Mammoth Lakes Loop

The Mammoth Lakes Loop is a 20-mile singletrack loop outside of Mammoth, California. This beautiful trek offers breathtaking scenery, alpine lakes, and peaceful meadows. It starts with a long, steep climb, followed by a rolling, downhill traverse. This adventure can be done as a day hike, trail run, or multi-day backpacking trip (see “Permit” section below for more details about overnight visits).

The Mammoth Lakes Loop begins and ends at the Horseshoe Lake Parking Area which features bathrooms, trash cans, and picnic tables. To start, follow the paved, multi-use Lakes Basin Path for about 1.4 miles followed by the Pine City Trail / Mammoth Pack Station Trail, for another 1.4 miles. The terrain starts off easy and flat passing by alpine lakes and hiking through beautiful stands of lodgepole pine trees.

The Pine City Trail / Mammoth Pack Station Trail will lead you to the Coldwater Trailhead and the start of the Duck Lake Trail, this is where the steep climb begins. The next 5.5 miles will take you past several alpine lakes, up to Duck Pass, into the John Muir Wilderness, and eventually along the shores of Duck Lake. 

Shortly after leaving Duck Lake the trail reaches a junction with the wonderfully well-maintained Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) / John Muir Trail (JMT). Turn right at the junction and follow the PCT./JMT for the next 8 miles. 

The last 4 miles are along the Mammoth Pass - Crater Meadow Trail (TR 2707). You’ll make a short steep climb up to Mammoth Pass, followed by a short steep descent down to the parking area where you began. 

TRAILHEAD AMENITIES

The Horseshoe Lakes parking area features bathrooms, trash and picnic tables. 

PERMIT INFORMATION

• No permits are required for day use.

• Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov.

• Permit quota season is from May 1 - November 1.

WATER

Water along the route can be found from creeks, lakes, and springs and should be treated before consumption. 

TRANSPORTATION

Mammoth Lakes Free Mountain Shuttle: https://www.mammothmountain.com/transportation/free-mountain-shuttle 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center 1-(760) 924-5500

Wilderness Permit Information 1-(760) 873-2483

Mammoth Lakes Trail Systems: https://www.mammothtrails.org/