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
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

Ryan Mages
Dec 31, 2023
4x4
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Currently not safe. Steep slopes and ice on the cliff side portions of the trail. Without methods for traversing icy slopes, consider this trail impassable until warmer weather.
Matthew Clement
Dec 23, 2023
4x4
Obstructed
Deep Snow
This is a bit tougher trail than a 4…probably a 6 given the boulders all over the trail in the initial climb, then the narrowness and (this time of year) snow further up. I wouldn’t do this without a lifted suspension.
Gavin Fluegge
Nov 21, 2023
4x4
Obstructed
Deep Snow
Kane C
Nov 07, 2023
4x4
Obstructed
Deep Snow

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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