Unbelievable Views! 3 Days in the Twenty Lakes Basin

Join me and my friend Emily (  / backcountryemily  ) on a 3-day backpacking adventure through the Twenty Lakes Basin Loop Trail near Saddlebag Lake in the Eastern Sierra's Hoover Wilderness. Over Labor Day weekend, we explored alpine lakes, trekked up to Secret Lake, and attempted to scramble toward McCabe Pass (spoiler: we didn't make it to the actual pass), where we found stunning views into Yosemite Wilderness. Originally planned as a different Sierra trip, this journey became an unforgettable Plan B -- proof that the mountains always have a way of working things out. From crowded campsites to peaceful lake mornings, this loop is full of challenges and rewards. If you’re looking for an epic backpacking trip in California or wondering what it’s like to hike the Twenty Lakes Basin Loop, this video will give you trail inspiration, route highlights, and breathtaking Sierra scenery. ⚠️ Please always remember to follow LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES. Because this is a low effort high reward, non-quota permit trail, it attracts A LOT of people. We saw so many individuals on this trail camped inappropriately, young children purposefully tearing up established trails to create mud graffiti, and even a few people playing loud music from speakers or instruments they packed in. ✅ Plan Ahead and Prepare – Know the regulations, weather, and terrain. – Pack the right gear and maps, and travel in small groups when possible. 🥾Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Stick to established trails and campsites. – Camp at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from lakes and streams. 💩 Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack it in, pack it out. – Pack out all trash, leftover food, and toilet paper. – Use a cathole (6–8 inches deep, 200 feet from water) or a pack-out system where required. 🍃 Leave What You Find – Preserve natural and cultural features. – Don’t pick wildflowers, take rocks, or carve into trees. 🔥 Minimize Campfire Impacts – Use a camp stove for cooking. – Where fires are permitted, keep them small and in established fire rings. – Burn only small sticks and completely extinguish before leaving. 🐻 Respect Wildlife – Observe from a distance, never feed animals. – Store food securely and keep pets under control. 🤫 Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Keep noise down, yield to others on the trail, and respect quiet and solitude. 📍 Shot on Native Nüümü (Northern Paiute) Land Jump Ahead: 00:00 - Intro 02:43 - Hiking the Saddlebag Lake Loop 04:02 - Camp Night 01 06:40 - Morning Views 07:33 - Adventuring to Secret Lake & McCabe Pass 10:49 - Camp Night 02 13:46 - Final Morning 14:55 - Closing Thoughts ✨ More trails, photos, and adventures on the blog: https://www.hikeology-la.com 📸 Follow along on Instagram:   / hikeology   🧭 Get 30% Off AllTrails: https://alltrails.pxf.io/c/3574867/20... ⛺️ Gear: Gregory Amber 55L Backpack https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/jqA... Big Agnes Copper Spur UL Tent https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/S8H... Nemo Disco 15º Sleep Bag https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/gUL... Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/abf... MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/67k... BearVault BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/TUQ... Goodr Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/l2Y... 🍕Food: Peak Refuel Mountain Berry Cobbler https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/... LMNT Electrolytes https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/... Verve Instant Coffee https://rei.rockporch.com/prdlink/UUM... Clif Builder Bars https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/... 📷 Equipment: Sony Alpha A7ii https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/... Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/... DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro https://amazon.rockporch.com/prdlink/... Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my adventures!