Backpacking to Hungry Packer Lake, Midnight Lake, and Moonlight Falls in the Sabrina Basin area of the Eastern Sierra is about 15 miles. The trail starts at the popular Sabrina Basin south-west of the town of Bishop, CA. This trail gains roughly 2,700 ft of elevation and is rated as a challenging. Many day hikers and backpackers choose to end their trek about 3 miles in at Blue Lake. After that stop, the number of people will get less and less. This out and back trail has several offshoots you can choose to extend your trip. The Sabrina Basin area is incredible and worth the additional time if you can manage it.
Permits
Permits are required for all overnight trips in Eastern Sierra’s, including backpacking to Hungry Packer Lake and Midnight Lakes, and can be reserved via recreation.gov
60% of permits are released on a first come first served basis 6 months ahead of your start date (so for June 4th, you would book January 4th), and the other 40% are released 2 weeks prior at 7am. Typically, most of the permits we get are using the 2 weeks ahead booking, but we were able to get 4 permits to hike this trail via Outdoor Status!
Check for your desired backpacking dates above on Outdoor Status or sign up to receive a push alert to your phone if your desired dates become available.
Trail Information
↟ Food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear proof containers or counter balanced. Beyond Blue Lake, bear containers are the only practical way to store food due to the lack of tall trees.
↟ Campfires are not allowed above 10,400ft in Sabrina Basin, which means no fires- period- at or after Blue Lake.
↟ Parking can be difficult at the trailhead so make sure you arrive early. There is overnight parking a few miles before the trailhead at Sabrina Lake. This area will be busy on weekends through peak season so plan accordingly!
↟ Storms are frequent in this area of the Sierra throughout the season. Make sure to check weather before you head out. Areas of this trail can be quite exposed on rocky terrain.
↟ Choose a campsite at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, or trails and where the ground can handle the impact of a tent. It is very important to do this in order to protect fragile ecosystems.
↟ Recreate Responsibly, and Leave No Trace. Stay on trail, don’t cut switchbacks, pack out your TP and trash, and be a good nature-loving individual.
Trail Report
Trip Dates: July 12th-13th, 2024
Total Mileage: 15 miles
Trail Type: Out-and-Back
Trailhead: Sabrina Basin
Our adventure began mid-morning on Saturday with a mix of excitement and vigilance as we closely monitored the weather forecast. The looming storms added a layer of preparation to our trip into this stunning yet unpredictable section of the Sierra. Our group of four, including myself, Reid, our friends Meghan and Caleb, and Caleb’s new pup, Tilly, was eager to explore. I was especially looking forward to photographing Moonlight Falls, while the guys packed fishing rods to enjoy some quiet time by the water. Tilly, outfitted with her own little backpack and an endless supply of treats, was ready for her first overnight hike.
During our first few miles backpacking to Hungry Packer Lake, we came to Blue Lake. The initial ascent into Blue Lake were smooth and lively, with a steady stream of day hikers passing us, many staking out scenic spots around Sabrina Lake to enjoy the warm weekend. Blue Lake proved to be a popular destination, and the sprinkling rain prompted several backpackers to set up camp there for the night. The short hike makes it a perfect spot for beginners looking for a great first backpacking trip.
We paused at Blue Lake for lunch, letting Tilly rest while we adjusted our packs for the rain. As we donned our rain jackets, the trail ahead quieted dramatically. The gentle incline took us higher into the basin, and the storm held off, gifting us a peaceful, atmospheric hike.
Reaching the upper basin, Moonlight Falls came into view, its cascades glistening against the darkening clouds. Following the creeks up, we arrived at Hungry Packer Lake to find the area unexpectedly empty. The campsites on the lake’s left side offered breathtaking views of Picture Peak, and the cool, rainy weather kept mosquitoes mercifully at bay. I had recently upgraded my rain jacket to a proper GORETEX from Marmot. Between the rain, wind, and mosquitos, I was extremely glad I had it at the ready.
Setting up camp became a dance with the rain, darting in and out of tents to stay dry. I set up the awning on our Big Agnes Copper Spur to give myself a cover while heating up dinner. A Backpacker Pantry Chicken and Dumplings hit the spot like a warm soup on a rainy day. While the boys fished along the nearby creek, Meghan and I prepared a warm dinner to enjoy in our shelters. Meanwhile, Tilly, undeterred by her earlier exhaustion, switched from a nap to energetic zoomies along the water’s edge. When the rain briefly eased, I took the chance to explore and capture the landscape, though the storm soon sent us all back to our tents for a wet and restless night.
The next morning was a welcome sight. The sun peeked out, offering just enough warmth to dry our rain-soaked gear before we began the trek back. With clearer skies, we decided to spend time at Moonlight Falls, where the boys fished while we admired the cascading water. What started as a brief stop turned into hours of relaxation, the serene beauty making it hard to leave.
As the day wore on, the storm clouds returned, rumbling ominously. Leaving Moonlight Falls later than planned proved risky as the storm intensified, drenching the canyon behind us with each passing mile. Tilly grew nervous, and so did we as we navigated the exposed sections of trail as quickly as possible. Though the fast descent was stressful, we couldn’t regret the time spent soaking in the quiet magic of the falls.
By the time we reached the parking lot, we were muddy, tired, and grateful. A quick goodbye to Meghan and a speedy gear toss into the truck led us straight to Bishop for well-deserved beers and burgers—a satisfying end to a great trip in the Sierra.
Have any questions or comments about this trail? Leave them below!
Happy Hikin’!
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