Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes
Backpacking2 days7.2 mi (round-trip)
UpcomingAdvance release
today, 3 PM
Trips starting Jun 6, 2026
Best time
Itinerary
Little Lakes Valley Trailhead
3.6 mi • 800 ft gain
Gem Lakes
3.6 mi • 100 ft gain
Little Lakes Valley Trailhead
Driving directions,path-3+EE6D6D(gqncFlxwsUzd%40xVp%60Ab%5DzFmDxr%40zNzi%40nBtLw%40%60CeE~Q_BnD_GhQWhC%7DClJbSy%40lC%3F%3Fr%40uDwG_Q%7BFzCwKaA_I~Hwc%40%7CI%7Bi%40oBip%40qMkIbCqt%40sV%7Bp%40i%5D),pin-s-circle+777(-118.74711,37.43524,3117),pin-s-campsite+4bb159(-118.75796,37.39036,3328),pin-s-circle+777(-118.74711,37.43524,3117)/auto/400x250@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1Ijoiam9yZGFudmluY2VudCIsImEiOiJjazN4ZnNzaWIwNHQxM2Zub211dnlxcXJmIn0.1Up4udxbdJyj8n3orz177w)
Open
How to get a permit
This trip requires a Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit. Reservations depend on your start date:
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Trips starting between November 2, 2025 and April 30, 2026
Permits required. No quota.
Online reservations
Closes day of
Book Get notified when we find cancellations
Release
2 weeks ahead at 7 AM PT
Permit details
Here is how to fill out the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit application:
| Permit Type | Overnight |
|---|
| Entry Point | Little Lakes Valley |
|---|
| Exit Point | Little Lakes Valley |
|---|
| 1st night Camp Area | Gem Lakes |
|---|
Select a start date
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