Top 5 Hikes off the Beaten Path

September 15, 2026

Mammoth Lakes is one of the top hiking destinations in California for a reason. There are endless destinations with rugged beauty and hiking trails to lead you there, but like any popular area, the trails can get busy, especially during peak hiking season.

Next time you head out for a hike, try a trail that's a little off the beaten path. Plenty of trails in our backyard see fewer visitors and are just as spectacular. Our top five are Heart Lake, Valentine Lake, Tamarack Lakes, the Dragon's Back Trail and Crater Meadow. Most are best from July through October, once the snow melts and roads to the trailheads open.

Quick Facts

  • Heart Lake: 2.25 miles round trip, from Coldwater Campground in the Mammoth Lakes Basin
  • Valentine Lake: 9.2 miles round trip, from Sherwin Creek Road
  • Tamarack Lakes: 9.8 miles round trip, from Rock Creek Lake, about 30 minutes south of town
  • Dragon's Back Trail: 3 miles one way, downhill from the summit of Mammoth Mountain
  • Crater Meadow: 7.2 miles round trip, from Horseshoe Lake

Explore More of Mammoth Lakes' Backyard

From a short climb to a heart-shaped lake to a lift-assisted downhill hike off Mammoth Mountain, here are five hikes to try on your next visit.

Heart Lake

Distance: 2.25 miles round trip

Located in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, the Heart Lake Trail is a less-visited yet rewarding hiking route. From the Coldwater Trailheads, take the Heart Lake Trail on the eastern side of the parking area. Stay right as the trail passes small spurs that lead to the historic Mammoth Consolidated Mine, a worthwhile side trip on the way in or out. Aspen trees offer a colorful backdrop against the blue Sierra Nevada sky, while Pyramid Peak looms in the distance. In about a mile, you'll see the heart-shaped lake, tucked beneath Sherwin Ridge.

Valentine Lake

Distance: 9.2 miles round trip

Valentine Lake is an often-overlooked hiking destination in Mammoth Lakes' backyard. The secluded alpine lake sits beneath rugged 12,000-foot peaks, and the trailhead is just a few miles south of town on Sherwin Creek Road.

The Valentine Lake Trail climbs a steep grade through aspen groves and old-growth Jeffrey pines before reaching a bench. Continue past the Sherwin Lakes Trail junction, where the trail begins to climb again. Though the route doesn't lead to Lost Lake, if you keep an eye out to the right, you'll see the small lake surrounded by boulders and aspens on the way up. Return the same way, or take the Sherwin Lakes Trail on the return for a longer loop.

Tamarack Lakes

Distance: 9.8 miles round trip

While Rock Creek, about 30 minutes south of Mammoth Lakes, is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Eastern Sierra, the Tamarack Lakes Trail sees far fewer hikers than nearby Little Lakes Valley. The secluded alpine lakes sit beneath 13,000-foot Mount Morgan (South) and are just as scenic as other hiking destinations in the area.

From the Rock Creek Lake trailhead, take the Tamarack Lakes Trail, which begins to climb immediately. At the junction with the Sand Canyon mountain bike trail, head right toward Tamarack Lakes and continue past the trail junction to Francis Lake. Stay left as you pass Kenneth Lake, then stay right at another junction to Dorothy Lake. The route continues to climb gradually before reaching Tamarack Lakes. Find more hikes like this in our guide to hiking just outside Mammoth Lakes.

Dragon's Back Trail

Distance: 3 miles one way

For big scenery with downhill-only hiking, head up Mammoth Mountain and hike down the Dragon's Back Trail. There aren't many opportunities for one-way downhill hiking, and this one is the best. With a lift-accessed ride to the top of Mammoth Mountain, the downhill trail is easy on the lungs, so you can enjoy the view of the Mammoth Crest and the Mammoth Lakes Basin below.

Take the Panorama Gondola from Mammoth Mountain's Main Lodge to the summit. Follow the sign pointing to Twin Lakes. The trail switchbacks down the south side of Mammoth Mountain and leads you to Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. At the bottom of the trail, take the free town trolley to The Village at Mammoth and hop on the Mammoth Mountain bus to get back to your car at Main Lodge.

Note: You'll need to purchase a scenic gondola ticket. While you're on the mountain, visit the interpretive center before your hike. For more trails on the mountain, see our guide to hiking Mammoth Mountain.

Crater Meadow

Distance: 7.2 miles round trip

Horseshoe Lake and nearby McLeod Lake are popular spots in the summertime, but if you take the less-traveled Mammoth Pass Trail to Crater Meadow, you're likely to see fewer people. Set beneath Red Cone, a volcanic cinder cone with striking red rock, Upper and Lower Crater Meadows make a great hiking destination.

Take the Mammoth Pass Trail west from Horseshoe Lake. The trail climbs quickly for a short stretch before it starts to descend gradually toward Crater Meadow. Take a left at the John Muir Trail junction and loop around to Upper Crater Meadow following trail signs, then return the same way over Mammoth Pass. Be sure to carry a trail map, since this route has many trail junctions. Near Horseshoe Lake, obey posted signs about carbon dioxide hazard areas.

Before You Hit the Trail

Several of these hikes climb into the John Muir and Ansel Adams wildernesses, so come prepared. Start with our list of hiking essentials, then follow our guide to packing for a day hike so you have water, layers and snacks for longer routes like Valentine Lake and Tamarack Lakes. Wherever you go, help protect these less-traveled trails by learning how to leave no trace.

Plan Your Hiking Trip

With five trails spread from the Lakes Basin to Rock Creek, you'll want a few days to hike them all. Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude, and browse hotels, motels and resorts in Mammoth Lakes to plan your stay. For more trails, explore our guide to hiking and backpacking in Mammoth Lakes, or try some easy hikes around Mammoth Lakes if you're hiking with kids.

FAQ

What are the least crowded hikes in Mammoth Lakes?

Heart Lake, Valentine Lake, Tamarack Lakes, the Dragon's Back Trail and Crater Meadow all see fewer hikers than the most popular trails in the area while offering just as much scenery.

When is the best time to hike in Mammoth Lakes?

Most high-country trails are best from July through October, after the snow melts and roads to trailheads open. Early-season trails may still hold snow.

Do you need a permit for day hikes in Mammoth Lakes?

No. Day hikes into the John Muir and Ansel Adams wildernesses around Mammoth Lakes don't require a permit. Overnight trips do.

Can you hike down Mammoth Mountain?

Yes. Ride the Panorama Gondola to the summit and hike down the Dragon's Back Trail to Twin Lakes, about 3 miles one way.

Author
Monica Prelle
Monica Prelle is an outdoors, wine, and travel writer who would rather be running, climbing, or mountain biking.
More Blog Posts By Monica Prelle

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