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Dinkey Lakes Trail

Fresno · Managed by Sierra National Forest (USFS) · Region: Sierra NF backcountry
Difficulty 50/100 · Strenuousout and back#usfs#backcountry#sierra
Distance
22.6 mi
Elevation
8,619–9,275 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Dinkey Lakes Trail is a 11.3-mile trail (one way per the Forest Service; out-and-back mileage listed) in Sierra NF backcountry. The trail reaches Mystery Lake, First and Second Dinkey Lakes, Rock Lake. Difficulty is estimated from distance (Strenuous); the Forest Service trail page carries the official description.

Highlights

  • 11.3 miles of trail per the Forest Service trail page
  • Mystery Lake
  • First and Second Dinkey Lakes
  • Rock Lake
  • No entrance fees on national forest land

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Dinkey Lakes Trail Trailhead (8,619 ft)
  • Water: Streams and lakes along the route; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None nearby; plan a self-supported trip.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sierra National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on fs.usda.gov
  • Quota: Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in Sierra NF wilderness areas.
  • Reservation window: Reserve wilderness permits at least two weeks ahead where quotas apply.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fires are allowed only in established rings, and seasonal forest-wide restrictions are common — check current alerts. 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, October.

Snow: Snow typically clears by June at most trail elevations.

Heat: Summer afternoons can be hot at lower elevations.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in early summer near water.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Check current fire restrictions and forest alerts before your trip
  • A California Campfire Permit is required even for a stove
  • Bear canisters or approved food storage are required in most areas.
  • Water sources are seasonal — confirm flows before you go

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. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Dinkey Lakes Trail. Sierra National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sierra/recreation/trails/dinkey-lakes-trail. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Trail distance (11.3 mi one way) and trail number (27E07) per the Forest Service trail page. Common destinations: Mystery Lake, First and Second Dinkey Lakes, Rock Lake.
  3. Hiking — Sierra National Forest (USFS). Sierra National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sierra/recreation/opportunities/hiking. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Forest hiking overview and trail index.
  4. Passes & Permits — Sierra National Forest (USFS). Sierra National Forest (USFS). https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/sierra/passes-permits. Accessed 2026-09-11. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirements for the forest and its wilderness areas.