Laurel Lakes

Total Miles
5.0

Elevation

3,075.96 ft

Duration

1 Hours

Technical Rating

4

Moderate

Best Time

Summer

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Laurel Lakes 7

Trail Overview

Climb to secluded, crystalclear mountain lakes at 10,000 ft. on the edge of John Muir Wilderness. Incredible views as you climb and look down from the top. Camp and fish at the lakes and along Laurel Creek as it flows the entire length of Laurel Canyon. Open to all motor vehicles. Popular hunting area in the fall. Wildflowers and great fall color. Can get busy on holiday weekends. Snow may block top of trail into July.

Photos of Laurel Lakes

Laurel Lakes
Laurel Lakes

Difficulty

Moderate: Very rocky and narrow in places, but no major obstacles. Difficult to pass in spots so watch for vehicles ahead. Perfect trail for stock, aggressive, 4x4 SUVs and new drivers looking to take on more challenge. Very steep and narrow going down to lakes.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

Carlo M
Jul 21, 2024
2023 Chevrolet Silverado
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
4Lo, 5 rating, trail extremely rocky. 1st incline switchbacks long, slow w/medium boulders/rocks. High clearance spotter lines, look far ahead for oncoming vehicles on mountain side, no room for passes. Last hair pin took 8 point turn for Silverado, 4-6 point for Jeep and stock Suby Outback. Suby had all terrains, used X Mode. Heated trans on long inclines and low clearance issues. Bottom out at times, minor front/rear bumper damage on arrival/departure angles. Would not recommend Outback unless lifted and additional external trans cooler. Jeep club amazed Outback made it, with alot of work! Thx to those that stopped to offer assistance, very kind. We got it done in 3 hours inbound with some stops for Outback cooling. Great adventure, I was happy with Outback capabilities. ZR2 never needed lockers, but 4Lo helped keep slow speeds up and down long grades.
Danielle Blakeman
Jul 06, 2024
2022 Ford Bronco
Open
Absolutely loved this trail. Fun rock obstacles, gorgeous end point, just great all around. Fun switchbacks at the end.
Michael Vazquez
Jul 03, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Rough/Deteriorated
Nice weather and trail is wide open with no more snow in the trail path
Rick Morales
Jun 27, 2024
SxS
Open
Normal
Our group cut a trail through the last of the snow at the last 1/2 mile from the lake. 12 sxs’s made it to the lake and back.

Access Description

From Highway 395 east of Mammoth, take Sherwin Creek Road south. If you are coming from Mammoth on Highway 203, Sherwin Creek Exit is next exit east on 395. Follow Sherwin Creek Road 1.4 to sign for Laurel Lakes Road on left.

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