Sphinx Lakes in Kings Canyon

Above the lowest Sphinx Lake you can admire the tremendous setting this lake is situated in. Camping here does not get much better, and neither do the views. There IS better, but not by much... Far across Kings Canyon you can see parts of the Monarch Divide and The Cirque Crest, the subject of the next Sierra Trails.

A Sierra Jewel

Climbing above the lake you begin to get spectacular unobstructed views down-canyon and the divides beyond...

Soon the route is back into trees and shade for the slog upward. The east side if Sphinx Creek may be the preferred route.