Easy hikes and walks around Mcgee Creek
4.7
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18
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Easy hiking trails around Mcgee Creek are located in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada, within the John Muir Wilderness. The region features a diverse landscape, transitioning from high-desert sagebrush to vibrant aspen groves and ascending into rugged alpine environments. Hikers can expect clear alpine ponds, meadows, and views of surrounding peaks like Mount Baldwin and Mount Morrison. The geological features of McGee Canyon include unique striated rock and a mix of metamorphic red rock with granite.
Best easy hiking trails around Mcgee Creek
- The most popular easy hiking route is Convict Lake Loop, a 2.5 miles (4.0 km) trail that takes 52 minutes to complete. This route offers flat walks around the scenic Convict Lake.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Crowley Lake Columns, an easy 2.3 miles (3.7 km) path. This trail leads to unique geological formations near Crowley Lake.
- Local hikers also love the McGee Creek Trail, a 1.8 miles (2.9 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 56 minutes.
- Hiking around Mcgee Creek is defined by high-desert sagebrush, aspen groves, and alpine settings, with clear alpine ponds and views of the Sierra Crest. The network offers options for different ability levels, with 13 easy hiking trails available.
- The routes in Mcgee Creek are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Mcgee Creek's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 2, 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.
1
hikers
889m
00:13
0m
0m
Hike the easy 0.6-mile Wild Willy's Hot Springs Trail to natural, geothermally heated pools with panoramic Sierra Nevada views.
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2.90km
00:56
220m
0m
Hike the easy 1.8-mile McGee Creek Trail in Inyo National Forest, gaining 711 feet in 55 minutes, offering diverse scenery.
878m
00:14
0m
10m
Enjoy a short, easy walk to Shepherd Hot Springs, offering panoramic Sierra Nevada views and a relaxing soak in a human-made tub.
4.5
(15)
215
hikers
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
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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Wild Willy's Hot Springs are within walking distance of a medium-sized parking lot. There are about three different sized and differently hot natural pools. Dispersed camping is allowed around the location.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around McGee Creek?
The McGee Creek area offers 13 easy hiking trails, providing a variety of options for different preferences and abilities within the Eastern Sierra Nevada.
What kind of landscape can I expect on easy hikes around McGee Creek?
Easy hikes around McGee Creek traverse a diverse landscape, transitioning from high-desert sagebrush to vibrant aspen groves, and ascending into rugged alpine settings. You'll encounter clear alpine ponds, meadows, and breathtaking views of surrounding peaks like Mount Baldwin, Mount Morrison, and the Sierra Crest.
Are there any hot springs accessible via easy trails in the McGee Creek area?
Yes, several easy trails lead to natural hot springs. You can explore the Wild Willy's Hot Springs Trail or the Shepherd Hot Spring Trail. Additionally, the Wild Willy‘s Hot Springs and HillTop Hot Spring are popular natural monuments in the vicinity.
Can I find trails that offer views of alpine lakes?
Absolutely. The region is known for its clear alpine ponds. A popular easy route is the Convict Lake Loop, which offers flat walks around the scenic Convict Lake.
What natural landmarks can I see on easy hikes around McGee Creek?
Beyond the stunning mountain views, you can visit unique geological formations like the Crowley Lake Columns. The Hot Creek Geological Site is also a notable natural monument nearby, showcasing the area's volcanic activity.
Are there any family-friendly easy hikes in the McGee Creek area?
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. The Convict Lake Loop is particularly popular for its flat terrain and scenic views, making it ideal for all ages.
What is the best time of year for easy hikes around McGee Creek?
The Eastern Sierra is beautiful year-round, but for easy hikes, late spring through fall (May to October) generally offers the most pleasant conditions. Spring brings wildflowers, and fall is renowned for spectacular aspen colors. Always check local conditions, especially for higher elevations.
Are there any loop trails for easy hiking?
Yes, the Convict Lake Loop is a popular easy loop trail, offering a complete circuit around the picturesque lake.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in McGee Creek?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse and dramatic Eastern Sierra landscapes, the vibrant aspen groves, and the clear alpine ponds, as well as the unique geological features.
Are permits required for easy hiking trails in McGee Creek?
For day hikes on easy trails within the John Muir Wilderness, permits are generally not required. However, if you plan an overnight backpacking trip, wilderness permits are necessary. Always check with the local ranger station for the most current regulations.
What kind of wildlife might I spot on easy trails?
The diverse ecosystems around McGee Creek support various wildlife. Hikers might spot deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. The transition from high-desert to alpine environments provides habitats for a wide range of creatures.
Are there any easy trails that lead to unique geological formations?
Yes, the Crowley Lake Columns trail is an excellent option. It leads to fascinating columnar basalt formations near Crowley Lake, showcasing the region's distinctive geology, which includes striated rock and a mix of metamorphic red rock with granite.
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