Sherwin and Valentine Lakes Loop

From the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead, the Sherwin Lakes Trail climbs about 800 feet in just under two miles to a plateau with nice views of the Minarets. The trail skirts by the second of the three Sherwin Lakes and then reaches a juncture with the Valentine Lake Trail at about three miles. From this juncture, turn right to take the Valentine Lake Trail up to Valentine Lake. The trail steepens and climbs another 1,000+ feet over the next 2.25 miles. The trail dead-ends at Valentine Lake. If you cross the outlet of the lake, you can find a nice lunch spot on some boulders overlooking the Long Valley Caldera behind you. To descend, follow the Valentine Lake Trail all the way back down to Sherwin Creek Road. The descent is about 4.5 to 5 miles. Turn left onto Sherwin Creek Road and follow it back to the Sherwin Lakes Trailhead in less than two miles.