Dinkey Lakes Trail

Dinkey Lakes Trail sits inside the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness in Sierra National Forest, about 45 miles northeast of Fresno. The route is built around a high-lake basin, with the standard loop passing multiple alpine lakes including First Dinkey, South, Swede, and Mystery Lakes.

The hike is typically done as a loop (“lollipop” style) rather than a simple out-and-back. One common approach is to follow Dinkey Lakes Trail up to the lake junctions, then switch onto Mystery Lake Trail to pass South Lake, Swede Lake, and Mystery Lake before returning to reconnect with Dinkey Lakes Trail.

Mapped as a long-distance hiking route on dirt path surface, the trail is designed for day hiking or introductory backpacking in the lake country. Wilderness travel rules apply for overnight camping in the basin area, while day hikes do not require a wilderness permit.

Getting to trail access is part of the trip: trailhead roads can be rough enough that a high-clearance vehicle (and 4WD when conditions demand) is strongly recommended. Access is via Dinkey Creek Road and Rock Creek Road, which turn off from the Shaver Lake area.

The typical route distance is around 6.9 miles for the standard loop, and it’s commonly rated moderate with roughly 895–1,000 feet of elevation gain. Plan on about 3 to 3.5 hours for a typical completion pace.

Seasonal timing matters in the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness. Access and trail clarity are generally best in the warmer months when snow has cleared, though higher elevations can still hold snow late into the summer and into September.

For overnight plans, camp in the wilderness requires an officially issued wilderness permit with quotas; reservations are handled via an advance/first-come structure. Group limits apply for overnight trips, so keep your party size within the wilderness rules.

More information: Wikipedia, Exploring the Dinkey Lake Wilderness - Sierra REC Magazine, Dinkey Lakes Trail | Explore California's Backcountry