Emerald Lake Day Hike
Mammoth Lakes
Emerald Lake is tucked among the trees south of Lake Mary in the Mammoth Lakes region. With less than a mile from the trailhead to the lake, Emerald Lake makes an excellent hike for families and for those who want to experience the wilderness side of Mammoth. Emerald Lake is an attractive spot for picnics, fishing, art, and photography. The jagged Mammoth Crest peeking above the tree tops makes a dramatic setting for the lake.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake Trailhead
Easy
1½ miles
370 feet
Mammoth
The Emerald Lake trailhead is found by driving up through Coldwater Campground at the south end of Lake Mary. Good facilities are available at the trailhead, including restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and parking. The Emerald Lake trail is clearly marked.
Emerald Lake Trail
From a 9120-foot trailhead parking area at the south end of Coldwater Campground, the hike tackles most of it 370 feet of elevation gain in the first third of a mile. Once beyond the initial steep grade, the trail settles into a gentler ascent through the conifer forest. At about the ½-mile mark a side trail coming up from Lake George joins the trail to Emerald Lake. A quarter mile farther, the trees part to reveal the lake and its beautiful setting.
Lake Mary
Twin Lakes (Mammoth Lakes)
Things to Know
- Leashed pets are permitted on the trail.
- Restrooms are available near the trailhead.
- Drinking water is available in the Lake George Campground
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Crystal Lake - a dazzlingly beautiful lake
- TJ Lake - short hike to stunning lake
- Heart Lake - a pretty 1.1-mile climb to a scenic lake.
- Skelton Lake - a nice day trip with good fishing
Other Nearby Trails
The Sky Meadows Trail continues past Emerald Lake, climbing to Gentian Meadow and then higher to Sky Meadows, in all, another 1¼ miles beyond Emerald Lake. The meadows are often ablaze with wildflowers in the summer.