McLeod Lake Trail
A brief high-reward woodland trek through a haunting ghost forest killed by volcanic CO2 venting, opening to a pristine white-sand alpine beach at McLeod Lake. The ideal first high-country hike.
○ TIER 1 — SOURCED & RESEARCHED
1.5 miRound Trip
150 ftElev. Gain
EasyDifficulty
45 min-1.5 hoursEst. Time
8,929 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
-
-
Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls
A globally renowned trek past a massive wall of symmetrical basalt columns, then down-canyon to a 101-foot waterfall that casts vivid rainbows in the afternoon mist. Wide accessible trail with minimal elevation change.
-
Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes
The Eastern Sierra’s most rewarding high-alpine lake progression. Starting at 10,230 feet, this trail strings together five stunning glacial lakes beneath serrated granite ridges.
-
Duck Pass Trail to Duck Lake
A lung-busting climb from the Mammoth Lakes Basin that passes Arrowhead, Skelton, and Barney Lakes before cresting to a sweeping view of wind-swept Duck Lake on the Sierra crest.
-
Convict Lake Loop
A flat accessible loop around one of the most visually dramatic lakes in the Mono Basin. Twisted sedimentary bands rise directly from the waterline in a rare geological contrast to the region’s typical granite.
-
Minaret Lake Trail
A premium long-distance trek from Devils Postpile into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, following Minaret Creek to a crystal lake perched beneath the iconic jagged black spires of the Minaret Range.
-
Ediza and Iceberg Lakes Trail
Widely regarded as the most beautiful lake basin in the Sierra Nevada. Mount Ritter and Banner Peak reflect perfectly on Ediza Lake, with an optional extension to the snowfield-edged Iceberg Lake.
-
Cathedral Lakes Trail
A classic stretch of the John Muir Trail in Yosemite’s high country, climbing through pristine sub-alpine terrain to Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes beneath a soaring granite spire.
-
McGee Creek Trail to Steelhead Lake
A dynamic trail that transforms mile by mile — from sun-drenched wildflower canyons along a rushing trout stream into a high granite amphitheater. Multi-colored canyon walls are the visual anchor.
-
Crystal Lake Trail
Short but steep — this trail climbs directly up the face of the Mammoth Crest under Crystal Crag, delivering sweeping panoramic views of the entire Mammoth Lakes Basin for a fraction of the effort of longer hikes.