Siddharth Divi

Hiker, backpacker, and explorer documenting his journeys one trail at a time.

Trip Date(s): August 15-17, 2025

Trip Overview

A fantastic 3-day camping adventure at Four Bishops Campground in the Eastern Sierras near Bishop, California. This trip featured three incredible hikes: Blue Lake Trail, Big Pine Lakes Trail, and Little Lakes Valley Trail, offering diverse alpine experiences from serene lakes to dramatic mountain peaks.

Campground Details

Location: Four Bishops Campground
Elevation: 8,100 feet
Amenities: Picnic tables, food storage lockers, campfire rings with grills, accessible flush toilets, drinking water
Reservations: Required via Recreation.gov

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Friday, August 15th

  • 4:00 AM: Depart from Bay Area
  • Morning: Coffee/restroom stop en route
  • Lunch: Pickup on the way
  • Hike: Lake Sabrina to Blue Lake Trail
    • Distance: 5.9 miles
    • Elevation Gain: 1,453 feet
  • Evening: Arrive at campground, setup, cook dinner

Day 2: Saturday, August 16th

  • Morning: Breakfast at camp
  • Hike: Big Pine Lakes Trail
    • Distance: 14.7 miles
    • Elevation Gain: 3,841 feet
  • Afternoon: Optional post-hike relaxation at Keough’s Hot Springs
    • Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM
    • Adult Day Pass: $14
  • Evening: Dinner in town, return to camp

Day 3: Sunday, August 17th

  • Morning: Breakfast at camp, pack up
  • Lunch: Pickup on the way
  • Hike: Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes
    • Distance: 7.2 miles
    • Elevation Gain: 1,033 feet
  • Evening: Dinner on the way back home

Highlights

  • Three Epic Hikes: Blue Lake, Big Pine Lakes, and Little Lakes Valley
  • High Elevation Camping: 8,100 feet with stunning mountain views
  • Perseid Meteor Shower: Perfect timing for stargazing (peak August 11-13)
  • Hot Springs: Optional relaxation at Keough’s Hot Springs
  • Diverse Terrain: From alpine lakes to granite peaks
  • Wilderness Experience: Remote camping with full amenities
Four Bishops Campground landscape Mountain views from campground Camping setup and gear
Eastern Sierras mountain range Camping area and surroundings Wilderness and nature views
Camping activities and gear Mountain scenery and landscape Camping site and natural beauty
Eastern Sierras wilderness Camping experience and nature Mountain views and camping
Wilderness camping setup Eastern Sierras landscape Camping and nature views
Mountain scenery and camping Four Bishops Campground area Eastern Sierras camping adventure

Hiking Details

Total Trip Statistics

  • Total Distance: 27.8 miles across 3 hikes
  • Total Elevation Gain: 6,327 feet
  • Hiking Days: 3 consecutive days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Individual Hike Breakdown

Hike Distance Elevation Gain Difficulty Highlights
Blue Lake Trail 5.9 mi 1,453 ft Moderate Alpine lake, wildflowers
Big Pine Lakes Trail 14.7 mi 3,841 ft Challenging Multiple lakes, granite peaks
Little Lakes Valley 7.2 mi 1,033 ft Easy-Moderate Valley views, multiple lakes

Trip Details

Location: Four Bishops Campground, Eastern Sierras, California
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Activities: Camping, hiking, photography, stargazing, hot springs
Best Time: Summer months (June-September) for optimal weather
Reservations: Required via Recreation.gov
Nearby Attractions: Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, Keough’s Hot Springs

Special Features

Perseid Meteor Shower

  • Peak Dates: August 11-13, 2025
  • Best Viewing: Dark skies at 8,100 ft elevation
  • Timing: First light 5:44 AM, Sunset 7:44 PM

Hot Springs Option

  • Keough’s Hot Springs: Post-hike relaxation
  • Location: 10 minutes from Bishop
  • Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM (Saturday)
  • Cost: $14 adult day pass

Eastern Sierras Features

The Eastern Sierras region offers:

  • Dramatic Landscapes: Steep mountain faces and high desert valleys
  • Unique Geology: Volcanic formations and ancient rock layers
  • Diverse Ecosystems: From high alpine to desert environments
  • Outdoor Recreation: World-class hiking, climbing, and camping
  • Small Town Charm: Bishop and other mountain communities

Resources