Dlhca via Shutterstock.
Located in the region popularly known as “Little Patagonia,” this mesmerizing wonder of nature has been sitting quietly in this remote corner of California as a truly one-of-a-kind geological rarity for thousands of years.
Sitting in the northeast side of the Palisades within the John Muir Wilderness in the central Sierra Nevada, and spanning a modest area of 0.31 square miles, the Palisades Glacier is officially the southernmost permanent glacier in all of North America.
The Palisades Glacier lies on steep slopes that reach elevations around 14,000 feet. The glacier slowly moves downhill, feeding cold meltwater into nearby streams during the warmer months, creating a turquoise-colored lake. Although it’s small compared to glaciers in other colder regions of the world, it’s beauty still unmatched, partially because of its particular locations, just a few hours from SoCal.
As is often the case with this type of mountainous and high-altitude landscapes, the best and safest time to visit is during the summer months, from May to early October. This is due to the absence of snowstorms, low temperatures, and harsh conditions.
Via Wiki Commons.
According to the hiking specialist site Backpacker, the best way to reach Palisade Glacier is by starting at Big Pine Creek Overnight Parking. From there, you can complete a round-trip hike in one day, as the trail doesn’t have many technical sections.
You’ll follow the well-known Palisade Glacier Trail (available on most hiking apps), passing First, Second, and finally Third Lake. Almost precisely at the 6-mile mark, you’ll see a sign directing you toward the glacier. About thirty-five minutes later, you’ll arrive at the stunning glacier valley.
The total length of this route is about 14 miles round-trip, with 4,000 feet of elevation gain over rocky terrain, according to All Trails. You can bring your dog as long as it’s on a leash. If you’re ready for this adventure, prepare to take in stunning views and beautiful lakes as you tackle steep climbs and some snowy patches. Just be sure to start early and bring plenty of water and snacks.