5.1 hr
Overview
Indian Heaven's Basin Lakes , accessed via the abandoned Gifford Peak Way, were also known as the Darlene Lakes. There are eight of them and three were named (Janet, Peggy, Darlene), but not officially recognized because they were christened after Forest Service employees’ wives who were living at the time. They nestle in a bowl below the Berry Mountain - Gifford Peak Ridge in splendid isolation, but the way trail itself is fairly easy to follow up to the lakes, and then a little scratchier up the ridge to the Pacific Crest Trail. This is a short in and out hike to the lakes made more interesting by looping via the PCT to the Indian Racetrack and then back down the Racetrack Trail to the trailhead. Only one lake, Janet, is visible from the Gifford Peak Way. To visit all of the lakes, you will have to bushwhack, but the area is reasonably flat if a little boggy. You will need a map and good orienteering skills.
Trail Stats
14.6 km
547 m
1526 m
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Photos
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