Sherwin Lakes trail to Valentine Lake was on our todo list the last time we visited Mammoth Lakes. However, we ran out of time and decided to hike up Duck Lake pass instead. I’m glad we got a chance to come back and did this hike. Sherwin Lakes trail is one of the less crowded hikes in Mammoth Lakes, yet nonetheless beautiful, especially during the fall. Since the two small lakes of Sherwin Lakes sit in the middle of several aspen groves, they put on a colorful show of fall color. It is a perfect place to enjoy an afternoon with your friends and family. If you’re looking for something more challenging, you can continue this hike up to Valentine Lake. (We will cover Valentine Lake in the next article, so make sure to subscribe 😀)
STATS:
Where:
Sherwin Lakes trailhead:
37°37’28.2″N 118°56’45.2″W
Fee:
It’s free!
Parking:
There is a small dirt lot in front of the trailhead.
Restrooms:
There are primitive restroom at the trailhead
Distance:
5.2 miles R.T
Elevation Gain:
900 ft
Level:
Moderate
Estimated Completion Time:
3-4 hours
Ideal Weather:
Best use from June – November. Dry, cooler days are the best.
Ideal Time:
Early morning for cooler temperature.
Pet-friendly:
You can bring dogs but they have to be on a leash.
Weather:
VIDEO:
GETTING THERE:
To get to the trailhead of Sherwin Lakes trail, go east on Sherwin Creek Road from Mammoth. About 1.5 miles, there is a sign for Sherwin Lakes Trailhead. Turn right and follow the dirt road for 0.25 miles until you reach the dirt parking area.
THE ADVENTURE:
We got to the trailhead bright and early. With my knees been acting up recently, we weren’t sure if we could go all the way to Valentine Lake or just spent the rest of our day at Sherwin Lakes. Either way, we wanted an early start to beat the heat.
Once we got to the parking area, there were already a few cars there. We headed toward the trailhead that led toward the shaded section alongside Sherwin creek. Soon enough, we came across a small wooden bridge that crossed over the creek.
After passing the creek, you’ll start to go up the mountain through the dense forest of pines and firs. The trail then changes into switchbacks that go up along the mountain slope that leads to the lades. The long, tedious climb is half exposed. It can very warm during the summer day. Most of the trail is quite simple, however, there are sections full of rocks and boulders. So, make sure you watch your steps.
As you go up higher, the scenery gets prettier. If you look back behind you, the views over Long Valley and the town of Mammoth Lakes slowly come into focus at around 400 to 500ft elevation. The trail soon curves over a bend on the side of a ridge. You’ll then pass through a section where a forest fire burned through some of the forests. It is a beautiful view of the distant mountains and the contrast between the burnt trees and the carpet of green shrubberies.
From here, the trail stays left and passes through a few downed trees before coming to your first and only fork on this trail. If you go straight, you’ll continue on to Valentine Lake, which will we cover in the next blog. To go to Sherwin Lakes, turn right here and make your way to the shoreline of the first lake.
As you get closer, you can see a glimmer of the turquoise water in between the trees. According to some locals we’ve met along the Sherwin Lakes Trail, the water level was significantly lower than before. It is about 15 ft from where it was before. Regardless, it was still gorgeous. You can make your way around this lake or over to the second one. You will need to scramble your way through the second lake. We decided to stay at the first one for a quick lunch before heading to the longer hike to Valentine Lake. Depending on what you want to do, you can either hike to Valentine Lake, which is double the distance and more than double the elevation gain, or go back the way you came from.
Another, even more, beautiful long hike that we love is the Duck Lake Pass trail. It is one of the most beautiful trails here in the Eastern Sierra. Another beautiful hike here is Crystal Lake Hike. If you’re into unique rock formations, check out Devils Postpile. From here, you can also hike to Rainbow Falls, one of the best waterfalls in this area! Also, don’t forget to check out the hot springs in Mammoth. They are especially wonderful after a long hike!
If you have time, check out the unique Mono Lake, where you can kayak among the unique tufas, take a quick stop at the Hot Creek Geological Site. Along the 395, you can stop at Fossil Falls, the unique roadside sculptures of Olancha. If you head up to Tahoe, don’t forget to go kayak at Sand Harbor, check out the sunset at Chimney Beach, or be super adventurous and climb up Via Ferrata Tahoe.
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RECOMMEND GEAR:
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
The majority of these links are through our affiliate links so if you buy something, it is at no extra cost for you but it helps us support the site. That being said, don’t buy something just to support us, buy something if you think it will enhance your travels and adventures.
• Hiking shoes
It’s an easy hike, however, there are some rocky areas. It’s good to wear your hiking shoes. Vy’s shoes are Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Dustin’s shoes are TARGHEE III WATERPROOF.
• Snacks/Lunch
There are so many great spots to have a picnic around here. Bring your lunch or snacks with you if you plan to stay here for a while.
• Sunscreen
The trail can get very warm. Bring sunscreen! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe, and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.
• Water
The trail can get very warm! Bring lots of water. Especially if you go in the afternoon. Vy uses the Camelback L.U.X.E. Dustin uses the Clik Small pack (sadly Clik is no longer around). Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is also a great backpack for a shorter hike like this.
• Jacket
Depends on the season, it might get cold. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here. If you want some lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
• Swimsuit/towels
If you want to go for a swim, bring these with you.
CAMERA GEAR:
• Camera:
Sony a7 III
Gopro Hero 7 Black
• Lenses:
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
• Accessories:
GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount
Aluminum GoPro protection frame
SandMarc Extended GoPro Pole
Hybrid Pro Filters – DSLR / Mirrorless
Cinema CPL Filter – HERO 9
