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Parchers Resort is the
jumping-off point for some of the most pristine and scenic hiking and
backpacking in not only the Eastern Sierra, but in the continental United
States. South Lake is an access trailhead for The John Muir Trail via
Bishop Pass. In addition, The John Muir Trail may be accessed via Piute
Pass from North Lake which is only eighteen minutes from Parchers Resort.
The North Lake-South Lake loop is the famous Rainbow Trail and includes
spectacular scenery, visiting such areas as Dusy basin, Le Conte Canyon,
Muir Pass, Evolution valley, and Humphrey’s Basin. Imagine having Yosemite
Valley to yourself. It will seem like it.
There are also many day-hike
trails close to Parchers Resort. This includes trails to the Treasure
Lakes, Green Lake, Tyee Lakes and Long Lake. If you widen your sphere to
include hiking from nearby Lake Sabrina, then you have day hikes to Blue
Lake, Emerald Lakes, Dingleberry Lake, and George Lake. Five minutes from
there is the North Lake trailhead which will take you to Grass Lake, Lamarck
Lakes, Wonder Lakes, and Loch Leven. The possibilities of backcountry
recreation are unlimited.
Read below the description of the backcountry written
in a 1930’s Parchers brochure.
“The hidden lakes of the Bishop Creek basin have
for many years been the retreat of mountain lovers and sportsmen who, in the
seclusion of these unfrequented spots, find solace and contentment together
with the rarest of sport. Within a few miles of Parchers Rainbow Camp are
more than a score of these lakes, of which provide excellent trout fishing.
Some of these lakes are found in granite pockets above timberline,
surrounded by rugged peaks of the Sierra crest line. Others lie on
pine-shaded benches. All are reached by good trails”
It is an amazing fact that little has changed up here
in the seventy years since those words were written..
Before your backpacking trip, stay at
Parchers in one of our inexpensive Hiker Cabins and have your “last decent
meal” in The South Fork Restaurant. After your hike come to Parchers and
clean up and satisfy yourself with a shower, a piece of Grandma Donna’s
apple pie, and another night in a hiker cabin. Be prepared to share your
tales with other hikers in the camp.
For information about trail conditions, call the Inyo
National Forest at:
White Mountain Ranger Station
760-873-2500
760-873-2501 TDD
798 North Main Street
Bishop, CA 93514
Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30
Open all year
Monday-Friday in winter
Most of the backcountry areas
are in the John Muir Wilderness and require a
permit. For information on trail quotas and the obtaining of wilderness permits,
see the following link.
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Dusy Basin
Grouse Meadows
Long Lake
Le Conte Canyon
