🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
65°F, Clear Sky. Wind 14 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
💨 Wind
14 mph E
No significant gusts
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
2%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:10 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:49 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
2 pm
☀️
65°
Feels 63°
💨 7/15
5 pm
☀️
63°
Feels 60°
💨 7/11
8 pm
🌙
55°
Feels 52°
💨 8/8
11 pm
🌙
44°
Feels 40°
💨 8/8
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
40% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
5% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
54% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
39% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
48% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Tue, Aug 18
Overcast Clouds
💧 Humidity
44% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Aug 14, 1:05 pm
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.
Trail Overview
McGee Creek Canyon is one of the most geologically colorful drainages in the Eastern Sierra. The lower section is exposed and hot in summer. The upper basin above 10,000 feet is cold, windy, and spectacular. Long day. No facilities at the trailhead means plan accordingly.
This Hike Is For You If…
Experienced hikers comfortable with long strenuous days. Great choice for uncrowded solitude compared to Mammoth Lakes basin.
Skip This Hike If…
Skip in the heat of summer unless you start before 7am. Skip if you need bathroom facilities at the trailhead.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Good trail with steady climb. Rocky above 9,500 feet. Some route-finding near Steelhead Lake.
Shade: Mostly Exposed
Water: Reliable Year-Round. McGee Creek runs length of lower trail. Filter all water.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Far less crowded than Mammoth-area trailheads. Often alone in upper basin.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Before 8am. Small lot and no overflow options.
This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.
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11.4 miRound Trip
2300 ftElev. Gain
StrenuousDifficulty
6-8 hoursEst. Time
11100 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: McGee Creek Trailhead, McGee Creek Road, Crowley Lake, CA 93546
Parking: Small dirt lot at road end. Free. No facilities. High clearance recommended for final stretch of McGee Creek Road.
Bathroom: None
Cell Service: None
Best Arrival: Before 8am. Small lot and no overflow options.
Trail Reality Check
McGee Creek Canyon is one of the most geologically colorful drainages in the Eastern Sierra. The lower section is exposed and hot in summer. The upper basin above 10,000 feet is cold, windy, and spectacular. Long day. No facilities at the trailhead means plan accordingly.
Terrain: Good trail with steady climb. Rocky above 9,500 feet. Some route-finding near Steelhead Lake.
Shade: Mostly Exposed
Water: Reliable Year-Round — McGee Creek runs length of lower trail. Filter all water.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Quiet — Far less crowded than Mammoth-area trailheads. Often alone in upper basin.
Who should do this: Experienced hikers comfortable with long strenuous days. Great choice for uncrowded solitude compared to Mammoth Lakes basin.
Who should skip this: Skip in the heat of summer unless you start before 7am. Skip if you need bathroom facilities at the trailhead.
