15 Best Hikes In Inyo National Forest, California

1. Crystal Lake Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 3.2 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 840 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes
• Google Map Location: Crystal Lake Trailhead
• AllTrails Route: Crystal Lake Trail

Crystal Lake Trail is one of the most popular day hikes in Mammoth Lakes Basin. While this trail is guaranteed to be crowded, it makes up for it with the stellar views!

Crystal Lake Trailhead starts by the Lake George campground. This is a very busy area so I recommend arriving early in the morning to get a parking spot.

The hike is only 3.2 miles long out and back but it can be pretty challenging due to the 840 feet elevation gain and the altitude. During the hike, you’ll be able to stop at a viewpoint that overlooks Lake George and Lake Mary from up top.

The hike ends at an alpine lake. The water at Crystal Lake is very clean and clear earning it’s fitting name. In the summer you can bring a bathing suit and jump in to cool off but be warned that the lake water here is freezing cold!

2. Barney Lake Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 5.1 miles long out and back
• Elevation Gain: Around 1,160 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes, this trail is dog-friendly
• Google Map Location: Duck Pass Trailhead
• AllTrails Route: Barney Lake Trail

Barney Lake Trail is one of my favorite day hikes in Mammoth Lakes. I’ve done this hike multiple times over the past few years and I always discover something new along this route!

Barney Lake Trail starts at the Duck Pass Trailhead in Mammoth Lakes Basin. Along this trail, you can visit multiple lakes including:

• Emerald Lake
• Arrowhead Lake
• Skelton Lake
• Barney Lake

The trail ends at the stunning Barney Lake which looks turquoise on a bright, sunny day. There is some space along the lake’s shoreline where you can rest, eat a snack, and dip your toes into the (icy) alpine water before heading back.

The entire Barney Lake Trail is 5.1 miles long out and back. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can keep going to Duck Lake and Pika Lake for a total of 10-mile round-trip hike. 

3. Mount Whitney Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 21.2 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 6,663 feet
• Difficulty: Very hard
• Dogs Allowed?: No
• Google Map Location: Mt. Whitney Trailhead
• AllTrails Route: Mount Whitney Trail

Mount Whitney Trail is one of the hardest trails in California. This strenuous hike requires a lot of prep, permits, and a possible overnight stay at one of the two campsites along the trail.

Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48 States. This is a highly popular hike that attracts hikers from all over the world who want to tackle this challenging mountain peak.

The trail gains over 6,600 feet of elevation gain in high altitudes. The altitude makes it much more difficult since the air is thinner the higher you go.  

The hike passes meadows and several alpine lakes including Lone Pine Lake, Mirror Lake, and Consultation Lake. The last section climbs up rocky switchbacks along a ridgeline that ends at the 14,505-foot tall summit.

4. Convict Lake Loop

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 2.5 mile long loop
• Elevation Gain: 180 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes 
• Google Map Location: Convict Lake Trail
• AllTrails Route: Convict Lake Loop

Convict Lake Trail is one of the most beautiful Inyo National Forest hikes to do year-round. I’ve done this hike in the summer and it is truly spectacular!

The 2.5-mile-long Convict Lake Loop travels around the entire Convict Lake. This trail is fairly flat so it’s a great choice for families with kids.

Many people visit Convict Lake in the summer to do a bit of camping, fishing, and boating. In the fall this is a great place to enjoy fall colors that stand out against the vibrant, turquoise lake color.

5. Big Pine Lakes Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 14.7 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 3841 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes
• Google Map Location: Big Pine Lakes
• AllTrails Route: Big Pine Lakes Trail

Big Pine Lakes Trail is one of the most gorgeous hikes within Inyo National Forest. We backpacked this trail a few years back but you can also do it as a (very) long day hike.

This strenuous hike leads to seven alpine lakes that are turquoise in color from the glacier silt. Because this trail is so long, most people only make it to the first few lakes.

We hiked this trail in early June when only the first three lakes were accessible. On our trip we brought our dog along and enjoyed camping overnight at Lake #2.

With the pristine water color and towering mountains as the backdrop, this is truly one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the Sierra Nevada Mountains!

Hiking Tip: If you plan to hike this trail for the day, you don’t need a permit. But if you plan to camp overnight, you will need to obtain a backpacking permit on Recreation.gov here.

6. McGee Creek To Horsetail Creek

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 3.6 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: Around 700 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes, this trail is dog-friendly
• Google Map Location: McGee Creek Trailhead 
• AllTrails Route: McGee Creek to Horsetail Creek

McGee Creek Trail is one of the best hikes to do in Mammoth Lakes in the fall season. We hiked this trail in early October when the entire valley was covered with yellow and orange-colored trees.

The trailhead for McGee Creek Trail is located about a 25-minute drive south of Mammoth Lakes town. This is a moderate out-and-back hike but you can also do a shorter portion of it, especially if you plan to hike with little kids.

This trail goes to Horsetail Creek for 1.8 miles, at which point we stopped for a lunch break and turned around. If you’re looking for a longer day hike, you can also keep going along McGee Pass Trail.

Read Next: 15 Incredible Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes In Fall

7. Sherwin Lakes Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 4.3 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 885 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes
• Google Map Location: Sherwin Lakes Trailhead
• AllTrails Route: Sherwin Lakes Trail

Sherwin Lakes Trail is a serene wilderness hike that travels through forest switchbacks to an alpine lake. Located on the outskirts of Mammoth Lakes town, this is a secluded trail that doesn’t get as busy as some of the other day hikes in this region.

The Sherwin Lakes Trailhead is located by the Sherwin Creek Campground. The hike follows a narrow path with a decent elevation gain of 885 feet. In 1.5 miles the hike will flatten out until you reach the lake.

Sherwin Lakes is a lovely alpine lake with a green-blue tint to its color that looks especially stunning on a sunny day. There is a small sandy area where visitors can take a break and hang out while the rest of the shoreline is quite rocky. 

8. Little Lakes Valley Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 7.2 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1033 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes
• Google Map Location: Little Lakes Valley Trail Parking
• AllTrails Route: Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes

Little Lakes Valley Trail is another stunning but long day hike within Inyo National Forest. It is located 35 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes at the end of Rock Creek Road.

Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes trail is 7.2 miles long with 1033 feet of elevation gain. This trail leads to several alpine lakes including Mack Lake, Marsh Lake, Heart Lake, Box Lake, Long Lake, Chickenfoot Lake, and Gem Lakes.

We hiked a portion of this trail in the fall when this region had beautiful fall foliage. After the trek, be sure to stop at the nearby Rock Creek Lakes Resort for a delicious BBQ and ‘Pie in the Sky’.

9. McLeod Lake Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 1.8 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 347 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes 
• Google Map Location: McLeod Lake
• AllTrails Route: McLeod Lake Trail

McLeod Lake Trail is one of the shortest and easiest hikes within Mammoth Lakes Basin that leads to a scenic alpine lake. Due to the short distance, this route is a great option for families with kids and people with dogs.

The McLeod Lake trailhead is located by Horseshoe Lake just a few minute drive from Mammoth Lakes town. There is a large, paved parking lot that can be used by lake visitors and wilderness hikers.

The trail starts in a Mars-like landscape with lots of bare, fallen trees. This area has high amounts of CO2 that causes trees to die. As you hike up, the landscape will return to a lush, healthy forest.

The trail ends at the crystal clear McLeod Lake. If you have the time, I recommend going on a short loop around the entire lake.

10. South Tufa Interpretive Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 0.9-mile long loop
• Elevation Gain: 29 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes
• Google Map Location: South Tufa Area
• AllTrails Route: South Tufa Loop Trail

South Tufa Loop Trail is a great option for those who are looking for something a bit different. This short loop leads to unique rock formations called Tufas scattered along the lake’s shoreline.  

These calcium-carbonate spirals formed underwater but are now visible due to the receding lake water. With the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains as the backdrop, this is truly a sight to see!

Read Next: 50 Interesting & Unique Places To Visit In California

11. Hot Creek Interpretive Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 1.6 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 144 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes
• Google Map Location: Hot Creek Geologic Site
• AllTrails Route: Hot Creek Interpretive Trail

Hot Creek Geological Site is another unusual outdoor destination in the Mammoth region. Here you can go on a short hike to a unique geological site that has a steaming hot river, bubbling hot springs, and fumaroles emitting steam from the ground.

I visited this location in the winter when most of the trail was covered in snow. In the winter season, you might need snowshoes, skis, or microspikes to reach this location.

Keep in mind that the water here is unpredictable and can reach boiling levels. Visitors are not allowed to get into the water here for safety reasons. There are other outdoor hot springs nearby like Hilltop Hot Springs that are safe for soaking.

12. Inyo Craters Loop

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 1.6-mile long loop
• Elevation Gain: 314 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes 
• Google Map Location: Inyo Craters
• AllTrails Route: Inyo Craters Trail

Inyo Craters Trail is an interesting hike that leads to two turquoise volcanic craters within the Inyo National Forest wilderness. These funnel-shaped craters were formed by violent steam eruptions around 600 years ago.

This trail is only 1.6 miles long and loops around both craters. In the winter you might need to park a bit further away along Mammoth Scenic Loop Road and hike an additional 1.4 miles each way.

In the colder seasons, I highly recommend using an offline map from the AllTrails hiking app to keep track of the route. In the winter much of the trail is covered in snow making it difficult to find the right path.

Once you arrive at this location, you can walk around the crater rim and take a peek inside. I visited this location in the winter when the craters were covered in the snow and I could not see the bright emerald color that they are so popular for.

13. Heart Lake Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 2.4 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 561 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes, this trail is very dog-friendly
• Google Map Location: Heart Lake
• AllTrails Route: Heart Lake Trail

The Heart Lake Trail is a stunning wilderness trail in Mammoth Lakes that is short in distance and rarely crowded. This hike leads to an alpine lake that’s shaped like a heart nestled amongst towering granite peaks.

At the beginning of the hike, you can go on a quick detour to a historic mining settlement in the forest. At the Mammoth Consolidated Gold Mine, you can see wooden buildings, gold mining artifacts, and other remnants of a community that operated in these mountains from 1927 to 1933.

After visiting the mining site, continue along the main trail that ends at Heart Lake. While there is some access to the lakefront, much of the shoreline is overgrown with wild shrubs.

14. Schulman Grove Discovery Trail

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 1-mile long loop
• Elevation Gain: 265 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes 
• Google Map Location: Discovery Trail Loop
• AllTrails Route: Schulman Grove Discovery Trail

Schulman Grove Discovery Trail is an interesting hike near Big Pine town south of Mammoth. Along this trail, you can visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest which is home to some of the oldest trees in the world.

Some of the bristlecone pines within this forest are over 4000 years old! These trees look very bare with winding branches from growing in high altitudes of over 10,000 feet.

Although the trail is very short, it can feel quite strenuous due to the high altitude.

15. TJ Lake via Lake George

Trail Highlights:

• Length: 1.5 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 314 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs Allowed?: Yes 
• Google Map Location: TJ Lake
• AllTrails Route: TJ Lake via Lake George

TJ Lake via Lake George Trail is a short and easy hike in Mammoth Lakes Basin that leads to multiple alpine lakes. The trail ends at TJ Lake, a small and quiet lake that is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. Along the way, you can also stop by Lake George and Lake Barrett.

The TJ Lake Trail is a great trail option if you’re looking for a quick hike to do with kids and dogs. Although the hike is short, there is a steep uphill section that gains 300 feet of elevation in 0.2 miles.

Once you arrive at the lake, I recommend walking along the shoreline to enjoy different perspectives of this stunning alpine lake. On hot summer days, bring a bathing suit to jump in for a refreshing swim!

Map Of Best Hikes In Inyo National Forest:

Map Tip: Click on each location to see more details!

Have you done any of these Inyo National Forest hiking trails? Let us know your favorites in the comment section below!

Looking for more things to do in the area? Here are a few other popular posts that you may like:

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• 15 Best Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes In Winter
• 12 Best Places To Stay In Mammoth Lakes
• Review Of Outbound Mammoth Hotel In Mammoth Lakes

This post is written by Laura. Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 50,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here.

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