Hiking

Overview
Map

Hiking along the Mammoth Lakes Trail System offers experiences unique to this part of the Eastern Sierra. From riparian areas to volcanic craters, high-desert sage lands to the world’s largest contiguous Jeffrey pine forest, you can visit a wide variety of landscapes, each with its own charm, simply by slipping on a pair of trail runners or hiking boots. With 6,000 feet of elevation gain possible within the trail system, there’s a challenge for every ability level, so pack your rucksack (see our checklist below) and get ready to explore our neck of the woods the oldest (and most affordable) way possible: by foot!
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Subregions

Activity Checklist

Camera
Compass
Day pack
Energy bars/electrolyte replacement
Hiking boots
Hiking poles
Insect repellent
Map or GPS device
Smartphone
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen/lip protector
Trail-running shoes
Water
Windbreaker/shell

Featured Hiking Experiences

Hiking the Panorama Dome Trail

Starting from Twin lakes Vista, this short, well-rewarded hike is aptly named for its panoramic views of the area and also feels pleasantly removed from the busier parts of the Lakes Basin.

Difficulty Rating:: ◉
Duration:: Less than 4 hours

Hiking to Crystal Lake

This hike is known for outstanding views of the pristine alpine lakes of the Lakes Basin.

Difficulty Rating:: ▣
Duration:: Less than 4 hours

East of town and at a lower elevation, the trail to Sherwin Lakes is less crowded than those of the Lakes Basin and is one of the first to melt out of its winter blanket to host an array of wildflowers and birds.

Difficulty Rating:: ▣
Duration:: Less than 4 hours

All Hiking Experiences

Hiking around Sotcher Lake - Adaptive Option

1.4 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Soil,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking from Lake George to TJ and Barrett Lakes

1.5 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Sand,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking from Minaret Vista to Starkweather Lake

2.5 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Soil,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking the Horseshoe Lake Loop - Adaptive Option

1.8 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Mixed,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking the Panorama Dome Trail

1.8 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Soil,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking the Sierra Crest from Minaret Vista to Deadman Pass

4.1 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Soil,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking the Town Loop to Sherwins Vista - Adaptive Option

1.9 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking the Town Loop to Sherwins Vista and the Hayden Cabin Museum - Adaptive Option

2.5 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Mixed,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking to Crystal Lake

2.7 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Soil,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking to Minaret Vista - Adaptive Option

3.0 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Soil,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking to Sherwin Lakes

4.3 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Soil,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Hiking to TJ Lake - Adaptive Option

1.5 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Soil,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking on Sierra Park Road and Old Mammoth Road

2.0 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Horseshoe Lake Loop

1.8 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Mixed,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Horseshoe Lake Loop Out and Back

1.0 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Sand,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Lakes Basin Path at Twin Lakes

1.3 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Lakes Basin Path from Horseshoe Lake to Lake Mary

2.1 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Shady Rest Path

1.6 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Town Loop and Chateau Road

0.7 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Town Loop and Manzanita Street

1.6 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Town Loop and the College Connector

2.1 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Town Loop and the Lodestar Connector

1.2 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Town Loop from the Sherwin Street Bridge

0.8 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Town Loop from the Sherwin Street Bridge to Eagle Lodge

1.3 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Walking the Town Loop to Sherwins Vista

1.9 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

All Hiking Experiences

Experience	Rating	Length (mi)	Surface	Duration
Hiking around Sotcher Lake - Adaptive Option	▣	1.4	Soil	Less than 4 hours
Hiking from Lake George to TJ and Barrett Lakes	◉	1.5	Sand	Less than 4 hours
Hiking from Minaret Vista to Starkweather Lake	◉	2.5	Soil	Less than 4 hours
Hiking the Horseshoe Lake Loop - Adaptive Option	◉	1.8	Mixed	Less than 4 hours
Hiking the Panorama Dome Trail	◉	1.8	Soil	Less than 4 hours
Hiking the Sierra Crest from Minaret Vista to Deadman Pass	▣	4.1	Soil	Less than 4 hours
Hiking the Town Loop to Sherwins Vista - Adaptive Option	◉	1.9	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Hiking the Town Loop to Sherwins Vista and the Hayden Cabin Museum - Adaptive Option	◉	2.5	Mixed	Less than 4 hours
Hiking to Crystal Lake	▣	2.7	Soil	Less than 4 hours
Hiking to Minaret Vista - Adaptive Option	▣	3.0	Soil	Less than 4 hours
Hiking to Sherwin Lakes	▣	4.3	Soil	Less than 4 hours
Hiking to TJ Lake - Adaptive Option	▣	1.5	Soil	Less than 4 hours
Walking on Sierra Park Road and Old Mammoth Road	◉	2.0	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Horseshoe Lake Loop	▣	1.8	Mixed	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Horseshoe Lake Loop Out and Back	▣	1.0	Sand	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Lakes Basin Path at Twin Lakes	▣	1.3	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Lakes Basin Path from Horseshoe Lake to Lake Mary	▣	2.1	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Shady Rest Path	◉	1.6	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Town Loop and Chateau Road	◉	0.7	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Town Loop and Manzanita Street	◉	1.6	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Town Loop and the College Connector	◉	2.1	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Town Loop and the Lodestar Connector	◉	1.2	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Town Loop from the Sherwin Street Bridge	◉	0.8	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Town Loop from the Sherwin Street Bridge to Eagle Lodge	◉	1.3	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Walking the Town Loop to Sherwins Vista	◉	1.9	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours

All Hiking Trails

Agnew Meadow - Pumice Flat

2.4 mi

Surface: Soil

Agnew Wildflower Loop

0.6 mi

Surface: Soil

Anona Lake Trail

1.5 mi

Surface: Soil

Arrowhead Lake Trail

0.3 mi

Surface: Soil

Beck Lake Trail

5.3 mi

Surface: Soil

Black Bear Run

0.9 mi

Surface: None

Coldwater-George Trail

2.9 mi

Surface: Sand

Convict Creek Trail

7.1 mi

Surface: Soil

Convict Lake Loop

2.0 mi

Surface: Soil

Crystal Lake Trail

0.3 mi

Surface: Sand

Deer Creek Trail

3.6 mi

Surface: Soil

Dog Boulder Trail

0.2 mi

Surface: None

Dragon's Back Trail

3.0 mi

Surface: Soil

Duck Pass Trail

5.5 mi

Surface: Mixed

Earthquake Fault Trail

0.2 mi

Surface: Mixed

Emerald Lake - Skelton Lake Trail

1.2 mi

Surface: Soil

Emily Lake Trail

1.6 mi

Surface: Soil

Fern Lake Trail

4.3 mi

Surface: Soil

Fish Creek Trail

18.9 mi

Surface: Soil

Heart Lake Trail

1.1 mi

Surface: Soil

High Trail

7.0 mi

Surface: Soil

Horseshoe Lake Loop

1.5 mi

Surface: Soil

Horseshoe Woods

0.8 mi

Surface: None

Hot Creek Trail

0.2 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Inyo Craters Trail

0.8 mi

Surface: Soil

Lakefront Path

0.3 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Lakes Basin Path

5.3 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Laurel Lakes - Edith Lake Trail

4.2 mi

Surface: Soil

Library College Connector

0.7 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Lodestar Connector

0.5 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Main Street Connector

0.4 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Mamie Woods

0.6 mi

Surface: None

Mammoth Crest Trail

7.2 mi

Surface: Soil

Mammoth Mountain - Mammoth Pass Trail

1.1 mi

Surface: Soil

Mammoth Mountain Trail

3.9 mi

Surface: Soil

Mammoth Pack Station Trail

1.7 mi

Surface: Soil

Mammoth Pass - Crater Meadow Trail

3.6 mi

Surface: Soil

Mammoth Pass Trail

4.1 mi

Surface: Soil

Mammoth Rock Trail

2.6 mi

Surface: Soil

Mammoth Rock Trail Connector

0.9 mi

Surface: Soil

McGee Pass Trail

14.3 mi

Surface: Soil

McLeod Lake Spur

0.4 mi

Surface: Soil

Meadow Trail

1.0 mi

Surface: Mixed

Meadow Trail Connector

1.6 mi

Surface: None

Meridian Connector

1.0 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Minaret Lake Trail

5.1 mi

Surface: Soil

Minaret Vista Loop

0.2 mi

Surface: Soil

Minaret Vista Trail

1.2 mi

Surface: Soil

Mountain View Trail

5.3 mi

Surface: Soil

Panorama Dome Mountain Bike Trail

1.0 mi

Surface: Soil

Panorama Dome Trail

0.3 mi

Surface: Soil

Panorama Mountain Bike Loop

0.8 mi

Surface: Soil

Pika Lake Trail

1.0 mi

Surface: Soil

Pumice Butte Trail

1.9 mi

Surface: Soil

Rainbow Falls Trail

1.7 mi

Surface: Soil

Red Cones Cutoff

1.3 mi

Surface: Soil

Rim Trail

1.5 mi

Surface: Soil

River Trail

6.1 mi

Surface: Soil

Seven Lakes Point Loop

0.6 mi

Surface: Soil

Shadow Creek Trail

7.8 mi

Surface: Soil

Shady Rest Path

0.8 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Sherwin Lakes Trail

3.0 mi

Surface: Sand

Sherwins Winter Trails

1.2 mi

Surface: Snow

Sierra Park Connector

0.3 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Sky Meadows Trail

1.6 mi

Surface: Soil

Sotcher Lake Feeder

0.8 mi

Surface: Soil

Sotcher Lake Loop

1.5 mi

Surface: Soil

Sotcher Lake - Mammoth Pass Trail

0.8 mi

Surface: Soil

Starkweather Trail

2.5 mi

Surface: Soil

Summit Meadow - Holcomb Lake Cutoff

1.5 mi

Surface: Soil

TJ Lake Loop

0.3 mi

Surface: Soil

Town Loop

7.8 mi

Surface: Asphalt

Upper Crater Meadows Trail

2.6 mi

Surface: Soil

Valentine Lake Trail

4.6 mi

Surface: Sand

Woods Lake Trail

1.0 mi

Surface: Soil

All Hiking Trails

Trail	Length (mi)	Surface
Agnew Meadow - Pumice Flat	2.4	Soil
Agnew Wildflower Loop	0.6	Soil
Anona Lake Trail	1.5	Soil
Arrowhead Lake Trail	0.3	Soil
Beck Lake Trail	5.3	Soil
Black Bear Run	0.9
Coldwater-George Trail	2.9	Sand
Convict Creek Trail	7.1	Soil
Convict Lake Loop	2.0	Soil
Crystal Lake Trail	0.3	Sand
Deer Creek Trail	3.6	Soil
Dog Boulder Trail	0.2
Dragon's Back Trail	3.0	Soil
Duck Pass Trail	5.5	Mixed
Earthquake Fault Trail	0.2	Mixed
Emerald Lake - Skelton Lake Trail	1.2	Soil
Emily Lake Trail	1.6	Soil
Fern Lake Trail	4.3	Soil
Fish Creek Trail	18.9	Soil
Heart Lake Trail	1.1	Soil
High Trail	7.0	Soil
Horseshoe Lake Loop	1.5	Soil
Horseshoe Woods	0.8
Hot Creek Trail	0.2	Asphalt
Inyo Craters Trail	0.8	Soil
Lakefront Path	0.3	Asphalt
Lakes Basin Path	5.3	Asphalt
Laurel Lakes - Edith Lake Trail	4.2	Soil
Library College Connector	0.7	Asphalt
Lodestar Connector	0.5	Asphalt
Main Street Connector	0.4	Asphalt
Mamie Woods	0.6
Mammoth Crest Trail	7.2	Soil
Mammoth Mountain - Mammoth Pass Trail	1.1	Soil
Mammoth Mountain Trail	3.9	Soil
Mammoth Pack Station Trail	1.7	Soil
Mammoth Pass - Crater Meadow Trail	3.6	Soil
Mammoth Pass Trail	4.1	Soil
Mammoth Rock Trail	2.6	Soil
Mammoth Rock Trail Connector	0.9	Soil
McGee Pass Trail	14.3	Soil
McLeod Lake Spur	0.4	Soil
Meadow Trail	1.0	Mixed
Meadow Trail Connector	1.6
Meridian Connector	1.0	Asphalt
Minaret Lake Trail	5.1	Soil
Minaret Vista Loop	0.2	Soil
Minaret Vista Trail	1.2	Soil
Mountain View Trail	5.3	Soil
Panorama Dome Mountain Bike Trail	1.0	Soil
Panorama Dome Trail	0.3	Soil
Panorama Mountain Bike Loop	0.8	Soil
Pika Lake Trail	1.0	Soil
Pumice Butte Trail	1.9	Soil
Rainbow Falls Trail	1.7	Soil
Red Cones Cutoff	1.3	Soil
Rim Trail	1.5	Soil
River Trail	6.1	Soil
Seven Lakes Point Loop	0.6	Soil
Shadow Creek Trail	7.8	Soil
Shady Rest Path	0.8	Asphalt
Sherwin Lakes Trail	3.0	Sand
Sherwins Winter Trails	1.2	Snow
Sierra Park Connector	0.3	Asphalt
Sky Meadows Trail	1.6	Soil
Sotcher Lake Feeder	0.8	Soil
Sotcher Lake Loop	1.5	Soil
Sotcher Lake - Mammoth Pass Trail	0.8	Soil
Starkweather Trail	2.5	Soil
Summit Meadow - Holcomb Lake Cutoff	1.5	Soil
TJ Lake Loop	0.3	Soil
Town Loop	7.8	Asphalt
Upper Crater Meadows Trail	2.6	Soil
Valentine Lake Trail	4.6	Sand
Woods Lake Trail	1.0	Soil

Hiking

Subregions

Activity Checklist

Featured Hiking Experiences

All Hiking Experiences

All Hiking Experiences

All Hiking Trails

All Hiking Trails