Palisades Glacier via Big Pine Creek North Fork [Big Pine Creek]

The Palisades Glacier hike in the Eastern Sierra Nevada offers a rare opportunity to explore the southernmost glacier in the United States. This challenging trek takes hikers through rugged alpine terrain, past pristine lakes, and up to the stunning glacier nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Palisade Crest, including Mount Sill and North Palisade. With breathtaking views and unique geological features, this hike is a must for experienced adventurers.

Trail Overview:

• Trailhead: Big Pine Creek North Fork Trailhead, located near the town of Big Pine, CA.
• Starting Elevation: 7,680 feet (2,341 meters) at Big Pine Creek Trailhead.
• Ending Elevation: 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) at Palisades Glacier.
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 4,320 feet.
• Distance: About 14 miles round trip (7 miles each way).
• Difficulty: Strenuous. The hike includes steep ascents, rocky terrain, and high-altitude conditions.
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall (June to September). Snow may linger in early summer, and late-season storms can bring early snow.

Trail Description:

The Palisades Glacier hike begins at the Big Pine Creek North Fork Trailhead, located at 7,680 feet. The trail follows the North Fork of Big Pine Creek, offering a gradual but steady climb through a forested canyon. Early in the hike, you’ll pass First, Second, and Third Lakes, known for their striking turquoise color, which comes from the glacial melt and mineral content.

As you continue to climb, the forest gives way to open alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and talus fields. After crossing Sam Mack Meadow, a lush, green alpine oasis, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging as it approaches the glacier. The final stretch involves navigating through rocky terrain and loose scree as you ascend to Palisades Glacier, situated at approximately 12,000 feet. The glacier itself, surrounded by towering granite peaks, is a breathtaking sight and serves as the headwaters of Big Pine Creek.

Flora:

The Palisades Glacier hike takes you through a range of plant communities, from lower-elevation forests to high alpine environments, each offering a unique array of flora.

• Lower Elevations (7,680 to 9,500 feet): The hike begins in a forest dominated by lodgepole pines and Jeffrey pines, with groves of aspen adding a touch of green in early summer. Wildflowers like Indian paintbrush, lupine, and Sierra columbine bloom along the trail in the warmer months.
• Mid-Elevations (9,500 to 10,500 feet): As the trail climbs higher, the trees become sparser, and you’ll encounter patches of whitebark pine and Sierra juniper, which thrive in the rocky soils. Alpine meadows dotted with sky pilots, Sierra primrose, and mountain pennyroyal add color to the landscape.
• Upper Elevations (10,500 feet and above): Near the glacier, the vegetation is sparse and consists of hardy alpine plants such as dwarf willows, mosses, and lichen, clinging to life in the rocky crevices. At this altitude, the environment is harsh, with very few species able to survive the thin soil, cold temperatures, and frequent exposure to wind.

Fauna:

The varying ecosystems along the Palisades Glacier hike support a rich diversity of wildlife, from small mammals to large birds of prey.

• Mammals: Yellow-bellied marmots are commonly seen sunning themselves on rocks near the trail, while pikas can be heard squeaking from the talus slopes. Mule deer are sometimes spotted grazing in the meadows, and the occasional black bear may be encountered at lower elevations, particularly near the trailhead.
• Birds: The forested sections of the hike are home to birds like mountain chickadees, Clark’s nutcrackers, and Steller’s jays. As you ascend into the alpine zone, you may see golden eagles or peregrine falcons soaring above the peaks. In the higher elevations, look for gray-crowned rosy-finches and American pipits flitting around the rocky slopes.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Though less common at higher elevations, you might spot western fence lizards basking on sunny rocks in the lower portions of the trail.
• Fish: The lakes along the trail, especially First Lake and Second Lake, are home to rainbow trout and brook trout, making them popular spots for anglers.

Elevation Profile and Gain:

The hike starts at 7,680 feet at the Big Pine Creek Trailhead and ends at approximately 12,000 feet at Palisades Glacier, resulting in a significant elevation gain of around 4,320 feet over the course of 7 miles. The trail is a steady uphill climb, with the steepest sections encountered after Sam Mack Meadow as you approach the glacier.

Key Trail Features:

• First, Second, and Third Lakes: These glacier-fed lakes are known for their striking turquoise color and are popular stops along the way. They provide stunning photo opportunities and make excellent rest points.
• Sam Mack Meadow: A lush alpine meadow surrounded by granite peaks, Sam Mack Meadow is a peaceful, scenic spot before the final push to the glacier.
• Palisades Glacier: The glacier itself is an awe-inspiring sight. As the southernmost glacier in the U.S., it is nestled beneath the Palisade Crest, a jagged ridgeline of towering peaks, including Mount Sill (14,159 feet) and North Palisade (14,242 feet).

Best Time to Hike:

The best time to hike to Palisades Glacier is during the late spring through early fall, typically June to September. In early summer, snow may still cover parts of the trail, making navigation more difficult. By mid-summer, the snow has usually melted, making the trail more accessible. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer, so it's advisable to start early to avoid being caught in bad weather.

Preparation and Safety Tips:

• Altitude: The hike to Palisades Glacier involves significant elevation gain, reaching over 12,000 feet. Be mindful of altitude sickness and take time to acclimate if needed. Drink plenty of water and take breaks as necessary.
• Navigation: The final section of the trail leading to the glacier is unmarked and requires route-finding skills. Be prepared for rocky terrain, and consider bringing a GPS device, map, and compass.
• Weather: Weather in the Sierra Nevada can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Pack layers, rain gear, and sun protection, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.

Conclusion:

The hike to Palisades Glacier is a challenging but rewarding adventure for experienced hikers. With a total elevation gain of 4,320 feet, the trail offers stunning views of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and the dramatic Palisade Crest. The unique opportunity to visit the southernmost glacier in the United States makes this trek a must-do for those seeking a memorable adventure in the Eastern Sierra Nevada.