Temple Lake Out and Back

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This 1-3 day out and back is located in the Deep Lake Drainage. It is less popular than the nearby Cirque of Towers and not visited as often as Clear Lake #7044 next door. There is great camping on rolling alpine grasses around Temple Lake, and plenty of day hikes and scrambles from camp.

This route begins in the now very popular Big Sandy trailhead. In consequence, parking at the trailhead is often very full. Please be mindful about where you park, and do not destroy the vegetation to create "new parking spots". There is overflow parking near the turnoff for Big Sandy Lodge.

Also due to its popularity, traditional backcountry pooping etiquette of burying your poop and toilet paper has degraded the water quality of many pristine alpine streams and lakes, and bathroom litter is often noticed around campsites. Please consider packing it out.

If your hungry after your trip, head a mile down the road to Big Sandy Lodge for a burger and beer. They are open Thursday-Monday & Holidays from Opening Day through Labor Day Weekend from 11am to 8pm or last call.

Start at the Big Sandy trailhead and walk the gentle and sometimes ascending Big Sandy Trail for approximately 5 miles, or until you reach Big Sandy Lake. Take the right fork around the south side of the lake to reach the Rapid Creek to Temple Lake (Off-trail) trail. This trail can be sometimes tricky to follow as it more aggressively and consistently climbs the Rapid Creek sub-drainage. The trail eventually mellows as you exit the tree line and walk through the alpine tundra. You'll pass by two smaller lakes, Rapid and Miller Lake, before reaching the much larger Temple Lake which sits just below Temple Peak.

The area is fairly grassy and flat, making it a comfortable spot to set up camp. Many large boulders stand alone in the grass which may serve as good protection from incoming weather.

From here, there are many options for day hikes. A walk to the head of the lake gets you close to the steep glaciated apron of the Temple Peak, or you can continue up the faint path to the saddle between Temple and East Temple Peaks for a great view of the valley below. Alternatively, you can locate the trail to Deep Lake, located just north-east of Temple Lake, to enjoy the spectacular views of the north face of East Temple Peak, Lost Temple Spire, and Haystack Mountain. If you are a peak bagger, there is easy access to East Temple Peak's 2nd class Southwest Slope.