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Lakes Trail to Emerald Lake

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#alpine-lakes#giant-forest#designated-campsites#watchtower
Distance
10 mi
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

The Lakes Trail climbs from Wolverton past the Watchtower's cliff-edge views to Emerald Lake, the first of the granite lake chain below Alta Peak. Camping is in designated sites, making this one of SEKI's most manageable high-lake overnights — and the launching point for a dawn push to Pear Lake.

Highlights

  • The Watchtower's ledge with the Kaweah canyon below
  • Emerald Lake's turquoise water beneath Alta Peak
  • Designated sites that keep the basin wild
  • Heather and Aster Lakes, closed to camping but perfect day-hike targets

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Wolverton Trailhead · parking: Wolverton ski area parking off the Generals Highway
  • Water: Emerald, Aster, and Heather Lakes plus the Watchtower drainage; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Lodgepole store is minutes away.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Wolverton/Lakes entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. Emerald Lake sits near the Kaweah drainage's 9,000-ft fire line and camping is in designated sites — plan on a stove. 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: Usually clear by early July.

Heat: Pleasant at 9,000 feet.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Camping is restricted to designated sites at the lakes
  • Heather and Aster Lakes are closed to overnight use
  • The basin sits at the 9,000-ft fire line — stoves only
  • Bear canisters are required

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. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Lodgepole and Giant Forest. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Lakes Trail description, designated-site camping requirement, Heather and Aster Lakes closed to overnight use, and first allowed campsite at Emerald Lake (5 miles).
  2. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Quota season, fees, and fire prohibitions above 9,000 ft in the Kaweah drainage.
  3. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.