Silver Creek Loop

This Silver Creek Loop is a 63.7-mile route that connects the Mammoth Crest to Silver Creek by way of Lake Edison. The loop begins and ends at Horseshoe Lake outside the town of Mammoth Lakes. During the summer, there is a free shuttle from town to Horseshoe Lake on the Lake Basin Route (https://www.estransit.com/summer-routes).
The route begins by taking the Mammoth Pass Trail from Horseshoe Lake. We gain the crest via the Rim Trail, which becomes the Mammoth Crest Trail after passing the turnoff to Lake George. As it travels along near 11,000 feet, this section along the crest opens up to beautiful views in all directions. To the northwest, for example, sit the volcanic peaks of the Ritter Range and the Minarets. We make a slow descent to Duck Lake (limited to no camping), and then on to Lake Virginia (good opportunities for camping), passing behind the fascinating Red Slate Mountain. After making the climb to Silver Pass, we descend to Mono Creek and Lake Thomas Edison. Here, hikers can make an emergency pit stop at Vermilion Valley Resort, or can just move quickly through this potentially crowded section. From the lake, we begin a hefty, 7-mile climb toward Saddle Mountain, and soon after crossing the pass, Fern Lake. A long descent begins here, following Silver Creek as it tumbles toward Fish Creek. We then take a gentle climb along Crater Creek, eventually meeting the Pacific Crest Trail again, which we take to meet the trail to Mammoth Pass and the conclusion of our journey.
Hikers will pass through the John Muir Wilderness in Inyo National Forest and briefly enter Ansel Adams Wilderness. Wilderness permits are required for backcountry camping, which can be found at www.recreation.gov. For more information regarding advisories, weather, road conditions, campgrounds and more, check out the Inyo National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo. Practice the principles of leave no trace, and take action to defend threatened wilderness areas (wildernesswatch.org).