Treasure Lakes is a great place to backpack in the Inyo National Forest. I went there with my kids and some friends 9 years ago. Time to go back......

Directions to Treasure Lakes

From US Highway 395 in downtown Bishop, turn west on Line Street /Highway 168. Follow Line Street / Highway 168 for 15 miles and turn left on to South Lake Road. Follow South Lake Road for 7.1 miles to the trailhead, located at the end of the road. Overflow parking is located along the road near Parchers Camp, less than a mile from South Lake. The trailhead is at the south end of the trailhead parking lot, to the left of the bathrooms.

South Lake (180 acres) is within a huge crater at 9,768 feet elevation. The lake was created by an earthen dam in 1962 across the south fork of Bishop Creek. The lake consists of Rainbows, Brookies, and Goldens. Rainbows are regularly planted in the 10-12 inch class as well as some brooders and Alpers. Brookies tend to be 8-10 inches while the Goldens, caught near the inlets are 6-8 inches. The best float tubing is around the inlet areas and along the shoreline. The season is the last Saturday of April to October 31st. However, the lake is often iced over until mid-June.

Treasure Lakes #1 and #2

From the South Lake trailhead, take the right fork trail which runs along the eastern shoreline to the Treasure Lakes. Named "Treasure" for the Golden Trout that have been planted there since the early 1900's. All of the lakes, except for #1 and #2, are no longer being maintained as a Golden Trout fishery in order to enhance the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog. Treasure Lakes #1 and #2:
About 2.5 miles from the South Lake trailhead at 10,690 feet elevation. Consists of Goldens and Golden/Rainbow Hybrids. Try the inlets and outlets of each lake. These two lakes remain outside the MYLF program.

The Trail

It is a well maintained trail that isn't too difficult. With 48 pounds on your back, it might make it somewhat of a challenge.

Blue Skies, Tall Mountains, Lots of Granite

The views are wonderful. Granite everywhere you look, with pure blue skies, and wonderful majestic peaks.

Meadows and Streams

As you start the trip the landcape is quite lush. Look at this beautiful stream along the meadow.

Waterfalls Between the Treasure Lakes

Day Trip to the Upper Treasure Lakes

We left base camp and brough our fishing poles up to the higher treasure lakes.

Trailblazing

I was glad we didn't have the backpacks to work up these rocks.

So Majestic

Pictures can't capture the beauty of this place. With few other people around you are able to enjoy the serenity of these giant granite peaks.

Size is Deceiving

Some things don't look too big until you have to climb over it.