Piute Lake
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Land Acknowledgment
Payahuunadu has been, and continues to be, the homeland of the Paiute (Nuumu), Shoshone (Newe), and Timbisha peoples. This land acknowledgment honors the original inhabitants of the Eastern Sierra and the tribes who remain here today.
Overview
The Piute Lake is a high alpine lakes tucked just below Piute Pass, reaching from the North Lake trailhead in Bishop. With gorgeous views, sparkling water, and a fairly short but steady climb, this trail makes a perfect intro to Eastern Sierra passes or a basecamp for longer adventures into the John Muir Wilderness.
Trail Beta
| Trailhead | North Lake (9,345’) |
| Route | Piute Pass Trail |
| Mileage | 6 miles round trip |
| Elevation Start | 9,345’ |
| Elevation Gain | ~2,100’ |
| High Point | Piute Pass 11,400’ |
| Type | Out-and-back |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Water | Creeks and lakes (filter recommended) |
| Permit | Overnight |
| Pets | Yes (on leash) |
| Land Manager |
Inyo National Forest |
Description
From the North Lake trailhead, the Piute Pass Trail climbs steadily through aspen and lodgepole pine before opening to granite benches and meadows. About 2 miles in, you’ll pass Loch Leven Lake, a great rest stop, before continuing up to your destination. The last stretch above 10,500 feet offers wide-open views before reaching the Piute Lake basin — a cluster of turquoise pools surrounded by alpine tundra. Continue a short distance further and you’ll crest Piute Pass (~11,400’), gateway to Humphreys Basin and beyond.
Seasonality
June through September is ideal, once snow has cleared from the pass. Wildflowers peak in July, while late summer often brings more stable weather.
Flora & Fauna
Expect aspen groves near the trailhead, summer wildflowers in open meadows, and hardy alpine plants near the lakes. Marmots, pika, and Clark’s nutcrackers are common at higher elevations, while trout swim in Piute Lakes and nearby tarns.
Geology
This trail carves through classic Sierra granite shaped by glaciers. The broad, U-shaped valleys and polished rock slabs leading to Piute Lake are textbook examples of glacial erosion.
History
Originally used as travel corridors by Indigenous peoples of Payahuunadu, the Piute Pass route became a pathway for early surveyors and Sierra Club trips in the 1900s. Today, it remains one of the less-crowded eastside passes compared to Bishop Pass or Kearsarge.
Know Before You Go
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Start early and aim to be over the pass by midday. Always carry rain, and extra layers — high elevation weather changes fast. Water is abundant in spring and summer, but treat before drinking.
Leave No Trace
Pack it in, pack it out. Stay on established trails to protect fragile alpine tundra. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Respect wildlife and other visitors, and always follow wilderness regulations.