The best walks and hikes around Crowley Lake
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Hiking around Crowley Lake, nestled in California's Eastern Sierra, offers diverse landscapes shaped by volcanic history and glacial activity. The region features dramatic mountain vistas, unique geological formations like the Crowley Lake Stone Columns, and a network of trails winding through varied terrain. Hikers can explore areas ranging from high desert to alpine lakes, with the Eastern Sierra mountains providing a constant backdrop.
Best hiking trails around Crowley Lake
- The most popular hiking route is Convict Lake loop — Mammoth Lakes, a 2.5 miles (4.0 km) trail that takes about 52 minutes to complete, offering views of the scenic Convict Lake.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hot Springs — Mammoth Lakes District, an easy 4.7 miles (7.6 km) path. This route explores the area's geothermal features and surrounding high desert landscape.
- Local hikers also love the Convict Lake — Inyo National Forest, an 11.2 miles (18.1 km) trail leading through the rugged terrain around Convict Lake, often completed in about 5 hours 47 minutes.
- Hiking around Crowley Lake is defined by the dramatic Eastern Sierra mountains, unique volcanic stone columns, and numerous alpine lakes. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy strolls to challenging mountain ascents.
- The routes in Crowley Lake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 300 hikers have used komoot to explore Crowley Lake's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
12
hikers
3.67km
01:01
50m
80m
Explore the otherworldly Crowley Lake Columns on this easy 2.3-mile hike in Inyo National Forest, featuring unique geological formations.
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11.1km
03:38
810m
0m
Hike to Big McGee Lake, a moderate 6.9-mile trail in Inyo National Forest with 2671 feet of elevation gain and stunning alpine views.
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1
hikers
889m
00:13
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Hike the easy 0.6-mile Wild Willy's Hot Springs Trail to natural, geothermally heated pools with panoramic Sierra Nevada views.
2.90km
00:56
220m
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Hike the easy 1.8-mile McGee Creek Trail in Inyo National Forest, gaining 711 feet in 55 minutes, offering diverse scenery.
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4.01km
00:52
60m
60m
Hike the easy 2.5-mile Convict Lake Loop in Inyo National Forest, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks.
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Tips from the Community
Big McGee Lake is a fascinating lake in Inyo National Forest. From the lake you can see Red and White Mountain with different colors and rock formations contrasting with the turquoise color of the lake. The hike to the lake will offer stunning views; it follows McGee Creek, going between aspens, pines and small lakes. This can be a long day hike that must be planned, or it can be done as a multi-day backpacking trip. Trekking poles and wearing good hiking boots can be very helpful.
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Convict Lake is a glacial lake and is surrounded by majestic mountains. The picturesque lake, however, has a very sad history. It gets its name from an incident that happened in 1871, when 29 convicts escaped from Carson City Jail and found a place to hide near the lake. After killing a mail carrier who had found them by chance at Convict Lake, they were followed by military officers and there was a bloody shoot-out. The surviving prisoners were found soon after and lynched.
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One of the best known set of hot spring pools in the Mammoth area. Luckily it attracts most of the people, leaving the other lesser known springs to be quieter. But even this site calms down during the week and outside the holiday seasons
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Be aware, the popular Convict Lake Trail the loops around the lake is closed to bicycles.
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The picturesque alpine lake is the place of a dark story. It was named after an incident in 1871, when 29 convicts escaped from prison in Carson City and found a place to hide near the lake. They were followed by a local posse after killing a mail rider who accidentally found them at Convict lake and as soon as it caught up to the convicts, members of both sides were killed in a shootout. The convicts that survived the shootout were found and lynched later on. Today, Convict Lake is a great spot for fishing. You can find rainbow trout, German brown trout and species of sucker fish in the clear blue waters. It is also a fine hiking location. A 3-miles trail goes around the lake and another one connects it to the Sierra Crest.
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At the northwest corner of Convict Lake a trail begins to climb steadily into the backcountry, leading to Dorothy Lake, and a branch further northwest to Dicks Pass Trail and eventually to the Pacific Crest Trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Crowley Lake?
The Crowley Lake area features a diverse network of trails. Komoot currently lists 2 hiking routes, with options ranging from easy strolls to more challenging mountain ascents. The region's varied terrain, from high desert to alpine lakes, ensures there's a path for every preference.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails near Crowley Lake?
The trails around Crowley Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic Eastern Sierra mountain views, the unique volcanic stone columns, and the serene beauty of the numerous alpine lakes.
Are there easy hikes suitable for beginners or families around Crowley Lake?
Yes, there are several accessible options. For a relatively easy experience, consider the Convict Lake loop — Mammoth Lakes, which is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and offers scenic views of Convict Lake. Another easy option is Hot Springs — Mammoth Lakes District, a 4.7-mile path exploring geothermal features.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced hikers?
Absolutely. For those seeking a more strenuous adventure, the Convict Lake — Inyo National Forest trail is an 11.2-mile (18.1 km) route through rugged terrain. Another demanding option is Lake Dorothy — Mammoth Lakes, covering over 12 miles with significant elevation gain.
What unique geological features can I explore while hiking?
The most striking geological features are the Crowley Lake Stone Columns. These enigmatic cylindrical formations, some reaching up to 20 feet high, were created by volcanic eruptions and erosion. They offer an 'otherworldly' landscape with small caves to explore, particularly when reservoir water levels are low. Access often involves hiking along dirt roads.
Can I find trails with waterfalls near Crowley Lake?
Yes, the region offers opportunities to see waterfalls, especially on some of the longer trails. For instance, the McGee Pass Trail, while strenuous, is known to feature waterfalls. The diverse landscape of the Eastern Sierra often provides seasonal waterfalls, particularly during spring snowmelt.
What landmarks or points of interest can I see while hiking around Crowley Lake?
Beyond the lake itself, you can explore several notable landmarks. Convict Lake is a popular scenic spot. You might also encounter geothermal features like Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs or HillTop Hot Spring ♨️🌴. The dramatic backdrop of the Eastern Sierra mountains, including peaks like Mount Morgan, provides constant scenic interest.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails near Crowley Lake?
Many trails in the Eastern Sierra, including those around Crowley Lake, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out, as some wilderness areas or protected zones may have restrictions. Always keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Are there any circular or loop hikes in the area?
Yes, the Convict Lake loop — Mammoth Lakes is a popular circular route that allows you to experience the beauty of Convict Lake without retracing your steps. Many other trails offer out-and-back options, but some longer routes can be combined for loop experiences.
What is the best time of year to hike around Crowley Lake?
The best time to hike around Crowley Lake is generally from late spring through fall. Summer offers warm weather perfect for high-altitude trails. Fall is particularly stunning, with vibrant autumn colors around lakes like Convict Lake and Hilton Lakes. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear and awareness of snow conditions.
Are permits required for hiking in the Crowley Lake area?
For most day hikes around Crowley Lake and in the immediate vicinity, permits are generally not required. However, if you plan to venture into designated wilderness areas for overnight trips, or access certain popular trailheads, a wilderness permit may be necessary. It's advisable to check with the Inyo National Forest service for the most current regulations regarding permits.
Are there trails that offer views of other lakes besides Crowley Lake?
Yes, the region is dotted with numerous beautiful lakes. Trails often lead to or offer views of Convict Lake and Hilton Creek Lakes. Longer routes like Big McGee Lake — Inyo National Forest will take you to other alpine bodies of water, providing diverse lake scenery.
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