A Gem of the Sierras

Glacier Lodge, as described by its owner, is a gem of the Sierras.  Tucked away in Big Pine Canyon, next to Big Pine Creek, the little wood cabins of Glacier Lodge offer respite after a long day of hiking on the trails in neighboring Inyo National Forest.

XplorMor Expedition, A Stay at Glacier Lodge

The rustic charm is evident as soon as you wind up the drive to check in at the main office cabin.  There's piles of wood, for guests to have personal fires in the evening outside their cabins, and a small shop offering limited supplies, and dine out food.  They'll even deliver orders right to your cabin which after a long day hiking was much appreciated!   The friendly staff offered excellent service, and truly made every effort to accommodate our needs (thank you!).

Alternately, each cabin is equipped with a kitchen and most cooking utensils, so you may prepare your own meals.  Make sure to stop in Big Pine for groceries as there's minimal offered at the Lodge.

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XplorMor Expedition, A Stay at Glacier Lodge

A Hiker's Promised Land

Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail in Inyo National Forest, California has it all: from spectacular views of 14+ lakes, 14,000 ft. mountain peaks, and access to the southernmost glacier in the United States and the largest in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Palisade Glacier.  There are flowing rivers and waterfalls, rocky switchbacks, Golden Trout, Jeffrey and Lodgepole pines, Aspens, a gorgeous rock cabin built by Lon Chaney Sr. and glacier-fed lakes.  This trail is truly a nature lover's paradise.

Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail

John Muir once said, “The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness."  Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail gives life to these words.  From the moment your car leaves the 395 at Big Pine, California and heads into Big Pine Canyon, it's clear another world awaits; the further into the canyon, the clearer the vision.  The road ends at the parking area for Inyo National Forest, and the trailhead for accessing Big Pine Creek North and South Fork trails.

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Second Lake