Trail Rating: 2 (1-5 scale)

The trail to Laurel Lakes offers beautiful views of Mammoth as you climb out of the valley and away from Sherwin Creek Road (4s08). The trail starts on (4s86), and begins climbing a set of steep switchbacks with imbedded and loose rock. Vehicles with low ground clearance may scrape. At the top of the switchbacks you have a wonderful view of Mammoth Lakes, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. You continue south and enter the Inyo National Forest. At 1.7 miles you cross a cattle guard and begin following Laurel Creek. At 2.0 miles you can drive down a short trail to the west, and make camp in one of the most beautiful camp sites i have stayed in. The camp sits under a large Aspen grove, with Laurel Creek flowing in the background. Truly Breathtaking.

After the Campsite, the trail climbs a narrow shelf road to the Laurel Lakes. It is about 3 miles to the lakes from the campsite. The lakes offer native trout fishing (not a stocked lake), and clear emerald colored water. The trail ends at the lakes 10,000 ft elevation. When driving down the trail you are afforded amazing views of this narrow, glacier carved canyon.