Heart Lake | Kampilo

About this place

Tucked into the spectacular Little Lakes Valley of the John Muir Wilderness, Heart Lake is a picturesque alpine destination surrounded by towering granite peaks, lush meadows, and stands of pine trees. Sitting at approximately 10,400 feet, the lake offers breathtaking views of the rugged Eastern Sierra, with crystal-clear water reflecting the surrounding mountains. Accessible via a relatively gentle 1.5-mile hike from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead, Heart Lake is an excellent destination for beginner backpackers and those looking for a rewarding overnight trip without a strenuous approach. The surrounding area offers opportunities for fishing, photography, wildlife watching, and exploring nearby alpine lakes, including Long Lake and Box Lake. Despite its accessibility and popularity with day hikers, Heart Lake provides a beautiful high-country camping experience, particularly in the early morning and evening when the surrounding peaks glow in the changing light.

Campfires & stoves

Campfire rules: Allowed in the campsite’s provided fire ring. Wood fires are permitted year-round, but from May through September they may be used only from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; from October through April they may be used at any time. Charcoal fires are allowed at any time. All fires must be attended and completely extinguished with no burning material remaining. Do not burn giant sequoia material, leaves, needles, cones, or wet/green wood.
Stove rules: Allowed. Portable stoves using pressurized gas, liquid fuel, propane, alcohol, or fuel tablets/cubes are allowed even when additional wood/charcoal fire restrictions are imposed. Stove fires must be attended and completely extinguished when finished.

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; Brown trout; Rainbow trout

Water planning

Water at this camp

Natural water at or near this camp area

Availability

Heart Lake 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.

Drinking safety

Natural water is not verified potable. Filter and disinfect it or boil it according to the linked land-manager guidance before drinking.

Seasonality

Heart Lake 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.

Heart LakeLake or pond · at the camp areaMapped waterbody — level and access can change · Treat before drinking
Official source
Unnamed mapped stream or riverRiver or stream · at the camp areaMapped perennial source — verify current flow · Treat before drinking
Official source

Seasonal access

Closures & seasonal access

High Sierra approaches can be snowbound well into summer, and several roads, shuttles, and remote spurs operate only seasonally

Place closure

No recurring date-based closure of Heart Lake 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 Heart Lake 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 Trailhead1.2 mi awayBuild from here

Map

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Latitude: 37.418679° N
Longitude: 118.754544° W

Sources