Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Campground & Route for North Fork of Big Pine Creek

Yes, as we speak, the USFS is starting to close campgrounds in the White Mountain Ranger district, which includes Big Pine Creek. The "Brown's Town" campground in Bishop is still open.

You might consider sleeping near your vehicle the night before starting your hike, at the backpacker parking lot, which is down the road from the Glacier Lodge trailhead. If you decide to park over-night at the Glacier Lodge trailhead, expect to be cited for a parking violation.

Many backpackers leave their packs and passengers at the Glacier Lodge trailhead, have their driver (you?) take the vehicle back to the official backpacker parking area and walk back up the road to the Glacier Lodge trailhead (about one mile). This tactic eliminates the long, dusty hike, with heavy packs, from the parking lot.

The cross-country loop you mentioned is probably not such a good idea, since it involves some complicated route-finding.

The Black Lake trail starts just before 1st Lake. From Black lake, a good trail takes one down to the main trail, near 3rd Lake. From that point on the main trail it isn't far to the side trail into Sam Mack Meadow. There is ample camping near that trail junction.

Yes, there is a use trail from Sam Mack to the glacier, but gradually disappears after a while. Not to worry however, because at that point you will see the glacier (perhaps a good place to watch the sun-rise). There are no loop trails between Sam Mack and elsewhere; it's all difficult cross-country. If you go onto the glacier this time of year, you will need ice-axes and crampons.

From the main trail, you also have the option of continuing up to 5th, 6th, and 7th Lakes.