Chewing Gum Lake from Gianelli Trailhead

Overview: Featuring swimmable alpine lakes, expansive views of granite landscapes, and meadows that bloom with wildflowers in the spring, this 9.0 mile out-and-back trail allows hikers to experience a remarkable area of central Sierra Nevada. Located near the northern extent of the Tuolumne River watershed in the Emigrant Wilderness, this trail begins at the Gianelli Trailhead and includes about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. This trail passes through patches of conifer forest before reaching Chewing Gum Lake, a scenic lake that provides an ideal setting for lunch and a swim.

Notes: Accessing the trailhead involves driving on a bumpy, unpaved U.S. Forest Service road. The trail is used by hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders and can be dusty late in the season. A wilderness permit is needed for overnight stays, but not for day trips. 

Season: Late spring through early fall (not accessible in winter)