EISPIRATEN

On day two in Bishop, the plan was to hike from Lake Sabrina to Midnight Lake at 10,988 ft. After having breakfast and coffee at the Looney Bean, we finally arrived at the trailhead at 8:30.

This was my favorite trail during my four-day stay in Bishop. This trail was gorgeous and well maintained. So lush and green with lots of wildflowers, some of which I have never seen. Starting at 9000+ feet wasn't too bad. The trail does have its ups and downs but as you get closer to Blue Lake it starts to get steeper. There are lots of switchbacks and places to rest along the way and SO MANY STEPS!!!! Just before approaching Blue Lake (10,400 ft) was a really cool (I'll call it) rock pass with switchbacks.

There were a few hikers but we were the only ones who went as far as we did. After soaking in the views we continued along past Emerald Lakes, a few ponds, and finally arrived at the junction of Donkey/Dingleberry Lake.

Along the way, the trail gets lost but someone put some huge rocks that led us back on track again towards the lake. If not paying attention it is possible to get lost.

We arrived at Dingleberry Lake (10,500ft) and decided to take a lunch break. We had awesome views of Mt. Darwin and the jagged peaks of the Sierra Crest. This was the most beautiful lake of the day.

After negotiating whether to continue on to Midnight which was another 1.2 miles away with more climbing, I decided to turn around even though we had plenty of time. I noticed some dark clouds over Darwin so we headed back.

As we descended the trail we felt a few raindrops. Once we reached Blue Lake, it started to rain lightly. There was quite a bit of thunder, it was really loud and then the rain got heavier as we headed back towards Lake Sabrina.

I felt sorry for all those backpackers getting a late start. I am glad that I decided not to go all the way to Midnight Lake. I wish I did because it's the prettiest lake in that area which is surrounded by a deep granite bowl with a beautiful landscape. I am definitely going back, next time hiking all the way up to Midnight with an earlier start.

Lake Sabrina

Piute Crags

Emerald Lakes
Blue Lakes

Dingleberry Lake
The rock pass with switchbacks, hard to see but they are there. Above it Blue Lake.

one of many sections of these rock stairs to climb.
Mt Darwin (pic did not come out as good as I thought it did)

more pics of flowers and a scary tree.

Blue Lake is one of my favorite places to visit. I can sit at the outflow side for hours looking at scenery and watching the fish.
Nice to see Dingleberry, it seems worth the walk next time I'm up there.

Thanks for the report. When you visit Midnight Lake at midnight, a naked hiker jumps out of the water and gives you a fish.

The lakes in that basin have some colorful names.

According to Place Names of the Sierra Nevada by Peter Browning, Sailor Lake (formerly known as Drunken Sailor Lake) was named after a sailor who used to hang out around Lake Sabrina Lodge. He was found one day sleeping off one of his binges by the lake which is now known as Sailor Lake.

Baboon Lakes got its name after John Schober (for whom Schober lake is named) saw a bunch of CCC boys down by the lake waving their arms around like a bunch of baboons.

Hungry Packer Lake was also named by Schober after the time he and his party got caught at the lake by nightfall and had to spend the night without blankets or food.

I shudder to think how Dingleberry Lake got its name. ?

Dont forget about Topsy Turvy Lake in the same group.
That area would be a nice easy backpack weekend.

Spectacular! Thanks! Love the 'catalog' shots of the flowers. I never thought to count the varieties, but have read about many. Usually, they just become part of the colorful scene, mere brush-strokes.

I like how civilization loses the battle early at the Sabrina trailhead. As soon as you cross that waterfall at the back of the lake, it's like passing through a gate.

BTW, Echo Lake is the second-easiest name to decipher...really, Really, REALLY worth a visit!

Uncle Rico- thanks for the information. It's very interesting. To be honest I didn't know what dingleberry meant until my friend told me during our hike. Lol

Sean wrote: ↑Thanks for the report. When you visit Midnight Lake at midnight, a naked hiker jumps out of the water and gives you a fish.

Is the naked hiker gender appropriate?