Big McGee Lake

Whether you’re looking for a dayhike near Mammoth Lakes, planning a backpacking trip along the JMT, or have a few extra hours to spare on a cross-California road trip, this is an easy and popular trail choice for killer mountain views. I was delighted to discover that this is one of the most easily accessible trailheads in the Eastern Sierras. You’ll be looking for the McGee Creek Road exit of...

I would recommend you spend the night in the area to acclimatize, since the trailhead does start at ~8,000ft and you will be hiking up to ~10,500ft at the end of the first day and climbing up to 13,100ft on the second day. One option would be to reserve a spot at the nearby McGee Creek Campground. The trailhead is at a decent sized parking lot found at the very end of McGee Creek Road. Althoug...

McGee Creek is one of my favorite spots in the Eastern Sierra to photography the fall color. Most people avoid the area because the best views require you to hike and explore but the rewards are worth it. Right close to the parking lot is McGee Creek which is a beautiful creek to photograph offering intimate water shots with the golden aspens. Or hike up the trail that right off provides dramat...

Many people come to Convict lake for the fishing. Convict is located only 2 miles off the main highway in the Eastern Sierras. The lake is clear and pristine with beautiful views. There are various ways to fish here; some rent out boats or bring their own and cruise around the lake fishing. Others like to pull up on the south side of the lake and fish from shore or from their float tubes.Th...

Directions The hike for Mount Baldwin starts at the Convict Lake trailhead. The turn off for Convict lake is about 4.5 miles south of the Mammoth Lakes exit along the 395 and roughly 35 miles North of Bishop, CA. Take this exit and follow the road West towards the mountains. Turn right at the sign for the trailhead, which is just before the restaurant and cabins. The Approach To climb Mount ...

In 1871, a group of inmates escaped from a prison and were ambushed near the lake by a posse who had tracked them down. The inmates escaped the shoot out after killing two of the men in the posse and the lake now had a name – Convict Lake. You won’t witness a wild west shootout here, but if you find yourself in the Eastern Sierra, Convict Lake is a must see. It’s a pristine lake that sits at 7...