Meysan Lakes Trail

strenuous hike - wilderness camp - mountain lakes

MEYSAN LAKES wilderness camp - INYO NATIONAL FOREST - Eastern Sierras

the journey from la

Directions: Park on the road next to Whitney Portal Campground. Turn left off the 395 at Lone Pine up Whitney Portal Road. The trailhead is roughly 12 miles west of Lone Pine.

When to go: Late spring and early summer are ideal. Late summer and fall can get dry. Winter and early spring are often snow-covered.

Time from LA to trailhead: 4 hours

Total adventure time: 2 days (1-night camping)

Along the way:

Surprisingly few decent options for healthy food en route. We recommend stocking up in LA pre-departure.
There is 1 newer healthy-ish cafe in Lone Pine called Vibras Juice Bar. Decent juices, coffees, and acceptable sandwiches.

what to pack

Accommodation:

Hiking backpack
Lightweight tent
Roll mat
Sleeping bag
Camping towel
Head torch + spare batteries

Clothing:

Hiking shoes
Hiking socks + spare
Hiking shorts (summer & personal preference)
Lightweight t-shirt for daytime + spare for evening
Sun hat
Trousers (evening)
Fleece (evening)
Beanie (evening)
Down jacket (evening)

Food, drink, sanitation:

Water filter
Water bottle and/or camel pack: 2-3 ltrs per person
Thermal mug for coffee
Food:
- Lunch on the trail: pre-made sandwiches, nuts, cheese, apples, nut butter, dates, biltong, Larabar
- Dinner x1 - freeze-dried - meal-in-a-bag
- Breakfast x1 - freeze-dried meal-in-a-bag
- Instant coffee
Sanitation:
- Sun lotion
- Toothbrush + paste
- Loo roll + trowel
- Smell-proof bag for used loo paper (carry out)

Entertainment:

A good book

WILDERNESS INFO

Permits: Permits are required year-round. Book your permits at recreation.gov. Collect pre-booked permits on the day of departure from the Eastern Sierra Visitors Center in Lone Pine.

Pooping: Dig a 6-inch deep (minimum) hole at least 100 yards from any water or any trail. Squat. Poop. Place paper in smell proof bag and carry out. Cover the hole with displaced dirt. Walk away as if nothing happened…

Fires: Not allowed (sadly)

Pets: Must be on a leash

Litter: Take a bin bag and pack everything out.

Water: Available at the campground near the trailhead from May - September. Recommend bringing your own for the start & end of your hike.

Food storage: We advise packing all food (and toiletries) in a bear canister or sturdy smell-proof bag and storing away from your tent or up a tree at night.