Sherwin Lakes Day Hike

Mammoth Lakes

Sherwin Lakes are reached by a rigorous, uphill hike along a trail that offers great views of Mammoth Mountain and the lower Mammoth Lakes area. Because the Sherwin Lakes trailhead is more than a thousand feet lower than most other day hikes around Mammoth, these pretty lakes make a good early season destination. The 2½ mile trail climbs 863 feet. The cluster of lakes are interesting to explore and a nice destination for photography, fishing, and picnicking.

Sherwin Lakes Trailhead

The Sherwin Lakes trailhead is off Sherwin Creek Road, 1¼ miles southeast of Old Mammoth Road. The trailhead elevation is at 7,808 feet. Parking and restrooms are available there. Water can be found at Sherwin Creek Campground, ½ mile east on Sherwin Creek Road.

Sherwin Lakes Trail

The Sherwin Lakes trail starts out sandy and arid, but soon passes into the trees, a mixture of aspens and conifers. A short distance after crossing pretty little Sherwin Creek, the trail begins to climb with a steady supply of switchbacks. Through breaks in the trees, views of Mammoth Mountain and other landmarks begin to appear.

At the top of the climb a sign announces a split in the trail, one direction headed on up the valley to Valentine Lake and the other to Sherwin Lake. The upper two lakes are the largest, but all of the lakes are worth visiting. Fishing is good for rainbow and brook trout.