Don’t miss these epic walks in some of California’s most beautiful mountain landscapes!
1. Horseshoe Lake Loop
For a super fun and easy hike suitable for the whole family, take the 1.7-mile Horseshoe Lake Loop for a beautiful spot to swim and picnic. The mostly flat, shady trail has restroom facilities, and journeys through lodgepole pine forest. This beautiful trail can be accessed from trolley stop 104.
If you’d like a longer jaunt, take the paved and well-marked Lakes Basin Path, which takes you down into town, and is well appointed with trolley stops along the way.
2. Panorama Dome Trail
Beginning at Lake Mary Road, the short but extremely rewarding Panorama Dome Trail meanders through low-lying manzanita, up above the treeline to the summit of Panorama Dome. And the name doesn’t disappoint: at the top feast your eyes on the 360-degree views of Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Crest, and the Lakes Basin. A great place for photos!
These unforgettable views are easy to get to via a short 0.3 mile hike. Be sure to carry extra water — the high elevation requires constant hydration.
3. Sotcher Lake Loop
Hop off the Reds Meadow Shuttle at stop #7 (across the road from Devils Postpile National Monument), and the 1.5-mile Sotcher Lake Loop nature trail is a short walk away. This popular loop trail circumnavigates Sotcher Lake, and is a great family-friendly place for an afternoon stroll.
Enjoy the incredible geology of the upper San Joaquin with beaches and picnic tables along the way to rest and relax.
4. Agnew Wildflower Loop
Take a colorful journey through the upper-montane grasses and wildflowers of Agnew Meadow by walking the Agnew Wildflower Loop. During late spring and early summer, the meadows explode with incredible varieties of columbine, Indian paintbrush, lilies, lupine, larkspur and many more wildflowers.
The trail is an easy 0.6-mile stroll, and is another great option to take the family to discover the beauty of nature.
5. Convict Lake Loop
Convict Lake Loop is a wonderfully popular trail for fishermen and families alike, as this delightful 2.0-mile loop trail winds around the shore of Convict Lake. The trail traverses groves of pine and aspen, as well as open sagebrush country, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.
The fall is a wonderful time to visit Convict Lake, as the beautiful colors of the autumn reflect off of the crystal-clear lake.