Inyo National Forest - Mammoth Ranger District
Arguably the most popular trail is Agnew Meadows to Ediza Lake, which takes you to the lofty ridges and peaks of the Ritter Mountain Range. The trail is 14 miles out and back, with a climb of about 1500 feet. Because of the long winters in the park, the best time to try this hike and climb is in the summer and fall. In July, the wildflowers are spectacular, along with the mosquitoes. Campsites begin about 3.5 miles from the trailhead and hug Shadow Creek. The trailhead lies at a turnoff from the Minaret Summit Road, and there are 2 parking lots, although many people find it more convenient to take a shuttle bus from the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, where they can leave their cars. Rocky underfoot, the trail takes you across several streamlets and eventually into the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Ediza Lake.
A second trail that is hiked often is the Convict Lake Loop, as 2.5-mile that rewards your journey with a furtastic glacial lake, along with views of Laurel Mountain and Mount Morrison. There is a trailhead at the Convict Lake turnoff, about 2 miles from Highway 395.Â
There are also several trailheads from Horseshoe Meadows. The landscape here will take you on an up-and-down path with elevation changes of about 70 feet each. Parts wander through marshy areas as they circle the lake, with about 500 feet of boardwalk. Other sections feature root obstacles to be aware of, and a set of 12 railroad ties buried into the soil in a staircase. A small gravel beach perfect for a stop to enjoy the scenery and have some water or a picnic sits on a point extending into the lake. Be sure to join Fido in a splash and swim in the cold waters of this very deep lake!
Other well-known trails include the Highway 120 Trail in Mammoth Lakes, the Laurel Lakes Trail and Panorama Dome. Whether you and your pup are day hiking or backpacking in Inyo, you're sure to find a pawrfect trail for either!
