How to get to all 7 of the Big Pine Lakes

How to get to all 7 of the Big Pine Lake, North Fork, Inyo National Forest, California. First of all, I recommend backpacking rather than day hiking to these beautiful lakes so you have a lot of time to enjoy them. In January, for July permits, reserve them on Recreation.gov. Or you could reserve them in November for May with snow, December for June, February for August, or March for September risking closures for fire season. Gather all your ​backpacking gear including a bear can, backpacking food, warm layers, and sun protection. The night before your trek stay at a nearby hotel in Big Pine or Lone Pine, or at the North Fork Creek Campground, reservations needed, then drive to the overnight trailhead parking lot. The morning of, start early, the first few miles are in direct sun, long, and exhausting, and as this is a popular beginners backpacking trip, your pack is probably going to feel so heavy. You will climb on a sandy trail, next to a raging river, over small creeks, past wild flowers and butterflies, and across tiny creeks. After about 4.5 miles you will reach Lake 1. Oh and Awh at the gorgeous turquoise color, take a little break, and a few photos, then proceed to Lake 2, where you will have a better views of the spikey mountain, Temple Crag. Set up camp by Lake 2 or 3, at least 100 feet from the lake. And please always remember to leave no trace. You could also turn right after lake 3, hike uphill and south, and camp at Sam Mack Meadow.  The following day, hike up to lake 5 on the left, Lake 4 on the right, past Lake 4 to lake 6 and then ultimately to Lake 7. You can also take a sharp right turn at Lake 4 to Black Lake that will then loop you back around to Lake 1. Although all the lakes, and every part of the trail are beautiful, the first three lakes are the only turquoise ones, and only turquoise a few months of the year. Enjoy the beautiful Inyo Forest, practice leave no trace, make friend with fellow backpackers, and enjoy the turquoise!