From the northern shore, we were struck by the beauty of glaciated canyon with peaks rising 2,000-3,000' above the lake including the centerpiece Crown Point to the southwest. The trail continues on the western side of the lake towards a junction for either Peeler Lake (~3.4 miles from Barney Lake) or the Robinson Lakes (~2.8 miles from Barney Lake) and beyond. When we were at Barney Lake we decided to walk to the northeastern end of the lake and a little ways to the south along the eastern shore. We turned around ~3.8 miles from the trailhead.
