Summer is still in full swing, which means there is still plenty of time to pack up and hit the trails!

This gorgeous Hoover Wilderness alpine lake is your backpacking destination for the end of summer 2015! Near Bridgeport, California and just a short trip from Reno, this hike will test and encourage your backpacking skills as well as give you a gorgeous backdrop for a few days of fresh air.

Before beginning: there are water sources throughout the trip (Robinson Creek, Crown Lake, surrounding lakes, etc.). These are viable sources of drinking water, but it is very important to filter or treat your water before consumption, no matter how clear it appears.

The Trek

Begin at Mono Village campground at Twin Lakes, and park in the backpacker’s lot (surcharge). From there, hike through the RV Park to the Robinson Creek trailhead which will lead through evergreen trees and up a sagebrush and aspen canyon. To the south, Sawtooth peaks will be visible as well as Robinson Creek flowing down the canyon. The trail will make several switchbacks and then turn towards Barney Lake (this fork is 4.3 miles from the parking lot). The trail around Barney Lake’s western shore is quite rocky and rough, then begins to climb further. After another 2.5 miles the trail forks with the trail to Peeler Lake (a great day hike destination), but pass the sign and keep hiking up. 1/2 mile later the trail will lead you through a shady, sandy and flat area next to a turquoise pond (a great place to sit and take a break before continuing). Continue for about 2.5 more miles on the trail past the Robinson Lakes and finally to Crown Lake.

At the Lake

After your 3,000 feet climb in elevation you can set up camp on a smooth sandy spot near the water as you gaze up at the tremendous granite mountains surrounding you. Crown Point (11,346 feet) is to the west and Mule Pass (10,500 feet) is to the south, which shares a border with Yosemite. The lake is warmer than expected for an alpine lake at such an elevation, and there are great places to hop in from smooth, granite slabs! Crown Lake is a wonderful spot for swimming, fishing and photography. However, if hanging around the lake is not your style, take to the trails and hike to the top of Crown Point or continue your backpacking excursion on into Yosemite National Park.

Crown Lake Trip:

Distance: ~20 miles Round-trip

Elevation Gain: ~2,500 feet (7,041 to 9,465 feet)

Time: ~7 hours (Each way)

Hoover Wilderness Rules

• Overnight stays require a permit, call Bridgeport Ranger District to reserve: 760.932.7070
• NO wood campfires or stove fires above 9,000 feet in the Virginia and Green creeks drainages (must use gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized gas)
• NO wood campfires or stove fires within 1/4 mile of Barney and Peeler Lakes, 20 Lakes Basin, or Sawtooth Ridge Area (must use gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized gas)
• NO camping within 1/4 miles of Barney, Red, Blue or Virginia Big lakes
• NO camping within 100 feet of all other lake shores, streams or developed trails
• Dogs are allowed in Hoover Wilderness, but NOT in adjacent national parks
• Follow all food storage laws for both human and dog foods
• BE BEAR AWARE!

Visit SierraWild.gov for more rules and regulations for the Hoover Wilderness and surrounding areas, and always make sure you are up-to-date with current fire laws and procedures for the Hoover Wilderness.

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