Valentine Lake trail is one of the hikes recommended to us by our new friend Lannie at the Cinnamon Bear Inn in Mammoth Lakes. This trail takes you through one of the popular sets of lakes, Sherwin Lakes before go up to the clear, teal water of Valentine Lake. Valentine Lake is a gorgeous, pristine lake located in the beautiful Eastern Sierra Mountains. Since it is sitting at almost 10,000 ft elevation, you might experience altitude sickness. For tips on how to help with altitude sickness, click here.
STATS:
Where:
Valentine Lake trail starts at 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:
11.5 miles R.T.
Elevation Gain:
2121 ft
Level:
Moderate
Estimated Completion Time:
6-8 hours depends on your health and how long you stay at different spots.
Ideal Weather:
Best use from June to mid-November. The trail might be close in Winter due to snowfall. Dry, cooler days are the best.
Ideal Time:
Early morning for cooler temperature and give you enough time to complete the hike.
Pet-friendly:
You can bring dogs but they have to be on a leash.
Weather:
VIDEO:
GETTING THERE:
To get to Valentine Lake, you actually want to use the Sherwin Lakes trailhead. To get there, 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:
To get to Valentine Lake, you actually start your hike at the Sherwin Lakes trailhead. In the beginning, we only wanted to hike to Sherwin Lakes. We’ve been doing multiple long hikes the past few days, so my knees weren’t very happy with me. It is about 2.5 miles each way and 900 ft elevation gain to get to Sherwin Lakes. From Sherwin Lakes to Valentine Lake, it is another 3 miles and at least another 1000ft elevation gain. For some reason, the part from Sherwin Lakes to Valentine Lake seems a lot harder and steeper than the first part from the trailhead to Sherwin Lakes.
The trail from the parking lot to Sherwin Lakes is pretty straight forward. You’ll cross through a few dense pine forests and multiple half-exposed switchbacks. For more details on this section of the hike, check out our blog for the Sherwin Lakes hike.
At about 2.5 miles, you’ll come to your only junction on this trail. If you go right, you’ll go Sherwin Lakes. To go to Valentine Lake, you’ll continue straight. Right after you pass this junction, you’ll get a few more glimpses of Sherwin Lakes hidden behind the trees. There is a dead, creepy-ish tree at this point of the trail, marking your half waypoint. We looked for this tree every time on the way back because it means that we’re halfway to the parking lot!
Once you get pass Sherwin Lakes, the trail becomes increasingly beautiful. There’s also less traffic as well. From this point, Valentine Lake trail slow goes up, with a few steep parts. It winds through sections of half-exposed pine forests and stream crossings. At one point, you’ll pass by a super cool fallen down tree on the left. Don’t get too comfortable with the gradual slope here. The trail will soon turn into steep switchbacks.
About 4.3 miles, keep your eyes peel for a super cool natural spring on the right-hand side. We missed it the first time going up, but Dustin spotted it on our way down. It is a tiny pond on the ground, in the middle of green mosses. You can see the bubbles coming up from the multiple spots in the water. It was super neat.
About 0.3 miles from the spring, you’ll pass through a small, unnamed lake. I love this lake! The lake’s shallow water is a clear, greenish-brown. It is surrounded by beautiful green meadow and tall mountains. There are tiny little fish jumping and playing in the water. When we were there, the wind breezed through the green grass along the shore. It was quite peaceful watching the green waves of grass, rustling in the wind.
After the lake, it’s another 0.4 miles before you get to Valentine Lake. This 0.4 miles is definitely challenging. It’s all switchbacks with about 400ft elevation gain, packed into this short section. This section runs along Sherwin Creek, so it is quite beautiful. There are little waterfalls, streaming down the moss-covered boulders.
At the end of the switchbacks, you’ll see the tall trees parted way to a small little pathway that will take you to the edge of the water. It’s a cool little stop, however, if you want a good place to hang out, the trail actually goes toward the right, before the pathway. This trail takes you down to a small flat area, that would be perfect for an overnight campsite. From here, there are a lot of rock scrambling if you want to make your way around the lakes. Between Duck Lake Pass and Valentine Lake trail, Duck Lake has more overnight camping spots.
When we got there, there were thunderheads at the far end of the lake. The thunderstorm was moving closer to where we were at. So, we didn’t spend a lot of time here. We opted to head back before we got caught in the middle of a thunderstorm. To go back, just head back the way you came from.
If you’re planning to stay in Mammoth Lakes, don’t forget to check out the Cinnamon Bear Inn. We love that place!! And don’t forget to say hi to Lannie. She can give you some super awesome adventure tips too! 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. If you think Valentin Lake trail is beautiful, Duck Lake Pass is even better! 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.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!
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
