Dinkey Lakes Loop
From Courtright Reservoir to Island Lake
Dinkey Lakes is an excellent beginner-to-moderate multi-day Sierra trip. The basin offers a flexible itinerary with numerous day hike options, gentle elevation gains, and beautiful lakes with multiple campsites. Cliff Lake Trailhead is typically much less crowded than the Shaver Lake approach — permits are often easier to secure.
Submitted by
GSSD Backpacking Trainers
Created
January 2024
Duration: 5 nights
Distance: 23 miles
Best Time: June–July
Starting Trailhead: Cliff Lake
Ending Trailhead: Cliff Lake
Day 1
Drive to Dinkey Creek Campground and set-up camp.
Day 2
Drive to Cliff Lake Trailhead (1 hour) and head north on Dinkey Lakes Trail to the trail junction for Cliff Lake. (5 miles)
Turn left and set-up camp at Cliff Lake. (.25 miles)
Day 3
Head north along Cliff Lake and rejoin Dinkey Lakes Trail. (.25 miles)
Head north on Dinkey Lakes Trail to the Island Lake Trail junction. (1.5 miles)
Turn left and head south on Island Lake Trail; set-up camp at Island Lake. (.75 miles)
Day 4
Day hike the Dinkey Lakes Loop.
Head back the way you came, east on Island Lake Trail to the Dinkey Lakes Trail junction. (.75 miles)
Turn left and head north on Dinkey Lakes Trail to the Mystery Lake Trail junction. (.5 miles)
Turn left and head west on Mystery Lake Trail to the Dinkey Lakes Trail junction. (2.5 miles)
Turn right and head east on Dinkey Lakes Trail to the Island Lake Trail junction. (2.75 miles)
Turn right and head south on Island Lake Trail, back to camp. (.75 miles)
Day 5
Head east on Island Lake Trail to the Dinkey Lakes Trail junction. (.75 miles)
Turn right and head east on Dinkey Lakes Trail to the Frazier Trail junction. (5.5 miles)
Turn left and head north on Frazier Trail for about 100 feet; set-up camp at the forest worker’s campsite.
Day 6
From the Frazier and Dinkey Lakes Trail junction, turn left and head south on Dinkey Lakes Trail back to the trailhead. (1.5 miles)
Itinerary Options
Instead of car camping at Dinkey Creek Campground before your hike, consider using one of the backpacker campsites near the trailhead. Be sure to verify which sites are open before your trip.
Skip the final night at Courtright Reservoir and hike out instead.
Key Risks
Critters: You’re in bear country. There are strict rules on storing scented items. Know before you go and follow all instructions. Also, the mosquitos can be quite intense in early summer.
Weather: Late summer temperatures can be very hot.
Permits Needed
Sierra National Forest Wilderness Permit
Resources