Best Trails in Inyo National Forest

Awesome hike but the trail was poorly marked in areas. I'm an amateur but thought this was an amazing end to a challenging day.

I did it in the month of July and it was the perfect time to go. It was challenging but the views made the experience great. It is uphill the entire way, and after the waterfall it gets even harder. Near the end I was questioning how much farther the lake was and I almost turned back, but then I came across it. It is a beautiful lake right in the middle of the mountains, and the hike up to it was worth it. I took my dogs with me, and they were both very tired at the end of the hike.

camped at the Trail camp and Summited on 7.17.17. We went using the chute and I would recommend to use ice axe and crampons. Mircrospikes can also be use but I rather recommended to be safe than sorry.

Switchbacks are almost clear of snow.

Few snows above the trail as you get closer to Trail camp, microspikes/crampons will be helpful.
I would also recommend to bring water shoes on some water crossing and extra pair of sock to change due to water crossing or from snow (as you go up it gets colder, you don't want freezing toes).

It showered on and off but mostly sunny, heavy wind at night at the trail camp. Other than that its a great and strenuous hike, and great scenery!

ADVICE: make sure to be careful & be prepared, be aware of elevation sickness, NEVER to go alone AND know your map.
DO NOT FORGET TO BRING BUGS SPRAY! mosquitos are vivious! lol

ENJOY the hike!

This is not an easy trail, but the payoff makes it worth it. The lake is full and the views are awesome.

The trail is almost impossible to follow, but with the help of Alltrails offline map, we found the lake. The snow covers parts of the trail near the top. This is a short trail, but you are climbing over a 9700 foot ridge, so it is not an easy hike ... but the views are worth the effort. This is one beautiful little lake.

So many beautiful lakes, streams, meadows, and wildflowers that you start to become desensitized to them. This is only a five-star hike if you go all the way to the last (and best) Gem Lake, which requires some off trail excursions across snow and overflowing creeks. We definitely needed GPS for the last half-mile. The hike is easy and therefore a bit overcrowded for the first two miles from the parking lot. Make sure you bring LOTS of bug repellent if you start early. The mosquitoes were more manageable when we returned at 11am.

Pretty hike! Some snow was covering some of the trail- so we just winged it. Not that hard of a hike... our dog loved the snow and water...

Fish were biting when I was there.

This is a wonderful hike and my family's favorite so far.....
When we got to heart lake a couple told us to walk a little farther to a more scenic lookout. So glad we did.... an amazing view of Lake Mary. The majestic mountains covered in snow, sound of waterfall in distance and beautiful aspen trees are some of the many memories we carry with us from heart lake trail.

Did this in 2009 and it was great! Had a minor detour as we got to the farthest point of the loop where signage was scarce. Spent about an hour trying to find the trail through the middle of a bog.

Nice lake and hike, but the lake is catch and release only. you can't take any of the fish.

Great hike with kids. Bring some repellent. The views coming and going are rewarding.

Wow! Amazing hike. Well worth the effort.

Great hike. Tough but well worth it. if anybody find a Nissan key with a pink 550 cord key chain they are mine please let me know.

Gorgeous

The valley is fairly dry as of mid-July, but I would guess that this hike is amazing in June when the flowers are much more vibrant. If you're looking for an easier hike, this is a good option.

Great hike for our entire family. Our kids all enjoyed it, ages 10, 9, 8 and 2.5 (she did get tired and packed for a good portion of it, but had a blast throwing rocks otherwise!). You can't go all the way around right now due to mud at the far end, but out and back was nice.