Availability
Gem Lakes and Unnamed mapped stream or river are mapped at or near the camp-area marker. This is map evidence, not a real-time flow report.
Backpacking camp
Gem Lakes camp area
Little Lakes Valley — Inyo National Forest, California
About this place
Gem Lakes sit near the upper end of Little Lakes Valley, where the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and alpine beneath the surrounding 13,000-foot peaks of the John Muir Wilderness. Reached after roughly four miles of relatively gradual hiking from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead, the lakes are known for exceptionally clear blue-green water, granite shorelines, scattered whitebark and lodgepole pines, and broad views of the surrounding Eastern Sierra. Camping here feels noticeably more remote than at the lower lakes, making Gem Lakes a strong choice for backpackers willing to hike a little farther for a quieter high-country setting. The area also makes an excellent base for exploring nearby Treasure Lakes, Morgan Pass, and the upper reaches of Little Lakes Valley, while fishing, photography, and relaxing along the rocky shoreline provide plenty to do around camp. Overnight stays within the John Muir Wilderness require a wilderness permit.
Campfires & stoves
- Campfire rules
- Wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in the NPS-provided fire grate/metal fire pit. Separate portable barbecue grills are prohibited. Do not gather park wood or vegetation, burn trash in the grate, or leave a fire smoldering or unattended.
- Stove rules
- Allowed only as a gas-burning stove or grill with an on/off control. Ash-producing wood or charcoal must be burned in the NPS-provided metal fire facility rather than a separate portable grill.
Human waste
- Human waste rules
- Bury solid human waste 6–8 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.
Dogs
- Dogs allowed?
- Yes
- Dog rules
- Dogs are allowed. Keep dogs under control at all times; on wilderness trails they must be under strict leash or voice control, and any leash must be no longer than 6 ft. Leash dogs around packers, horses, and stock animals. Keep dogs in the tent at night. Bury dog waste at least 100 ft from water or trails. Dog food must be stored in a bear-resistant container.
Fishing
- Fishing allowed?
- Yes
- Fishing rules
- Open all year. Trout: 5 per day; 10 in possession. Brook trout: open all year; limit 10; size limit less than 10 inches total length. Brook trout bag limits may be taken in addition to statewide trout daily and possession limits.
- Fish species
- Brook trout; Rainbow trout
Water planning
Water at this camp
Natural water at or near this camp areaDrinking safety
Natural water is not verified potable. Filter and disinfect it or boil it according to the linked land-manager guidance before drinking.
Seasonality
Gem Lakes is a mapped waterbody; USGS does not classify it here as seasonal or year-round. Confirm current level, access, and quality. Unnamed mapped stream or river is classified as perennial in USGS hydrography, but current flow still must be confirmed.
- Gem LakesLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
- Unnamed mapped stream or riverRiver or stream · at the camp areaMapped perennial source — verify current flow · Treat before drinkingOfficial source
Seasonal access
Closures & seasonal access
High Sierra approaches can be snowbound well into summer, and several roads, shuttles, and remote spurs operate only seasonallyPlace closure
No recurring date-based closure of Gem Lakes is published. The source-connected approach conditions below and temporary emergency orders still control access.
Seasonal access
Source-connected approach: Mosquito Flat Trailhead. High Sierra approaches can be snowbound well into summer, and several roads, shuttles, and remote spurs operate only seasonally. Desert and foothill entries may remain physically reachable in winter but can become unsafe in storms, heat, or after washouts.
Before driving
Check the exact county, highway, Forest Service road, gate, and shuttle status immediately before departure; a wilderness permit does not guarantee vehicle access.
Mapped approaches
Choose a trailhead for Gem Lakes camp area
Each option has a sourced trail route to this camp area. Choose one to open its itinerary builder with this destination in context.
- Mosquito Flat Trailhead3.5 mi awayBuild from here
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 37.389956° N
- Longitude
- 118.758461° W