Horseshoe Lake Mammoth Lakes
A unique alpine lake in Mammoth Lakes known for its striking fallen trees and dog-friendly sandy shores.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Horseshoe Lake Mammoth Lakes
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique alpine lake in Mammoth Lakes known for its striking fallen trees and dog-friendly sandy shores.
"This place is a must-visit for its otherworldly landscape and dog-friendly beaches!"
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Large parking lot, often with space even during busy times. Last stop on the Mammoth Lakes trolley!
🐾 Dog Paradise
Leashed dogs are welcome and love the sandy beaches for swimming and playing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Fallen Forest
Shoreline
A striking collection of fallen trees, a testament to the unique CO2 gas seeps, creating an otherworldly landscape.
McLeod Lake Hike
Trailhead from Horseshoe Lake
A short, rewarding hike to a stunning alpine lake with dramatic mountain backdrops.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Shoreline
Sandy shores perfect for dogs to play and swim, making it a popular spot for pet owners.
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Planning Your Visit
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Unique Natural Phenomenon
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Large parking lot, often with space even during busy times. Last stop on the Mammoth Lakes trolley!
🐾 Dog Paradise
Leashed dogs are welcome and love the sandy beaches for swimming and playing.
⚠️ Unique Geological Feature
Be aware of CO2 gas seeps; signs are posted. Admire the fallen trees, a unique sight!
🥾 Hike to McLeod Lake
Easy 1-mile roundtrip hike offers stunning alpine lake views. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Large parking lot, often with space even during busy times. Last stop on the Mammoth Lakes trolley!
🐾 Dog Paradise
Leashed dogs are welcome and love the sandy beaches for swimming and playing.
⚠️ Unique Geological Feature
Be aware of CO2 gas seeps; signs are posted. Admire the fallen trees, a unique sight!
🥾 Hike to McLeod Lake
Easy 1-mile roundtrip hike offers stunning alpine lake views.
🧊 Cold Water Dip
Water is crystal clear but very cold, even in mid-June. Perfect for a quick, refreshing swim!
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Popular spot for fishing, especially for trout.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love Horseshoe Lake for its unique fallen forest landscape and dog-friendly sandy beaches. The easy hike to McLeod Lake is a highlight, offering stunning alpine views. While the water is bracingly cold, the overall experience is highly rated for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
"Fun little dog friendly lake with Sandy beaches. 2 mile walk around the whole thing. Lots of families and plenty of parking. Great place to paddleboard and swim with your dog."
Man N
"The hiking to Lake McLead from Horseshoe lake was amazing. It is an easy half an hour hike. The views at the lake with mountains and tress and nature was very relaxing. We looped around the lake McLead. It was very easy and glad that visited this place during our trip at Mammoth Lakes. Plenty of parking available all day. Great place for fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking and other summer activities."
Soumyaroop Nandi
"Nice serene tranquil lake. I enjoy sitting by the beach and enjoying the views. Crystal clear lake. The water temp was cold in mid June 2024. Great sandy beach to set up chairs and enjoy a picnic. Trails around the lake are of moderate difficulty.
Large parking lot. Restroom pit smells. Horseshoe lake is the last stop on Mammoth lake trolley.
Per the ranger..lots of dead trees around the lake due to CO2 gas seeping from the grounds."
Sam Bawahab
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Horseshoe Lake is located in the Mammoth Lakes Basin and is accessible by car. It's the last stop on the Mammoth Lakes trolley, making public transport a convenient option. The drive offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Yes, there is a large parking lot at Horseshoe Lake, which is often sufficient even during peak times. It's a popular spot, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended if possible.
Overnight parking is generally tolerated for short trips, but it's always best to check with local authorities or rangers for specific regulations. Some backpackers have reported no issues for a couple of nights.
The drive from Los Angeles to Horseshoe Lake is approximately 5 hours, often via US-395 N. It's a scenic journey through California's Eastern Sierra.
Access to Horseshoe Lake can be limited in winter due to snow. Roads may be closed or require snow chains. It's best to check current road conditions before planning a winter visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Horseshoe Lake is a natural attraction and does not require an entrance ticket for general access. Parking is also typically free.
Horseshoe Lake is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, winter access may be restricted due to snow.
Generally, there are no entrance or parking fees for Horseshoe Lake. However, specific activities like camping in designated areas might incur fees.
Yes, Horseshoe Lake is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome on leash and can enjoy the sandy beaches and swimming.
Absolutely! Horseshoe Lake is great for families with its sandy beaches, easy walking trails, and the nearby McLeod Lake hike.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking to McLeod Lake, picnicking, and simply relaxing on the sandy beaches. The unique fallen trees are also a major attraction.
The water at Horseshoe Lake is crystal clear but very cold, even in the summer months. Expect temperatures to be bracing, perfect for a quick dip rather than a long swim.
There are warning signs due to natural CO2 gas seeping from the ground, which has caused many trees to fall. While it creates a unique landscape, it's advised to be aware of the posted information.
A full loop around Horseshoe Lake is approximately 2 miles. The trails are generally moderate in difficulty.
Yes, there are pit restrooms available at Horseshoe Lake. Be aware that they can sometimes have a strong odor.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Activities
Yes, Horseshoe Lake is a popular spot for fishing, particularly for trout. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular activities at Horseshoe Lake, especially during the warmer months. The calm waters are ideal for these pursuits.
Horseshoe Lake is known to be stocked with trout, making it a favored destination for anglers.
While Horseshoe Lake itself doesn't have designated campgrounds, there are numerous campgrounds in the surrounding Mammoth Lakes Basin area. Overnight parking for backpacking is sometimes permitted.
Horseshoe Lake is part of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, which includes Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, and Lake George, offering a variety of scenic spots and activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With ample parking and the convenience of being the last stop on the Mammoth Lakes trolley, it's an accessible outing. The unique fallen trees also add an element of wonder and intrigue for younger visitors. Just be sure to supervise children closely, especially near the water and around the fallen trees.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Explorers
The easy trails around the lake and the short hike to McLeod Lake are also great for dogs to explore. It’s a place where you can truly enjoy the natural beauty of Mammoth Lakes with your canine companion by your side, making it a top choice for pet-loving travelers.
🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond fishing, the lake offers opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking. The unique geological features, like the fallen trees, provide a visually striking backdrop for any outdoor activity. It’s a place where you can combine your love for the outdoors with the stunning natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Horseshoe Lake
This unique geological activity makes Horseshoe Lake a fascinating place to explore. Visitors often marvel at the stark beauty of the dead trees against the clear blue water and the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape. It’s a stark reminder of the powerful natural forces at play in the region. The area is still a beautiful spot for recreation, but understanding the cause of the fallen trees adds another layer of appreciation for this natural wonder.
Hiking to McLeod Lake: A Must-Do Excursion
+2The trail offers stunning views as you ascend, culminating in the breathtaking sight of McLeod Lake. Nestled within the Ansel Adams Wilderness, this alpine lake is framed by the dramatic granite walls of the Mammoth Crest and surrounded by lodgepole pines. It’s a postcard-perfect scene that many visitors find incredibly relaxing and beautiful. The easy walk back down provides a pleasant conclusion to this rewarding excursion.
Horseshoe Lake: A Haven for Dogs and Their Owners
Many visitors rave about the experience of bringing their dogs to Horseshoe Lake. The shallow, clear waters are inviting for dogs to splash in, and the open beach areas provide plenty of space for them to explore. It’s a place where both humans and their canine friends can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra.
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