McLeod Lake Trail

Before living in Mammoth, this was a trail I did often when visiting in the summer. Now that I live here, I do this trail multiple times a week and then go around Horseshoe as well. The trail isn't long, but has some elevation gain. If you aren't used to the altitude, don't be ashamed of stopping and catching your breath! The views around McCloud are spectacular. Great place to bring your dogs and let them splash in the lake. Also a great place to take a dip yourself!
As of today, just a patch or two of snow. Be careful as one has some water flowing through and looks like it might not be safe to walk over in another few days.

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

Great hike that is family friendly. Did it with my boys (9 and 6). As of today, there is still snow on the upper part of the trail though it is easily passable. Weekends are busier. You can expect heavier traffic midday to early afternoon. Lots of kids, dogs and fishermen. Limited beaches due to high water levels but is still a very enjoyable and beautiful experience.

My wife and I did this with our 4-year-old and we threw the 1-year-old in the baby backpack. As of July 7, there is still a significant amount of snow covering the trail leading to some unsure footing for unsteady feet (4-year-old). Easy enough route finding when tracks disappear under snow on the way up, but don't be tempted to veer too low too fast on the descent, or you'll be in nothing but snowfields - saw one group do this. As far as the hike, the payoff is at the lake which is absolutely stunning with the Mammoth Crest towering above and snowy banks. There are a few very small spots to dip toes in the water and peer out across the lake. This is a great hike for small children with a great payoff.

Snow pack still pretty heavy but doable with GPS. STUNNING PLACE.

A nice and short trail to incredible scenery. The lake feels very isolated from the world and stunningly beautiful.

Family friendly but hot in summer. We were happy to cool our feet in the water!

A good average ability hike, heading up from the parking lot at Horseshoe Lake. The Horseshoe Lake loop is a nice start, and you get more of a hike up to McKleod Lake. Appropriate for all ages. Enjoy!

This trail is pretty busy. If you continue past McLeod Lake to Mammoth Pass or Red Cones, the trail empties out to almost nobody but yourself.

This was the first hike I did after moving to Mammoth, and I wasn't in great shape. At the time, the climb up to McLeod Lake was pretty steep and exhausting, but it's pretty short. I still say it's doable for almost everyone, just take it at your own pace. There were several senior citizens having no problem on this trail. Hiking around the lake is a good workout due to the sand, but its proximity to the Mammoth Crest makes the scenery spectacular. You will see lots of kids and dogs swimming in the lake and there is plenty of room to relax or have a picnic. Of all the hikes a family could take a young child on, this one would probably be at the top of the list due to its length, decent climb and no large boulders or steps for them to have to be carried over.

Extremely easy hike ... nah, it's a walk. Ideal for families with young children. Short distance, nice tree coverage, and beautiful lake.

Nice day hike with family and friends. Trailhead is at Horseshoe Lake and there is plenty of parking on July 4th mid day. The hike is less than 2 miles round trip including walking around Lake McCloud. We had 6 kids ranging from 5-13 and none had a problem. Beautiful view at the lake. We lunch and returned in less than 2 hours.

Always a fun hike--if only to see all the great dogs along the trail. We always hike this on the first day we arrive in Mammoth because it's short, fun, and it helps us acclimate to the elevation upon our arrival to Mammoth. The reward at the end of this hike is a beautiful lake with stellar views. And take some time to watch the dogs swimming in the lake chasing sticks thrown by their owners. It's lots of fun, and always a great first day hike! Can highly recommend this short hike for families with small children.

Ad a great time with friends. Trailhead is hard to find. But once we got going it was beautiful. Planning a trip back in the spring!!

The beginning of the trail head is this desolate looking area at horseshoe lake but after talking to a geologist we learned the wasteland look comes from high concentrations of carbon dioxide in the soil..once past the trailhead it's a nice easy hike only .4 miles to the lake but there's plenty of areas to hike around the lake or other little trails to explore. Sandy embankments make it perfect for a picnic and some fishing unfortunately there was a huge fire burning near by and the smoke was really thick and visibility was next to nothing on the day we went but I bet the views are amazing

This is a great hike that I do with my 12 year old lab. She has arthritis and doesn't get around well some days but she likes this hike. We rest for a bit at the lake and most times we are the only ones there.

If you want to hike but you don't desire a really tough one then this is the hike for you. Like most trails in the Eastern Sierra this one is up/down but as soon as you start to get tired your there. This is a beauty lake with blue /green water that will tantalize your eyeballs! This is a must do for all!