Did a single overnight backpacking trip with a small group of friends. This is a gorgeous area, and was perfect for us as the weather was rainy on the west side and in the mountains, but sunny and warm over here (I couldn't resist one last chance for shorts and a t-shirt!). I read that others said "impossible to get lost" and I would disagree with that. I'm generally quite good with directions and I was very thankful that I had downloaded the AllTrails map of this area. There are dozens of intersecting trails and having GPS kept us from having to scout/back track too much.
We arrived at the lower trailhead (since I read in other reviews you can't park overnight at the upper trailhead, although I did not actually confirm this). We hiked in and stayed right to veer towards Dusty Lake (if you stay left, you'll go to ancient lake). We kept going south, and passed a large cliff to our left, then curved left to walk along the south side of that mesa. You soon approach Dusty lake- gorgeous! With towering, banded cliffs and sage brush surrounding you. There were a couple groups set up on this end of the lake. We went left and followed the trail around Dusty Lake, although "trail" is a loose term, as you do have to clamor over large boulders to skirt the edge of the lake here.
We set up camp on that side of the lake and had an incredible view and the area all to ourselves. Estimated only about 3 miles ish to get into this point. We scampered up the cliff on a primitive trail to see the sunset from the cliff top.
The next day instead of going back, we continued past Dusty lake, then hooked back north (left) and dropped down into the ancient lakes area, then continued back to the lower parking lot, an estimated 4.5-5 miles that day. personally I preferred Dusty Lake to Ancient Lake, especially for camping, but there's tons of space in the whole area for dispersed camping spots.
We brought in all our water, and we did see people fishing at Dusty Lake. Fires are allowed at this time of year, but we didn't want to carry in wood, and there's nothing to collect to burn. We saw one snake, it was right on the trail, but not a rattle snake. I believe it was a Bull snake (also called Gopher snake). Heads up this is also a popular trail for horseback riders, so be sure to yield to horse groups.
Overall a super fun trip in a beautiful place! As someone who typically recreates in alpine, green places, I thoroughly enjoyed being in a completely different ecosystem.
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