When we were planning our bike route for the Lakes Basin Bike Path, Horseshoe Lake trail was recommended as a fun addition to the route. Horseshoe Lake trail is a wonderful beginner mountain bike trail in Mammoth Lakes. It is also popular among hikers. Horseshoe Lake trail loops around the beautiful lake, through the pine forest. It is a perfect hike and bike trail for family and beginners alike.
Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surround areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti, no carving in sandstone walls and pack out what you pack in! Also, please obey the speed limit. Please help us protect this place for generations to come!
Stats
Where
Trailhead:
37°36’44.6″N 119°01’15.3″W
Parking
Paved parking lot with plenty of parking.
Restroom
There are restrooms at the trailhead.
Fee
Free
Weather
Distance
1.8 miles loop
Elevation Gain
114 ft
Level
Easy for both hikers and bikers. This is a very beginner level mountain bike trail.
Time:
30 mins – 1 hour
Pet-friendly
Yes
Ideal Weather
Cooler days.
Ideal Time
Summer and Fall. Since it is a popular trail, going early mornings will have less people and more time for you to explore the area, or finish out the Lake Basin Path.
Video
Getting to Horseshoe Lake Trail
Horseshoe Lake trail is located at Horseshoe Lake (who would have thought?). To get there from the village of Mammoth Lakes, you can just follow Lake Mary road, go past Lake Mary Campground, and Twin Lakes’s viewpoint to get there.
If you don’t feel like driving, or if you want to combine the Horseshoe Lake loop trail with Lakes Basin Path, you can always take the Lakes Basin Trolley to get to the trailhead. Lakes Basin Trolley is a FREE summer trolley that will take you from the village of Mammoth Lakes, all the way to Horseshoe Lake. All of the trolleys have bike trailers so you can take your bikes with you!
The trailhead can be a bit confusing to find. From the trolley stop, go right toward a smaller parking lot. At the end of that parking lot is a dirty path, with a wooden sign marking the trailhead.
The Adventure
Since we did the Horseshoe Lake loop trail as part of our Lakes Basin Path bike ride, we took the trolley up to the lake. The trail is mostly flat dirt with occasional rocks and tree roots. There are also a few wooden bridges that cross over some run-offs and streams. Since you’ll be sharing this trail with other hikers and pups, please make sure to keep an eye out for them.
Horseshoe Lake trail starts out on an open dirt area, then quickly weaves through the beautiful pine forest. You’ll cross over the first bridge soon after. This trail is mostly flat. If you go counter-clockwise, it seems like there is more downhill than uphill. Also, watch out for tree roots and soft sand. Horseshoe Lake trail can be sandy in some spots but it’s not that bad.
As we biked along, we came up to a full-sized, intact brick fireplace, sitting on the edge of the lake. It was kind of neat. We couldn’t find out anything back story about the fireplace though. After the fireplace, the trail soon veers away from the lake and heads through the trees before connecting back up with the paved Lakes Basin Path. From here, if you turn left, you can head back to the parking lot to complete the loop. Since we did this trail as part of our Lakes Basin Bike Path, we actually go right and continue on our way down the hill.
Horseshoe Lake loop trail is a short and sweet hike, perfect for beginners and families with small kids. It’s a great addition to the longer Lakes Basin Path. We definitely recommend it!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Always make sure to wear your bike helmet!
You don’t need bike gloves, but they are nice to have.
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
- Obviously, if you go biking, you will need a bike.
- Sunglasses
- Closed-toes shoes
- Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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