This rewarding, easy, short hike leads you through one of the northernmost lake basins in the Sierra Nevada. The Silver Lake cirque is a broad, mile-wide, ice-sculpted bowl spread out below Spanish Peak and the Sierra crest. The cirque contains numerous small lakes and tarns and is dominated by an expanse of glacier-polished bedrock. The trail from Silver Lake to Gold Lake is well worn and easy to follow, with only a few moderately steep grades.

We found the hike accessible enough that our dog had no trouble with the terrain, though the high elevation means you’ll want to bring plenty of water for both of you. The panoramic vistas unfold gradually as you make your way toward Gold Lake, with views stretching across the crest and down into the basin. The landscape feels genuinely remote despite the relatively easy access—we didn’t encounter many other hikers on our visit mid-summer.

Gold Lake itself is deep and cold, which makes sense given its glacial origins. The water is clear enough to see the rocky bottom in many spots, and if you’re willing to take the plunge, late summer temperatures become slightly more tolerable. The lake also has a reputation for fair fishing if that interests you.

If you’re looking for a side trip and don’t mind a more challenging scramble, Rock Lake sits nearby as a small rockbound tarn. The trail to it is considerably steeper and more rugged than the main route, but the rocky shoreline does offer better diving opportunities if that’s your priority. Most of us stuck with the easier Gold Lake trail, which gives you plenty of payoff without the extra effort. The whole hike moves at a comfortable pace, making it a solid choice for an afternoon in the high country. Bring a hat—the elevation and exposed bedrock mean very little shade along the way.