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Sabrina Basin

Inyo National Forest · Inyo · Managed by Inyo National Forest (USFS)
Difficulty 30/100 · Moderateout and back#alpine-lakes#eastern-sierra#fishing#photography
Distance
8.5 mi
Total gain
3,652 ft
Net gain
1,742 ft
Net loss
1,742 ft
Elevation
9,135–10,850 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Sabrina Basin is Bishop's classic two-day trip: a 4.25-mile climb from Lake Sabrina past a chain of blue lakes to a high granite bench beneath Mount Darwin's south face. Blue Lake, at 10,400 feet, is the standard first-night camp, with Dingleberry, Topsy Turvy, and Sailor Lakes strung above it for those with a spare day.

Highlights

  • Blue Lake's deep turquoise water below the Darwin wall
  • A staircase of lakes — each camp is better than the last
  • Sunset alpenglow on Mount Darwin and Mount Emerson
  • Easy fishing in every basin lake

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Lake Sabrina Trailhead (9,135 ft · parking: End of Highway 168 west of Bishop)
  • Water: Blue, Dingleberry, Topsy Turvy, and Sailor Lakes, plus streams; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Bishop is 20 minutes down Highway 168.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Inyo National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Sabrina entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: 60% of quota released six months out, 40% two weeks out, at 7 a.m. PT.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are allowed in existing rings unless current Inyo NF fire restrictions are in effect. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves and fires. 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: Typically snow-free by early July; Blue Lake melts out last.

Heat: Pleasant; Bishop below can be scorching while the basin stays cool.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lower lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The switchbacks above Blue Lake climb fast; take the altitude seriously
  • Mosquitoes at the lower lakes through July
  • Bear canisters are required
  • Permits are quota'd; reserve early for weekends

Map

Route track shown for reference only — navigate with map and compass. Track source: OpenStreetMap route relation 19072663 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) (ODbL 1.0).

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. Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / U.S. Forest Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233262. Accessed 2026-09-07. Year-round permit requirement, quota release schedule, and food-storage rules.
  2. Inyo National Forest alerts and fire restrictions. U.S. Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions-effect. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Current Stage 1 fire restrictions affecting campfires and stoves.
  3. Sabrina Basin Trail route relation 19072663. OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/19072663. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry; distance and elevation statistics computed from this track.
  4. SRTM90 elevation data. OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Elevation enrichment for computed gain/loss statistics.