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Gianelli Trailhead to Chewing Gum Lake

Tuolumne · Managed by Stanislaus National Forest (USFS) · Region: Emigrant Wilderness
Difficulty /100 · out and back#emigrant-wilderness#alpine-lakes#granite#no-quota
Distance
10.5 mi
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Chewing Gum Lake is the Emigrant's classic first overnight: a 5.3-mile climb from the Gianelli trailhead into a granite basin of lakes beneath the wilderness's volcanic crest. No quotas, no reservation scramble — just a free permit at the kiosk and a two-day loop through one of the Sierra's friendliest wilderness areas.

Highlights

  • Chewing Gum Lake's island and granite shoreline
  • Views across the basin to the Emigrant's volcanic ridgelines
  • No-quota permits and an easy trailhead — the most spontaneous Sierra backpack
  • A network of lake-to-lake routes for longer loops

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Gianelli Trailhead · parking: Gianelli Trailhead on the road to Pinecrest Lake's east shore
  • Water: Seasonal lakes and creeks; treat all water. Confirm late-season flows.
  • Resupply: None; Pinecrest Lake has a store and resort nearby.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

  • Agency: Stanislaus National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: None — Emigrant Wilderness has no quota or reservation system.
  • Reservation window: Self-issue permits available 24/7 at the Summit Ranger Station kiosk and at ranger stations in season; permits required April 15–November 15.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are prohibited above 9,000 ft and within half a mile of Emigrant Lake. A free CAL FIRE campfire permit is required below 9,000 ft, and fire restrictions can be declared at any time. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Snowpack typically lingers into June; trailheads open with the snowmelt.

Heat: Mild in the high granite country.

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

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and trails
  • Fires are banned above 9,000 ft and need a free CAL FIRE permit below it
  • Mosquitoes are thick in June and July — bring a head net
  • One-night camping limits apply at several popular Emigrant lakes; check the current list

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 - Highway 108 Access. Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/recreation/emigrant-wilderness-highway-108-access. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: Public domain (US government work). Emigrant Wilderness overview (113,000 acres, 5,000–11,570 ft), trailhead list including Gianelli, free self-issue permits, and 100-ft camping setback rules.
  2. Wilderness (Stanislaus National Forest). Stanislaus National Forest (U.S. Forest Service). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/wilderness. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules (CAL FIRE permit required; prohibited above 9,000 ft and within half a mile of Emigrant Lake), no-quota policy, and one-night limits at popular lakes.
  3. Gianelli and Chewing Gum Lake Trails (OpenStreetMap). OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/75588920. Accessed 2026-09-08. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry measured as mapped — Gianelli Trail and Chewing Gum Lake Trail connect contiguously for 5.27 miles one way to Chewing Gum Lake; round trip 10.5 miles as mapped.