Hiking Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail, then swimming in glacier water alpine lakes.

The Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail in California's Eastern Sierra is a popular, steep out-and-back hike leading to the stunning Big Pine Lakes. The trail involves significant elevation gain, with the first few miles being exposed and hot. The hike from Big Pine Creek trailhead to Second Lake is 9.5 miles out and back, with a 2,358 foot elevation gain. It is completely worth it though once you see those glacial fed alpine lakes, and Temple Crag.