Best Trails in Inyo National Forest

Great hike. Not too hard for my 2 - 12 year old companions. Most of the trail was slag. The views around every corner was great. You pass a very ugly Agnew Lake. Keep going all the way to Gem Lake. It is worth the extra hiking

Not much of a hike but it was an interesting walk. the rocks where salt and cool to see.

This hike was short and sweet. It was a beautiful hike .

Rocky but fun!

Awesome hike! I took my time in this and spent two nights with my dog 6/15-6/17. The first day really kicked my butt (I blame the altitude). But after getting rest, I really got to enjoy the scenery, waterfalls, (unfrozen) lakes - although I’d note that night time still reached freezing temps. I’d definitely recommend his time of year to go.

Nice, challenging day hike. The first .75 miles is real steep and will get your blood pumping but it levels out after that, then alternates on off. The altitude gain is real and the last mile to the top was a real struggle but the views are worth it and the rock scrambling at the top is fun. Be sure to set out early ish - it took me about 3.5 hours, not including break for lunch, and 95% of the hike is not shaded.

Great day hike, took the Sherwin Lake trail, past Sherwin Lake, then to a small pond coming down from Valentine Lake, finally up to the actual Lake. There are two sets of switchbacks, early in the trail then on the top of the trail right before the lake. River coming down the lake is a great place to refuel water (we have a water filter pump). Just a little snow but not an issue. My GPS had us at 10.5 miles in and back with moderate altitude gain.

I was trying to get to Honeymoon Lake to fish, unfortunately the bridge was flooded out over Pine Creek and I couldn’t get past it. I Don’t think I would rate this as moderate much of the trail is extremely rocky due to avalanches. I would rate it as hard due to the number of switch backs that are difficult to walk due to the excessive rocky trails.

Amazing beautiful hike

Half of the trail was snowed out and had to trek through it which was I wasn’t expecting. Trail was not clearly marked because of it. Would have enjoyed this trail a lot more probably in a couple of months. The views were pretty though. Was really looking for the Twenty Lakes trail which was supposed to be off of this one but because trail wasn’t marked clearly just ended up finishing this trail instead.

Amazing hike, snow got us lost but when arrived to crystal lake the view was beautiful

Alpine lakes, shade, and a great view of the basin; what more do you need?

The trail does get unclear due to snow and runoff, but at now point is is dangerous or precarious. If you're unsure of the trail due to snow, or unclear demarcations then I'd suggest looking up hill a bit and seeing where the trail head continues and ladder up. You'll reconnect with the trail after 10-20 feet or so.

Amazing.

went june 5-6, 2018. tough hike with amazing views. be sure to call or check-in and ask about snow levels. the bridge is out so also ask about the water level in the creek. hike is well worth it.

one option is to just do the easy hike to where the bridge is out and enjoy the waterfall and rapids.

Just a really nice walk.

June 7, bridge at the back of the lake is out. Looks like a tree fell across it. you can still make it if you don't mind getting your feet wet.

very pretty but not for those who are out of shape. I would consider this hike to be steep. also there is a really narrow log bridge over a steep roaring Creek. not for those who are scared of falling. I believe fern lake is more beautiful. turn right and go to fern lake for better views and a short hike.

Strenuous especially after the trail junction. Local maps say it is a 4.4 mile round trip hike. The day we went it was very, very windy. When we got to the lake we literally were almost blown over. But it was a gorgeous little cirque. Someday I’ll probably do it again.

Nice easy trail

Tried to go today instead of boarding and the main road was closed :(

Beautiful and gorgeous trail with a little bit of an incline with switch backs, gorgeous views on the way up and when you reach the lake it's absolutely stunning and serene, definitely don't miss this gem of a hike

A really great trail, easy for beginners as long as you're willing to take your time, stamina building for sure. Not too difficult of a grade but it definitely pushes you after a while. Loved it, the lakes were beautiful, and the way down is a breeze. The dogs loved it!

Beautiful trail but still a little early to complete the whole thing. Only made it to about Skelton Lake before the trail was too snowed in to continue with just hiking boots.

Beautiful lake. The flooded area with aspens at the far side of the lake actually felt kind of magical to wade through on a sunny day. Easy walk with big scenery, would come back for sure.

Nice easy walk around convict lake. There was some flooded areas and crossing logs and rocks from high water inflow into the lake.

Nice views around the lake. More road walking than I would have liked.

Started at Lake Mary campground and walked to Mammoth Pass Trailhead. Hiked through patches of snow on the way up. Not much shade on the way down to Red's Meadow Resort. Trail on the map looked like it went to Red's Meadow Campground but takes you more towards the resort. Went via the pack trail down to Rainbow Falls and the Lower Falls. Hiked up to Devil's Postpile and back to Red's Meadow Campground (Closed). There was luckily water at the Red's Meadow Resort that we could fill up from because it was very hot.

Did this one June 2nd. Great hike with awesome views at the lake, perfect for a lunch / mid point refuel. A little bit of snow on the trail towards the top, but no hazard at all. My GPS clocked this at 10.5 miles and 2,300 ft of gain

Trail is 98% passable now. Boots only touched snow a handful of times and those patches were very small and easily passable

Pretty views, though it seems to be busy on the w/e. Bridge zing the creek (SW end of the lake) is out, so you will get wet feet. Keep an eye out for golden eagles.

Well marked trail, easy to follow. Several large trees have fallen across the trail and there are places where the brush needs to be cut back. The stream crossings: At Casa Vieja you can almost jump the water, the next one down the canyon is quite easy with some good flat rocks, the third crossing is a bit more challenging, the fourth crossing is a real challenge if you want to keep you feet dry.

Overall a real joy going in, and a real workout climbing out.