Top Spots for Dog Walking in Mammoth Lakes

June 23, 2026

Chances are your dog loves Mammoth Lakes as much as you do, if not more. As Fido watches you pack the car with hiking, fishing, and bike gear, he anxiously waits for his dog bowl and bed to be tossed in the trunk.

With a woof and a wag of the tail, he hops in ready for his mountain adventure—it's Fido's dogcation, and Mammoth Lakes truly is a dog paradise.

We've compiled a few of our favorite places to take dogs and a few other resources you may need while you're in the Eastern Sierra. As always, be sure to pick up after your dog and respect wildlife and the environment as you enjoy the great outdoors with your pet.

Where to Take Your Dog

These four trails are local favorites for dog walking, ranging from an easy lakeside loop to a moderate climb with mountain views—all within a few miles of town.

Horseshoe Lake

Distance: 1.7-mile loop
Trailhead: Horseshoe Lake
Trailhead coordinates: 37.615172, -119.021097
Trailhead elevation: 8,900 feet Highest point: 9,000 feet
Difficulty: Easy

It is unofficially known as dog beach and no dogcation is complete without a visit to Horseshoe Lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. The sandy shore is great for stick chasing, the cool water is perfect for a summer swim, and Fido will most likely make a few local paw pals.

The Horseshoe Lake Loop is a scenic trail perfect for dog walking, easy hiking, biking, and trail running. The route circles the lake through a shaded lodgepole pine forest, and crosses a few spring creeks. The trail is relatively flat and varies in width from a few feet wide to single track and has several footbridges to make creek crossings easy.

Sherwin Lakes

Distance: 6.0 miles round trip
Trailhead: Sherwin Lakes Trailhead
Trailhead coordinates: 37.624440, -118.945652
Trailhead elevation: 7,826 feet
Highest point: 8,655 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

Another local favorite dog walking spot, Sherwin Lakes is very close to town and is one of the first trails to melt out of snow in the spring months. The hike climbs more than 800 feet to the largest of the Sherwin Lakes. Views of Mammoth, the Glass Mountains, and Long Valley will be a nice respite from the constant uphill. Fido will love a sip of the cold alpine water before heading back down the trail.

Mammoth Creek Park—Town Loop

Distance: 2.0 miles round trip (to lookout point and back)
Trailhead: Mammoth Creek Park
Trailhead coordinates: 37.636008, -118.966758
Trailhead elevation: 7,855 feet Lowest point: 7,700 feet
Difficulty: Easy

Located on Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Creek Park is a great starting point for a stroll on the paved town loop. The path heads east from the park to a lookout point, while offering views of the Sherwin Ridge, Laurel Mountain, and Valentine Peak. Grassy picnic areas are located on the east and west sides of the park as well as toilets, parking, dog bag dispensers, and trash cans.

Mammoth Rock Trail

Distance: 5.0 miles round trip
Trailhead: Mammoth Rock Trailhead
Trailhead coordinates: 37.628920, -118.956826
Trailhead elevation: 8,500 feet
Lowest point: 7,868 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

The multi-use trail Mammoth Rock Trail is another great dog hike in Mammoth Lakes' backyard. Named for the Mammoth’s iconic limestone monolith, the trail passes under Mammoth Rock, and offers fantastic views of the town and meadow below. Be sure to watch for mountain bikers whizzing down the trail, and groups of horseback-riders steadily climbing up.

Dog Resources In Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Pet, 38 Laurel Mountain Road, (760) 934-4417

Tailwaggers, 437 Old Mammoth Road, (760) 924-3400

Alpen Veterinary, 217 Sierra Manor Road, (760) 934-2291

Bishop Veterinary, 437 Old Mammoth Road, (760) 934-2287

On Leash or Off Leash?

On leash: In town and in the Mammoth Lakes Basin where it’s developed such as campgrounds, picnic areas and the parking lots. Mammoth Lakes is known for being dog-friendly but for our neighboring lands and forests may have different rules.

Yosemite National Park does not allow dogs on the trails. You can only take your dog in the front country area such as their campgrounds, facilities and developed recreation areas. And as always, recreate responsibly. Pickup after your dog and don’t leave the doggy bags on the trail.

Off leash: In some areas around Mammoth Lakes you can have your dog off leash under voice command on hiking trails in the wilderness and in undeveloped areas. Undeveloped means anywhere where there are no improvements, so the natural environment around Mammoth Lakes.

Pet Etiquette

Including your pet on a wilderness trip can enhance enjoyment of the experience for both parties! However, please be respectful of wildlife and other visitors. Do not let your dog chase or disturb any wildlife. Maintain control of your pet at all times and adhere to all rules and regulations regarding travel with a pet:

Bighorn Sheep habitat areas dogs should be kept close to you to avoid disturbing sheep.
When encountering pack stock, step to the downhill side of the trail and keep pets under control.
Dogs are not allowed if you are entering the wilderness of Yosemite or Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks at any point during your trip.
Please remove any dog feces from trail and dispose of as you would human waste.
Pet food must be secured in the same manner as required for human food. Pet food needs to be secured in campground food storage lockers or in your bear canister in areas that require the use of bear resistant food storage containers.

Camping with Your Dog in the Inyo National Forest

If you are camping with your pet, please practice the following (these rules will be enforced in developed recreation areas and wilderness areas):

Leave vicious or unusually noisy dogs at home.
During the day keep your dog on a leash no more than 6 feet long, or otherwise restrict its freedom to roam at will.
At night keep your dogs and other pets inside an enclosed vehicle or in a tent.
Developed campgrounds are for people, not animals.
Please do not bring more than two dogs or other pet to any one campsite.

Plan Your Dogcation in Mammoth Lakes

With miles of dog-friendly trails and a paw-friendly community, Mammoth Lakes makes the perfect basecamp for a vacation with your pup. Browse pet-friendly lodging options to find the right place for both of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the questions dog owners ask most about visiting Mammoth Lakes with their pets.

Where is the best place to walk a dog in Mammoth Lakes?

Horseshoe Lake, known locally as "dog beach," is the most popular spot, with a sandy shore for swimming and an easy 1.7-mile loop trail.

Are dogs allowed off-leash in Mammoth Lakes?

In some undeveloped wilderness areas, dogs may be off-leash under voice command. In town, campgrounds, and other developed areas, dogs must be on a leash.

Can you bring your dog into Yosemite National Park?

No. Dogs are not allowed on trails in Yosemite National Park, though they're permitted in front-country areas like campgrounds and developed recreation areas.

Is Mammoth Creek Park dog-friendly?

Yes. The park has dog bag dispensers, grassy picnic areas, and an easy 2-mile loop on the paved Town Loop path.

Author

Monica Prelle

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