Graveyard Lakes Trail and Map

John Muir Wilderness

Graveyard Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, California
Graveyard Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, California

Graveyard Lakes Trail and Map

John Muir Wilderness


Hiking to Graveyard Lakes

Map

The 8-mile hike up to Graveyard Lakes can be done in a single day, but with more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain, many hikers like to break it into 2 parts, camping just on the other side of Cold Creek, below Graveyard Meadows.

Lake Edison to Cold Creek Crossing,
4.0 miles

The trail starts close to Lake Thomas A. Edison over level ground, soon crossing a sturdy bridge. Then at a marked junction at nearly mile one turn left uphill. The steady 1000-foot climb can be taxing. Views of the lake soon disappear through the trees.

The 2020 Creek Fire burned through the forest along the first 3 miles of the trail, but as hikers near the top of the climb they leave the charred forest behind.

At Cold Creek, if water levels are too high to ford easily, look upstream a short distance for a double-log crossing.

Campsites:

Several nice campsites can be found on either side of the trail on the north side of Cold Creek.

Cold Creek Crossing, John Muir Wilderness, California

Cold Creek Crossing



Cold Creek to Upper Graveyard Meadow,
3.0 miles

Enjoy more than a mile of easy hiking along the meadow, sometimes close to Cold Creek. Then a gentle grade for another 2 miles brings you to Upper Graveyard Meadow.

The Graveyard Lakes trail cuts off to the left here while the main trail continues on another 2½ miles to the top of 11,000-foot Goodale Pass.


Upper Graveyard Meadow, John Muir Wilderness, California

Upper Graveyard Meadow

Upper Graveyard Meadow to Lower Graveyard Lake,
1.0 mile

The final mile up to Lower Graveyard Lake is steep, switch-backing through the forest. As you near the top you pass a sign that says no campfire beyond this point.

Editors' 2 Cents

Keeping a light pack while still enjoying comfort on the trail and in camp is always a balancing act.

Footwear

Since I do most of my hiking on trails, I have given up heavy boots and have switched to a light trail shoe such as the Merrell Men's Trail Glove 5 Hiking Shoe. Those seeking ankle support or something more rugged for off-trail use, will naturally want to explore more traditional boots.

Headlamps

A headlamp is the most versatile flashlight for the back country. In an emergency, hiking at night, it is invaluable. Around camp it leaves hands free to prepare meals or get ready for the sleep. Black Diamond is the best-known brand, but many others probably work nearly as well.

Shop Amazon for
Backpacking Headlamps


Stoves

When I want to save weight, I leave my Jetboil at home and take my MSR PocketRocket. - 2.6 ounces. Coupled with a small titanium pot and a small fuel cell, I am set.

Shop Amazon for
Backpacking Stoves


Editors' 2 Cents

Keeping a light pack while still enjoying comfort on the trail and in camp is always a balancing act.

Footwear

Since I do most of my hiking on trails, I have given up heavy boots and have switched to a light trail shoe such as the Merrell Men's Trail Glove 5 Hiking Shoe. Those seeking ankle support or something more rugged for off-trail use, will naturally want to explore more traditional boots.

Headlamps

A headlamp is the most versatile flashlight for the back country. In an emergency, hiking at night, it is invaluable. Around camp it leaves hands free to prepare meals or get ready for the sleep. Black Diamond is the best-known brand, but many others probably work nearly as well.

Shop Amazon for
Backpacking Headlamps


Stoves

When I want to save weight, I leave my Jetboil at home and take my MSR PocketRocket. - 2.6 ounces. Coupled with a small titanium pot and a small fuel cell, I am set.

Shop Amazon for
Backpacking Stoves





map of trail to Graveyard Lakes, John Muir Wilderness, CA

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