Valentine Lake via Sherwin Lakes Trail

Mammoth Lakes, California

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Details

Distance

9.76 miles

Elevation Gain

2026 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Tyler Drake

With the fresh mountain air, old growth pines, and stunning lake views, this hike that takes you into the John Muir Wilderness simply cannot be missed. To get to the trailhead is a quick 10-15 minute drive from the Village in Mammoth Lakes.

Park 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 a good turn around point.

Alternatively, you can head up from the Valentine Lake Trailhead just down the road next to the Sherwin Creek Campground for an out-and-back or loop this hike with Sherwin Lakes. If you do choose to loop the hike, keep in mind that you'll have approximately 2 miles to walk along the road to reach your initial trailhead.

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Forest

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Reviews

Austin Galli Todd

Valentine Lake via Sherwin Lakes Trail

08/19/20

I'm an avid backpacker and plan to come back to backpack to Valentine Lake in the future. I hiked to Sherwin Lakes twice, two separate days, as I was looking for a workout in the mornings. Just beautiful! Loved the trees and the trail is in excellent condition. The best part was getting great photos of Sherwin Lakes reflecting the mountain behind it at sunrise!

5.0

Austin Galli Todd

Valentine Lake via Sherwin Lakes Trail

08/19/20

5.0

PRO

Kelly Drake

PRO

Valentine Lake via Sherwin Lakes Trail

10/28/17

Really beautiful hike! It was a good challenge for me, because of the altitude (& a couple switchbacks near the lake). We spent the day at valentine, had sandwiches & caught a bunch of small brookies on a fly rod at the outlet. There was still snow on the mountains (& a little remained on the trail) in the spring, which made for great photos!

5.0

Leave No Trace

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Valentine Lake via Sherwin Lakes Trail

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Sherwin Lakes Trail

Snowshoe Shady Rest Park

Lake Basin Path

Panorama Dome

Heart Lake

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