Loading trail…
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this trail
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
California
3.1 mi
Distance
665 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Sierra National Forest
3 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Why you'll love it
Second Recess
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Second Recess is a scenic alpine trail in the Inyo National Forest that ascends through meadows and rocky terrain to reach pristine backcountry lakes. This moderate day hike offers excellent views of the Sierra Nevada peaks and access to high-altitude wilderness with minimal crowds. The trail features consistent elevation gain through varied terrain, making it a rewarding adventure for hikers seeking alpine scenery.
Laurel Lake
~1 min drive
Steep 3.8-mile alpine lake hike with 1,700 ft elevation gain.
Mono Creek
~2 min drive
Easy 2.2-mile creek-side walk with 330 ft gain in the Eastern Sierra.
Hopkins
~4 min drive
Moderate 7.2-mile hike with 2,192 ft gain in Hopkins, California.
Mott Lake
~5 min drive
Moderate alpine lake hike with 1,405 ft elevation gain near Mott Lake.
Pioneer Basin
~7 min drive
Scenic alpine basin hike with modest elevation gain and mountain views.
Third Recess Lake
~5 min drive
Alpine lake hike with steady elevation gain in the Eastern Sierra.
Mono Pass Pack Station
~11 min drive
Moderate alpine trail with steady elevation gain near Mono Pass.
Forth Recess Lake
~7 min drive
Easy 1.12-mile alpine lake hike with minimal elevation gain.
Volcanic Knob
~6 min drive
Short volcanic peak hike with steady climbing and geological interest.
Baldwin Canyon
~11 min drive
Steep canyon hike with 978 ft gain through oak and chaparral terrain.