Saddleback Lakes

The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The boat ride has a fee and is approximately 7 minutes each way. You can learn more on the Redfish Lake blog.

Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish Lake Creek trail southwest for approximately 2 mile. At the junction, you're about 100 feet from the stream and you should be able to see the logs on which you will cross the river. The turn off from the main hiking trail to Elephants Perch is also identified as the only time you are close enough to see the river since the start of the trail. The trail becomes easier to follow higher up. The trail follows the base of the slabs beneath the west face of Elephants Perch and then crosses the Saddleback Lakes drainage just before the first lake. The trail is steep and reaches the lowest (of three) Saddleback Lakes in about a mile from the junction (elevation c. 8200 feet).

Good camping spots can be found around these lakes - these spots make for a perfect staging area for climbs on Elephants Perch.

Total approach time is about 2 - 3 hours from the marina.