Lee Vining, California
Looking for the best hiking in Lee Vining? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Lee Vining. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Lee Vining
-
Mammoth Lakes, California
Backpack from Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite Valley via the John Muir Trail
5.052 mi / 6300 ft gainCross country hiking can be a daunting idea. There are so many things to plan for, and such a long distance to cover. If you are an experienced backpacker, and you want to get a taste of hiking on the John Muir Trail this hike might interest you. Planning GPS Map (Caltopo): https://caltopo.com...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Waterford Bridge
The Waterford Gap bridge creates a picturesque view of the Eastern Sierra as it crosses over Mammoth Creek as part of the town loop and connects Majestic Pines Dr, which runs up to Eagle Lodge, with old Mammoth Road, which is a main road along the south and east edges of town. This is a great spo...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Panorama Dome
4.00.91 mi / 259 ft gainThis is a great short hike, located near the turn off for Twin Lakes. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the lakes basin, the town, Mammoth Mountain, and the White Mountains. There was a little snow left at the top, when we hiked it over Memorial Day weekend. Eve...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
McLeod Lake
5.01.84 mi / 390 ft gainStart your journey at the Mammoth Pass Trailhead at the back of the parking lot for Horseshoe Lake. From the start, the trail ascends steadily through dense pines, and big granite stair steps. Although it is a moderately steep route (and the altitude doesn't help), it is only about 0.6 miles to ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Sherwin Lakes Trail
5.04.42 mi / 850 ft gainJust outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA is the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead. An easy 10 minute drive down some dirt roads will get you to the dirt parking lot where you can safely leave your vehicle and begin your fairly easy 2.5 mile hike to Sherwin Lakes. (Valentine Lake is not much further beyon...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Valentine Lake via Sherwin Lakes Trail
5.09.76 mi / 2026 ft gainPark at the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead. Begin your ascent through scrubby foliage and old pines. Once you arrive at a junction with a bench, turn around. Note that the uphill climb is pretty decent past Sherwin Lakes, so if you're feeling overly winded after the arriving at these lakes, this may be...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Crystal Lake via Mammoth Crest Trail
4.82.5 mi / 1257 ft gainIn Lake George, park along Lake George Road and walk towards Crystal Crag Trailhead sign to begin the hike. If you couldn't find it, you can head to the boat rentals by the lake and you will see a sign saying trailhead is behind you. The trail is well maintained and it is really easy to follow. ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Lake George Trail
5.01.34 mi / 89 ft gainThe Lake George Loop is perfect for exploring the shoreline and fishing near the top of the Mammoth Lakes wilderness. The lake can get quite cold due to the elevation and surrounding mountains not allowing the sun to hit it for an extended time, but if you go during mid-day you should have a refr...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Porcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome
10.04 mi / 2089 ft gainPorcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Yosemite Valley, California.Read more -
Mariposa County, California
10 Lakes Basin in Yosemite
5.013.38 mi / 2200 ft gainBeginning at the Ten Lakes trailhead, the trail to the lakes is a moderately strenuous uphill grind to Ten Lakes pass, followed by a quick downhill into the lake basin. We met a woman at the top who made sure we didn’t miss the short side trail to a vista point on the pass that offered a sweeping...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead
4.012.24 mi / 2000 ft gainThe trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Hot Creek Interpretive Trail
5.00.37 mi / 69 ft gainHot Creek Interpretive Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a hot springs and good for all skill levels located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more -
Crowley Lake, California
Emerald Lake
4.01.76 mi / 417 ft gainEmerald lake is a relatively short 1.7 mile out-and-back hike. There is ample parking at the parking lot and trailhead. There is also overflow parking at the upper lot for Duck Lake and Skelton Lake. The trail has a decent amount of uphill, but you should arrive shortly (<30 mins) at your de...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Duck Lake via Duck Pass Trail
4.79.29 mi / 1880 ft gainThe Duck Pass trail in the John Muir Wilderness combines breathtaking views, wildflowers and plenty of icy mountain lakes for swimming into a trail that is moderate in both difficulty and distance. With multiple lakes along the way to pitch your tent and plenty of day hike options from a base cam...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Arrowhead Lake
5.02.25 mi / 538 ft gainIf you make your way to the Goldwater Campground there is plenty of parking. The trailhead you take leads to many lakes but the Duck Pass trailhead is the on you want to take. This is a easy trail to follow and walk with very little obstacles. You follow it along for around a mile and you won't ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Pika Lake via Duck Pass Trail
9.41 mi / 1880 ft gainAs many of the other hikes start in this area, you start at the Goldwater Creek Campground where there is plenty of parking and restrooms. You will take the Duck Pass Trailhead for this hike. • I wanted to point out that this is not the easiest hike to do as a day hike. Many people do overnighte...Read more