Saddlebag and 20 Lakes Basin Loop

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The 20 Lakes Basin is known for its generous exposition of Sierra Nevada granite -- both on the valley floor and in the peaks towering above, including Mount Conness and North Peak. This route is easy enough to hike in a day, but it also offers an easy one to two-night backpacking trip (permits required for overnight use). Exploring the basin, you'll find mineral-rich, turquoise colored lakes and enormous slabs of polished granite that reveal the glacial beginning of this austere lakes basin.

Potable water is available at the nearby Saddlebag Campground and vault toilets are located at the trailhead parking area. Permits are required for all overnight trips on this route, which enters the Hoover Wilderness Area. These permits are available online and are limited by a quota from June 15 - October 15. Plan in advance for the best chance of securing your permit. See recreation.gov/permits/445856 for more information and reservations.

The trail begins at the Saddlebag Lake Resort, which has a boat launch and rentals. There is even a water taxi that can take you across the lake, in case you wish to skip the Saddlebag Lake Trail and save a mile and a half on either end of your hike.

If you opt to hike around Saddlebag, choose whether to head clockwise or counterclockwise to start your loop. Going in a counterclockwise direction puts the majority of the mountain scenery in better view, while going in a clockwise direction makes a shorter distance into the 20 Lakes Basin backcountry.

After passing the far end of Saddlebag Lake, the trail steepens for about a mile to climb into the 20 Lakes Basin. Here you'll again choose with direction to go on the 20 Lakes Basin Loop Trail. For backpackers, Greenstone Lake makes a popular camp. If staying there you might go clockwise, first heading west to reach this lake.

Camping is allowed along much of the trail within the 20 Lakes Basin (with a wilderness permit) but not within 200 feet of a lakeshore or an alpine meadow. Take your time finding a convenient and legal spot near any of the lakes, then settle in to enjoy swimming, fishing, side hiking, and a relaxing night under the stars.

The basin is relatively low angle, the tree cover is minimal and visibility high, and the trail is neither easy to follow or lose. If you happen to lose the trail, you can simply hike cross-country back toward the large Saddlebag Lake at the bottom of the basin. Reaching it, you should easily see the path to your car on either side of the lake.