Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Mammoth Lakes: Complete Trail Guide (2026)

Quick Answer: Best Dog Hikes in Mammoth Lakes

1. Horseshoe Lake Loop — Best First Hike in Mammoth for Dogs

Distance: 1.5 miles.
Elevation gain: minimal.
Trailhead: Horseshoe Lake parking area, end of Lake Mary Road.

Horseshoe Lake is where I take every visiting dog on day one. The trail loops around a beautiful high-alpine lake with a sandy beach where dogs can swim, flat terrain, and dramatic views. Parking fills by 8:30 AM on summer weekends — arrive early. 

2. Twin Lakes Trail — Best for Swimming and Fall Color

Distance: 2 miles to Upper Twin Lakes.
Elevation gain: 300 feet.
Trailhead: Twin Lakes parking area off Lake Mary Road.

A gentle climb through lodgepole pine to a pair of connected alpine lakes with excellent swimming access. In October, the aspens turn brilliant gold, making this the most photogenic dog hike in Mammoth during fall. Continue to Upper Twin Lakes for more breathing room on busy summer weekends.

3. Sherwin Lakes — Best Multi-Lake Hike

Distance: 5 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet.
Trailhead: Sherwin Lakes Trailhead on Sherwin Creek Road.

The trail climbs steadily through pines before opening to a series of small alpine lakes in a granite bowl. Each lake has swimming access. The trailhead is less popular than the Lake Mary Road options — often quiet even on summer weekends. Paw wax recommended for the upper sections.

4. Crystal Lake Trail — Best Views per Foot of Effort

Distance: 3.4 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet.
Trailhead: Lake George parking area, end of Lake Mary Road.

Crystal Lake sits in a dramatic granite cirque above Lake George. The trail is a steady climb, and the views from the top are spectacular — looking out over the entire Lakes Basin with the Mammoth Rock formation in the background. The terrain is rougher than flat lake loops, so paw wax or boots are recommended.

5. Duck Pass Trail — Best Alpine Hike for Fit Dogs

Distance: 7 miles round trip to Duck Lake.
Elevation gain: 1,500 feet.
Trailhead: Coldwater Campground parking area. Starting altitude: 9,100 feet.

Duck Pass is the most rewarding full-day hike for dogs near Mammoth. The trail passes Arrowhead Lake, Skelton Lake, and Barney Lake before summiting Duck Pass at 11,060 feet. Not appropriate for a dog's first day at altitude, puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with cardiovascular issues.

6. McLeod Lake — Most Underrated Easy Hike

Distance: 2.2 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: 300 feet. 
Trailhead: Horseshoe Lake parking area (take the north fork).

McLeod Lake gets a fraction of the traffic of Horseshoe Lake despite launching from the same parking area. A forested trail to a quiet alpine lake with a good sandy shoreline. On a busy summer weekend, you can do Horseshoe in the morning and McLeod in the afternoon and have a completely different experience at each.

7. Inyo Craters — Best Short Unique Hike

Distance: 0.5 miles round trip.
Trailhead: Inyo Craters parking area off Mammoth Scenic Loop.

The Inyo Craters are a rare chain of volcanic explosion craters and some of the youngest visible volcanic features in California. A short flat walk on packed pumice — the softest trail surface in the Mammoth area. Great addition to a day that includes a longer hike elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest dog-friendly hike in Mammoth Lakes?

The Horseshoe Lake Loop is the easiest and most accessible — flat terrain, 1.5 miles, swimming access. The Inyo Craters walk and Earthquake Fault area are even shorter for older dogs or puppies.

Are all these trails open year-round?

No. High-country trails (Duck Pass, Crystal Lake, Sherwin Lakes) are snow-covered from November through early June most years. Horseshoe Lake Loop and lower Lakes Basin trails usually open in late June. Shady Rest Park trails are walkable year-round.

Can I let my dog swim on these trails?

Dogs can swim at Horseshoe Lake, Twin Lakes, McLeod Lake, Sherwin Lakes, and most other alpine lakes in the Inyo National Forest. Dogs must be leashed at the shoreline but can enter the water.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear my dogs and I personally use on these trails.