Starting from Horseshoe Lake, this trail begins with a short climb to McLeod Lake, a popular destination for fishermen and families located in the saddle below Mammoth Pass. Rounding the lake's north shore, the trail leaves the majority of day hikers behind as it enters the Ansel Adams Wilderness, descending gradually south and west along the contours of the backside of the Mammoth Crest to Crater Meadow and a junction with the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail.