Virginia Lakes is one of my favorite places in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. During my 10 years living in Yosemite National Park, I spent many summer weekends hiking on the East Side, including several trips out to Virginia Lakes. One of my favorite things about this area is the diversity of environments back in the canyon. There are evergreen forests, high alpine lakes, groves of aspen trees, scree fields, walkable summits, and world class trails. You can just hang out and fish around the lakes, or you can photograph the aspens in the fall, or you can climb a peak, it’s a dream! Let’s take a look at what makes this area so special, and some insider information on hiking the Virginia Lakes Trail.
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History of Virginia Lakes
Virginia Lakes is a small community located in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California, near the border with Nevada. It is known for its picturesque alpine lakes, stunning scenery, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Native American Presence
Before European settlement, the area around Virginia Lakes was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Paiute and Mono tribes. These indigenous peoples relied on the abundant natural resources of the region for their sustenance.
European Exploration and Settlement
In the mid-19th century, European explorers and settlers began to venture into the eastern Sierra Nevada region. Prospectors, trappers, and traders were among the early arrivals, drawn by the promise of gold and other valuable resources.
Mining Era
The discovery of gold and other minerals in the surrounding mountains led to a mining boom in the late 19th century. The Virginia Mine, located near the present-day Virginia Lakes, was one of the significant mining operations in the area. The mine produced gold, silver, lead, and zinc. The town of Bodie, located nearby, experienced a similar mining boom during this period.
Development of Recreation
As the mining activities declined in the early 20th century, the region’s focus shifted towards recreational activities. The natural beauty of the area, including the Virginia Lakes Basin, attracted outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, hikers, and campers. Several resorts and lodges were established to accommodate visitors.
World War II
During World War II, the U.S. Army established the Camp 17 training facility in the vicinity of Virginia Lakes. The camp was used for mountain warfare training, preparing soldiers for combat in rugged terrain. It served as an important training ground for troops deployed in the European theater of the war.
Modern Era
In recent decades, Virginia Lakes has continued to thrive as a recreational destination. The area is popular for fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The lakes in the Virginia Lakes Basin, including Trumbull Lake, Red Lake, and Virginia Lake, offer excellent fishing opportunities for trout.
Today, Virginia Lakes remains a peaceful mountain community, attracting visitors seeking outdoor adventures, stunning natural scenery, and a retreat from the bustle of city life.
Best Time to Hike the Virginia Lakes Trail
The best time to visit Virginia Lakes depends on the activities you plan to engage in and your personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and their characteristics:
Summer (June to August)
This is the peak tourist season in Virginia Lakes. The weather is generally pleasant, with warm temperatures during the day and cool nights. It’s an ideal time for hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring the surrounding trails. The lakes are usually thawed, and wildflowers dot the landscape, adding to the scenic beauty. However, popular hiking trails and campsites can get crowded, so early reservations are recommended.
Fall (September to November)
Fall in Virginia Lakes is a beautiful time to visit, characterized by stunning autumn foliage. The crowds thin out compared to the summer months, providing a more tranquil experience. The temperatures gradually cool, especially towards November, but it’s still comfortable for outdoor activities. Fishing can be particularly rewarding during this time, as fish become more active before winter.
Winter (December to February)
Virginia Lakes transforms into a winter wonderland during this season. The area receives significant snowfall, making it perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are popular activities. The lakes freeze over, allowing for ice fishing opportunities. However, it’s essential to be prepared for cold temperatures and potential road closures due to heavy snowfall.
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings a transition period in Virginia Lakes. The snow begins to melt, and the lakes thaw, providing picturesque views of snow-capped peaks and flowing streams. However, this season can be unpredictable, with fluctuating weather conditions, including occasional snow showers. The early spring months are generally quieter, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
It’s worth noting that weather patterns can vary from year to year, and it’s always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before planning your trip. Additionally, weekends and holidays tend to be busier, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting on weekdays or during shoulder seasons.
Where to Stay
There are several lodging options available at or near Virginia Lakes. Here are some options to consider:
Virginia Lakes Resort
Located right at Virginia Lakes, this resort offers a range of accommodations, including cabins, motel rooms, and RV sites. The resort provides easy access to fishing, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. They also have an on-site general store and a café.
Trumbull Lake Campground
Situated near Trumbull Lake, this campground offers tent and RV camping sites. It provides a serene setting with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Reservations can be made through the U.S. Forest Service.
Bridgeport Reservoir RV Park
Located in nearby Bridgeport, California, this RV park offers full-hookup RV sites, as well as cabin rentals. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Virginia Lakes and provides amenities such as laundry facilities, showers, and a general store.
Bridgeport Inn
Also situated in Bridgeport, the historic Bridgeport Inn provides comfortable rooms with a rustic charm. It offers a restaurant and bar on-site, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The inn is approximately a 25-minute drive from Virginia Lakes.
Additional Options
There are other lodging options available in Bridgeport, including motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. These provide more choices for accommodation, with varying amenities and price ranges.
It’s recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during the peak summer season, as accommodations can fill up quickly. Additionally, availability may vary, so it’s a good idea to check with each establishment directly for the most up-to-date information and to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Hiking the Virginia Lakes Trail
The Virginia Lakes Trailhead is located near the Virginia Lakes Resort off Highway 395. A self-service wilderness permit is required for day hiking or overnight camping in the Hoover Wilderness, which the trail passes through. You can obtain the permit at the trailhead or at the Bridgeport Ranger Station in Bridgeport, California.
The trail begins in the more developed eastern portion of the canyon, but you pretty quickly enter into the Hoover Wilderness area. Check their official website for current trail conditions before heading out. Also, I’ll mention here that even down in the canyon, you’re at nearly 10,000 feet so you may want to acclimate yourself to the elevation first.
Burro Pass, which is the highest point on the maintained trail (you can scramble up some peaks from there) is at 11,120 feet. From the trailhead to the pass it’s about 10 miles round trip, so not terribly long, but the starting elevation and elevation gain does make for a more difficult hike.
Cooney Cabin and Cooney Lake
About 1 mile up the trail is an old miner’s cabin built in the late 1800s, known as Cooney’ Cabin. This area is rich with mining history, and ruins of these old cabins are neat to come across in the wilderness.
Not long after passing the cabin, you’ll continue climbing until the canyon starts to open up a bit, and you’ll see the beautiful Cooney Lake. This area is stunning if you’re visiting in the fall. There are groves of aspen trees throughout the trail, and the fall colors are amazing!
Virginia Lakes Trail – Frog Lakes
After Cooney Lake, you’ll continue trekking through the open canyon, which is absolutely breathtaking – I love this section of the trail. There are also several social trails that meander through the area that are fun to explore.
Next you’ll come to Frog Lakes, which is a series of three beautiful alpine lakes that are nestled in the canyon. Again, there are social trails that lead down to the rocky shores which are perfect for skipping rocks on a calm day.
Virginia Lakes Trail – Burro Pass Summit
After Frog Lakes, hikers can begin the ascent up to Burro Pass. It’s an exposed portion of trail, so don’t forget your sunscreen and SPF gear! It’s a little over a mile up the scree fields to the pass, but it can feel like more due to the high elevation.
Because of the exposure here, this area can also be extremely windy. On a warm July day the wind provides a welcome and cooling breeze, but in late October it can be icy! If you’re a late season hiker back here, I’d recommend an insulated jacket or windbreaker, and some gloves.
Virginia Lakes Trail – Connecting Trails
From Burro Pass the trail continues west. Backpackers and long day hikers can make all kinds of fun loops if you shuttle vehicles ahead of time. From Burro Pass west, the trail drops down into Summit Lake on the border of Yosemite National Park. Before Summit Lake there is a junction where you can head north up to Hoover Lakes, East Lake, and ultimately out to the Green Creek Campground area near the Sawtooth mountain range.
Or, you can head south from Frog Lakes, climb up between Black Mountain and Excelsior Mountain, and then drop down into Lundy Canyon and connect to the Lundy trail system.
There are all kinds of amazing trails to explore back here!
What to Wear
My clothing recommendations for the Eastern Sierra Nevada varies depending on when in the season you’re going. If you opt for shorts, I like the Prana Elle shorts, but you might want to start with a pair of warm leggings under them if it’s cold. For hiking pants, my go to are the double peak joggers.
On top, for summerish hiking I start with a tri-blend t shirt or tank, and then layer on an SPF pullover if it’s warmer outside, or a smartwool pullover if it’s cold or windy. And I usually carried my rain jacket. Finally, my go to hiking shoes are merrell siren sports. They’re comfortable, waterproof, and have Vibram soles which are super grippy, which you’ll appreciate for hiking on all the granite out there!
That’s my list! I hope this helped you plan and get excited to hike the Virginia Lakes Trail! What are your favorite hikes on the East Side?
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