Saddlebag Lake to Conness Lakes Trail

The trail begins near Saddlebag Lake, which is accessible by road. You can find parking at the Saddlebag Lake Campground or near the Saddlebag Lake Resort. From there, you can choose to hike around the lake or take a water taxi across it to shorten the initial distance to the Conness Lakes route.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on this trail. However, be aware that the terrain is very rocky, with boulder fields and slabby granite, which can be hard on paws. The water taxi across Saddlebag Lake can be a good option for dogs to avoid some of the initial rocky sections.

The best time to hike this trail is typically from late June or early July through September. Due to its high elevation (starting over 10,000 feet), snow can persist well into summer, especially around the Conness Lakes themselves. Always check current trail conditions before you go.

This trail is located within the Hoover Wilderness, which is part of the Inyo National Forest. While day hikes generally don't require permits, overnight wilderness permits are necessary for backpacking. There are no entrance fees for the Inyo National Forest itself, but standard parking fees may apply at some developed trailheads or campgrounds.

The terrain is rugged and varied. The initial section from the far side of Saddlebag Lake to Greenstone Lake is relatively easy. Beyond Greenstone Lake, the trail becomes more challenging, with rocky sections, boulder fields, and slabby granite. The official path can be difficult to follow at times, especially near the waterfalls and up to the first Conness Lake, which involves some rock scrambling.

The round trip to Conness Lakes can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend exploring the lakes. The total distance is approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) out and back, but the high elevation and challenging terrain can make it feel longer.

You'll experience classic High Sierra scenery, including crystal blue alpine lakes like Greenstone Lake and the stunning turquoise and emerald Saddlebag Lake Resort. Jagged mountain peaks such as Mount Conness and North Peak provide a dramatic backdrop, and you can often spot the Conness Glacier. Waterfalls and smaller tarns also add to the scenic beauty.

This trail is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. While the initial section is easier, the route beyond Greenstone Lake becomes challenging with difficult-to-follow paths, rocky scrambles, and significant elevation gain at high altitude. Beginners with good fitness and experience with rocky terrain might manage, but it's not ideal for those new to hiking.

Yes, the route partially follows sections of the Saddlebag Lake Loop Trail. It also connects to the broader Twenty Lakes Loop Trail system, offering options for extended exploration in the Hoover Wilderness.

Taking the water taxi across Saddlebag Lake significantly shortens the initial hiking distance, saving you about 2 miles (3.2 km) of walking around the lake. This can be particularly beneficial if you're looking to conserve energy for the more challenging sections to Conness Lakes, or if you have dogs whose paws might struggle with the rocky shoreline.

Given the high-alpine environment and rugged terrain, you should bring sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, layers of clothing for changing weather, plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and a map or GPS device as the trail can be hard to follow. Trekking poles can also be very helpful for stability on rocky sections.