Moonlight Falls: A Sierra Nevada Gem
Discover the serene beauty of Moonlight Falls in Bishop, CA: Hike through stunning alpine scenery, past pristine lakes, and witness a picturesque cascade framed by granite peaks in the John Muir Wilderness.
Moonlight Falls, nestled in the Sabrina Basin near Bishop, California, is a captivating cascade framed by dramatic granite peaks. This backcountry waterfall, while not towering, offers a rewarding hiking experience through the John Muir Wilderness. The journey to Moonlight Falls takes you past stunning alpine lakes like Blue Lake and Dingleberry Lake, with options for both day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. The falls themselves provide a picturesque scene, especially during sunrise, making it a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking serene beauty in the Eastern Sierra.
A brief summary to Moonlight Falls
- Bishop, California, 93514, US
Local tips
- Start your hike early to avoid crowds and secure parking, especially during peak season (summer and fall).
- Bring layers of clothing, as the weather in the Sierra Nevada can change rapidly, even in summer.
- Carry plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail beyond Lake Sabrina.
- Consider bringing a water filter, as there are several streams along the trail where you can refill your water bottle.
- Obtain a wilderness permit if you plan to camp overnight, and reserve your permit well in advance, especially for summer weekends.
Getting There
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Driving
From Bishop, CA, head west on CA-168 (Line Street) for approximately 18 miles to Lake Sabrina. The road ends at the Lake Sabrina parking area. From the parking area, walk back down the road approximately 0.3 miles to the Sabrina Basin Trailhead, located on the east side of the road. Parking at Lake Sabrina can be limited, especially during peak season. Arrive early to secure a spot. Overnight parking is available in a dirt lot along Highway 168, about 0.9 miles before the Lake Sabrina day-use parking area. There are no fees for parking.
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Public Transport
While a direct public transportation option to Lake Sabrina is limited, the Bishop Creek Shuttle used to operate seasonally from Bishop to Lake Sabrina. However, it is not running in 2024. Check with Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) for any potential future services or alternative transportation options from Bishop. Private shuttle services are available in Bishop, but costs vary. Contact Sierra Shuttles at (760) 914-2746 for rates and availability. Expect to pay around $100 or more for a round trip.
Discover more about Moonlight Falls
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Moonlight Falls
0.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Moonlight Falls in Bishop, CA: Hike through stunning alpine scenery, past pristine lakes, and witness a picturesque cascade framed by granite peaks in the John Muir Wilderness.
John Muir Wilderness
26.3 km
Discover the majestic John Muir Wilderness in California's Sierra Nevada: hike among towering peaks, pristine lakes, and experience the untamed beauty of the High Sierra.
Bristlecone Pine Information and Historic Landmark
30.7 km
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High Sierra Camp, LLC
48.0 km
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Gamlin Cabin
55.2 km
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Fallen Monarch
55.4 km
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Sierra National Forest
55.7 km
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Patriarch Grove
55.8 km
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Site of Putnam's Cabin (California Historical Landmark No. 223)
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Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
60.9 km
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Shelter Distilling
62.1 km
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Muir Grove
62.1 km
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Pear Lake Winter Hut
62.1 km
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Tokopah Falls
62.2 km
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The Peaks Restaurant
62.8 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Inyo National Forest
33.6 km
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Monarch Wilderness
33.9 km
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Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
36.5 km
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Grizzly Falls
41.4 km
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Grizzly Falls Picnic Area
41.5 km
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Cedar Grove Pack Station
41.7 km
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Boyden Cavern Adventures & Tours LLC.
42.2 km
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Roaring River Falls
42.9 km
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Kings Canyon National Park Scenic Byway
44.8 km
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Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness
46.0 km
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Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center
47.2 km
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Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
52.9 km
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Panoramic Point Overlook
53.4 km
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Jennie Lakes Wilderness
53.8 km
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Panoramic Pt
54.5 km
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Essential places to dine
Mono Hot Springs Resort
38.3 km
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John Muir Lodge
55.3 km
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Grant Grove Restaurant
55.6 km
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Montecito Sequoia Lodge
56.5 km
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Stony Creek Lodge
58.7 km
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Dos Alas CubaRican Café & Lounge
59.5 km
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The Stove
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Mammoth Tavern - Mammoth
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Noodle-Ly
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The Lakefront Restaurant
60.1 km
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The Warming Hut
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Roberto's Cafe
60.4 km
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Bar Sierra
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Good Life Cafe
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Mogul Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Grant Grove Market
55.5 km
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Grant Grove Gift Shop
55.6 km
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Twin Lakes General Store
59.8 km
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Cast-Off
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Tailwaggers Pet Store
60.0 km
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Booky Joint
60.1 km
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Tonik
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ATS Another T-Shirt Shop
60.1 km
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Minaret Village Shopping Center
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Hole in the Wall Brands
60.2 km
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Mammoth Lakes Music
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Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
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Things that youu love
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Mammoth Mall Shopping Center
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Grocery Outlet
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mammoth Rock 'N' Bowl
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Bevi Bene
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Distant Brewing
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The Shed | Wine & Charcuterie
61.2 km
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Black Velvet Coffee Roaster | Espresso & Wine Bar
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Liberty Sports Bar and Grill
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Salsa's
61.6 km
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Mammoth Brewing Company
61.8 km
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Clocktower Cellar
61.9 km
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Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe
62.1 km
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Grizzly Bar
62.3 km
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Basin Bar
62.4 km
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Steeps Bar
63.4 km
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Tusks Bar
64.5 km
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Dry Creek Bar
64.7 km
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