Watchtower Route to Emerald Lake

This trail starts at the Wolverton parking lot at the Lakes Trail trailhead. Make sure you utilize the bear boxes to rid your car of any food and scented items as it is an active bear area. Your climb starts at 7,720 feet and you come almost immediately to a junction, which you should follow to the right. The steady uphill has very few switchbacks as you walk along a ridge line surrounded by trees. At 1.75 miles you reach your second junction, taking the left fork. (The trail to the right takes you to Panther Gap, which would lead you to Alta Peak if you desire.)

In just over a quarter mile you will reach your third junction. To the right you have the Hump Trail. If you take this route you will find yourself meandering through the woods, crossing creeks and surrounded by wildlife. If you are an acrophobe, it would be best to take this route. However, I recommend taking the Watchtower Trail to the left. Not because it is the less steep of the two options, but because the views are absolutely spectacular!

The Watchtower Trail follows some switchbacks up the mountain side, creating a gradual ascent to The Watchtower (8,890 feet). You cannot miss this point in the trail because of the stunning views of the Tokopah Valley below. From here you will follow a trail along the cliff the majority of the way to Heather Lake. If heights are an issue for you, be warned, it is an expansive view of the valley far below. At the end of the exposed section of trail you reenter the forest as the Hump Trail and Watchtower Trail reconnect to form a loop. Just around the corner is the first of three alpine lakes: Heather Lake, just 3.75 miles from the trailhead.

Heather Lake (9,262 feet) is tucked into a bowl and requires a short jaunt off trail to see her in all her glory. Trust me, you will appreciate the slightly off trail excursion. Once back on trail you wrap around the northwestern edge and over the outlet. From here you continue your climb over the next ridge. Within a mile you will get a bird's eye view of Aster Lake. The trail will take you down a few switchbacks to your final junction, 4.7 miles from the trailhead. Take the trail to the right and proceed along the network of trails south through the campsites and over the rocks.

Emerald Lake (9,246 feet) is situated in a bowl off of the northwest face of Alta Peak. This absolutely stunning lake is surrounded by granite peaks and is a welcoming place to swim. On the north side of the lake there is a submerged ledge that drops off into an abyss. It is an awesome experience to be treading water above a dark chasm.

If you would like to extend your hike another mile you can go to Pear Lake, which is another lake at the northern base of Alta Peak. Return to the junction just past the toilet at Emerald Lake and follow it around the eastern edge of the cirque. Halfway along this extension of the trail will bring you to the Pear Lake Ski Hut, which is a great place to stay (with a reservation) if you are skiing/snowboarding/snowshoeing in the winter. It is a historical site, built between 1939 and 1941 and is located at 8,712 feet. Continue past the hut into another cirque where Pear Lake is situated 5.75 miles from the trailhead.

This is an out and back route, so make sure you have enough time to make the return to your car before the sun goes down, or bring a headlamp. If you are out after sunset, this is a beautiful place to stargaze. Happy adventures!