Bear Lakes Loop Trail

The Bear Lakes Loop Trail is a popular two-mile natural trail just outside Graeagle, California in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. This furific trail will take you from the trailhead at the Lakes Basin Campground, past Long Lake, Silver Lake, Cub Lake, Little Bear Lake, and Big Bear Lake, and back to the trailhead in as little as one hour. 

According to locals, the Bear Lakes Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails in the area with amazing views of these lakes, which were carved by glaciers centuries ago. You and Fido are welcome on the trail, but your little furball must remain on a lead at all times. There will be plenty of shade along the path as you make your way through the forest of conifers, opening into the California sunshine at times along the way. 

The first mile of the hike is colorful with hundreds of pawesome wildflowers no matter what time you come, although it is recommended to go between March and October for the most spectacular flora and fauna. Some of the more colorful varieties include mountain pride, phlox, snow plant, blue-eyed Mary, groundsel, buttercup, purple fritillary, lupine, and paintbrush. 

And if these are not enough, you will also get some amazing views of the surrounding Lake Tahoe, mountain vistas, and the Northern Sierras. About halfway through the hike, you can stop for lunch and enjoy the view of Long Lake with your pup. There's no bathrooms or drinking water on the path, so you need to bring enough for both you and Fido to stay hydrated.

You will probably not find a better place to see so many different wildflowers, lakes, and wildlife in the area. You and your furry friend will most likely see many critters such as chipmunks, squirrels, deer, rabbits, and hundreds of species of birds. In fact, you will want to make several trips to the Bear Lakes Loop Trail to experience it all.