Union Reservoir–Elephant Rock Lake, 3 lakes
3.1 mi · ▲ 227 ft · 1 hr 9 min
Union Reservoir–Elephant Rock Lake, 3 lakes is a 3.1-mile out-and-back near Lake Alpine, CA. The route passes Union Reservoir and Elephant Rock Lake. It is mostly level, with 227 ft of elevation gain. It scores 86/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: genuinely wild.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Union Reservoir–Elephant Rock Lake, 3 lakes
3.1 mi · ▲ 227 ft · 1 hr 9 min
Elevation 6,861–7,011 ft
Out & Back
Trailhead: Lakeshore Trail · 38.42862, -119.99165
Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:47 AM · sunset 7:02 PM
Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Lakeshore Trail, heading NE.
- 50 ftPass Union Reservoir.
- 1.3 miPass Elephant Rock Lake.
- 50 ftBear left, heading N.
- 100 ftBear right onto Union Rock Lake Trail, heading NE.
- 0.3 miReach Union Reservoir, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.3 miBear left, heading SW.
- 100 ftBear right onto Lakeshore Trail, heading W.
- 1.3 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.4 mi in (~10 min). Leave by 6:32 PM for the 7:02 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:26 PM — 2 min before dark.
Good to know
- Toilets at the trailhead
- Parking lot at the trailhead
Other ways to reach this destination
More from Lakeshore Trail Trailhead
- Inspiration Point–Lake Alpine, 8 sights 13.5 mi · ▲ 1,974 ft
- Union Reservoir–Rock Lake, 8 sights 12.5 mi · ▲ 1,321 ft
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