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Box Springs to Chain Lakes

Tuolumne · Managed by Stanislaus National Forest (USFS) · Region: Emigrant Wilderness
Difficulty 10/100 · Easyout and back#emigrant-wilderness#stanislaus-nf#granite#solitude
Distance
5 mi
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Box Springs to Chain Lakes is a 2.5-mile one-way hike (5 miles out-and-back) into the Emigrant Wilderness from the Box Springs trailhead (7,440 feet). The fastest route into the Emigrant backcountry: a short walk to the first of the Chain Lakes. Mileages are from the Forest Service Trail Mileages publication.

Highlights

  • 2.5 miles one way to Chain Lakes per the Forest Service mileage table
  • Granite slabs, lakes and meadows in a lightly visited wilderness
  • Free, self-issued wilderness permits
  • One-night camping limit at some popular lakes

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Box Springs Trailhead (7,440 ft) · parking: Long Barn to 3N01, then 3N16 and 3N20Y to the trailhead.
  • Water: Lakes and streams are abundant along most routes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None — Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pinecrest are the last services.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

  • Agency: Stanislaus National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: Free wilderness permits are required for overnight trips from April 15 through November 15; self-issue permits are available 24/7 at the Summit Ranger Station.
  • Reservation window: None — permits are free and self-issued.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 feet in the wilderness. A California Campfire Permit is required for camp stoves. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, August, September.

Snow: Snowpacks typically linger into June at these elevations.

Heat: Summer afternoons are warm on exposed granite; thunderstorms are common.

Bugs: Mosquitoes are thick near wet areas in June and July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • A wilderness permit is required April 15 through November 15
  • Bear-proof food storage is required — hang food or carry a canister
  • Camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails
  • Snow can linger into June; stream crossings run high in early season

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Emigrant Wilderness - Trail Mileages. Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/media/139022. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). One-way trailhead mileage for Chain Lakes (2.5 miles from Box Springs) and trailhead elevation (7,440 feet).
  2. Emigrant Wilderness - Highway 108 Access. Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/recreation/emigrant-wilderness-highway-108-access. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Wilderness permit requirements, camping and fire regulations for the Emigrant Wilderness.
  3. Trailheads - Getting into the Emigrant Wilderness. Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/media/226285. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Trailhead elevations, directions and parking information.