Hiking

Hiking to Sherwin Lakes

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  • East of town and at a lower elevation, the trail to Sherwin Lakes is much less crowded than those in Devils Postpile National Monument and the Lakes Basin and provides valley-long views that are different from those heavily visited locations. The lakes are popular with springtime fishermen, as they're some of the first to be ice free, while birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts are treated to glimpses of nutcrackers, pewees, woodpeckers, ranger buttons, pink monkey flower and angelica. Damage from the August 2008 Sherwins Fire is still visible, even as the landscape continues its slow rejuvenation—all just 2 miles from town.

  • East of town and at a lower elevation, the trail to Sherwin Lakes is much less crowded than those in Devils Postpile National Monument and the Lakes Basin and provides valley-long views that are different from those heavily visited locations. The lakes are popular with springtime fishermen, as they're some of the first to be ice free, while birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts are treated to glimpses of nutcrackers, pewees, woodpeckers, ranger buttons, pink monkey flower and angelica. Damage from the August 2008 Sherwins Fire is still visible, even as the landscape continues its slow rejuvenation—all just 2 miles from town.

  • Experience Checklist

    • Binoculars
    • Camera
    • Energy bars/electrolyte replacement
    • Hiking boots
    • Hiking poles
    • Plant-identification guide
    • Sunglasses
    • Sun hat
    • Sunscreen/lip protector
    • Water
    • Wildlife-identification guide

    Public Services

    Experience Information

    Trail Length
    4.3 miles
    Trail Surface
    Soil
    Duration
    Less than 4 hours

Reviews

June 1, 2015

“Gorgeous hike. I am pretty out of shape and although I did get a good cardiovascular workout, I wouldn't say it was a hard hike for me. The prize at the top was worth the effort!”

Kristen, Mammoth Lakes, CA

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