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Dispersed Camping

Silver Pass Lake Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Silver Pass Lake Dispersed is located near rugged terrain with elevations that offer varied landscapes. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during cooler months to highs in the 80s during warmer seasons. Nearby, visitors can explore the John Muir Wilderness and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

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Location

Silver Pass Lake Dispersed is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.45929678 N
118.92068655 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Silver Pass Lake Dispersed needs a permit.

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General Info


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4.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2018

High Altitude, not easy to get to

Silver Pass Lake, on mile 80.5 of the southbound trek of the John Muir Trail, sits at 10,350 feet. It is located about 1/2 a mile below Silver Pass which is at 10,900 feet. As you descend the pass you see two lakes, one on each side of the trail. The one to the left is closer but much smaller and not the one you want. Continue on down and to the right Silver Pass Lake will open up to you. The trail takes you closer to the first lake and honestly there's not a great way to just walk over to Silver Pass, you have to go off trail but it's over grassy, rocky meadow so it's not difficult and with no trees there's nothing blocking your view of were you need to go. You will find that once you're by the lake there are flat areas of gravely rock with which to pitch your tent, tarp, pad, etc. Most spots have several medium sized rocks lying around which make for great tent holders if you go ultralight with no stakes. These gravely sites are located all along the trail side of the lake and if you prefer privacy and there are others present just keep walking down the lake. The area is surrounded by mountains so the sun sets early and it is cooler at the higher elevation but if you're like us and hiking from Duck Pass that day you don't care. It's an exhausting trip up and over the pass. The lake is crystal clear, cold and filled with beautiful lake trout. There are no fires at this elevation so prepare to boil water, cook, etc with your backpacking stove. The water is drinkable with a filter. The area is open so you have to walk a bit to find privacy for digging your bathroom hole. We enjoyed this camp spot under clear skies and were rewarded with stunning starry skies and a bit of aurora.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Silver Pass Lake Dispersed by Steph H., September 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Pass Lake Dispersed by Steph H., September 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Silver Pass Lake Dispersed by Steph H., September 16, 2018
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Silver Pass near Silver Lake camping?

Silver Pass has an elevation of 10,900 feet, while Silver Pass Lake sits at 10,350 feet. The pass represents one of the high points along this section of the John Muir Trail, with Silver Pass Lake located approximately half a mile below the pass itself. This high-elevation terrain offers spectacular alpine views and access to multiple lakes in the surrounding area.

Is Silver Pass Lake accessible from Silver Lake dispersed camping?

Silver Pass Lake is accessible from the John Muir Trail (JMT) at approximately mile 80.5 when hiking southbound. While not directly accessible from Silver Lake dispersed camping, hikers can reach Silver Pass Lake by following the JMT over Silver Pass. The lake is located about half a mile below Silver Pass itself, making it a moderate hike for most experienced backcountry campers. The lake becomes visible during the descent from the pass.

Where is Silver Lake dispersed camping located in California?

Silver Lake dispersed camping is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, near the John Muir Trail. It sits in the Sierra National Forest area, accessible from trailheads that connect to the JMT. The camping area provides access to high-elevation alpine terrain and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding wilderness, including routes toward Silver Pass. For specific directions, check with the Sierra National Forest ranger station.