Valentine Lake

<-Virginia Lakes to Green Creek

Dicks Pass->

The Hike: When we arrived at the trailhead parking area (after 10a) it was more than half full but still had plenty of parking spaces left. Follow the trail south from the trailhead and quickly pass into the trees and cross over Sherwin Creek (~0.1 miles) on a footbridge, after which you start a gradual climb. The trail zig-zags up before it crosses over a seasonal stream and then begins the first set of serious switchbacks (~0.85 miles) where there is a decent view of Mammoth Lakes. At the eastern end of a long traverse is a nice view of Mammoth Mountain through the trees. Just a little ways after this the trail turns to the southwest (~1.75 miles) and crests a hill. During this climb we passed a couple groups of people and had a few heading back down. From here, the trail descends slightly towards the Sherwin Lakes passing through some hot, sandy, and exposed sections of trail before a large burned section. Here, we passed by a family headed in the other direction, which would represent the last people we would see until we were leaving Valentine Lake. At ~2.15 miles there is a junction with a use-trail which leads to the northern shore of one of the larger Sherwin Lakes and a great view to the south (< 300' round-trip). From this intersection the trail heads east along the northern end of the lake before heading southeast through some sparse trees. A few times the trail passes in and out of a lush section before it is more exposed and becomes very sandy. At ~3.05 miles it intersects with the trail coming in from the north (alternate trailhead). Just a little ways past this (~0.1 miles) the boundary with the John Muir Wilderness is reached. The trail continues to head south, skirts the eastern edge of the trees, and passes through a few very lush sections of trail while climbing. At ~4.3 miles the trail comes close to a scenic pond to the west. Leave the trail (< 50') and check it out from the eastern shore. Continue climbing the trail to the south and quickly come to the bottom of the last set of switchbacks (~4.45 miles). At the base of these switchbacks is where the USGS topo map indicates that the trail crosses the outlet from Valentine Lake before continuing to climb. However, the current trail never crosses the outlet but continues to climb on its eastern side. This last set of switchbacks is mostly shaded, which is nice on a hot summer day. The northern shore of Valentine Lake is reached at its outlet at ~4.95 miles where there are lots of floating and sunk bleach white logs and where the established trail ends. If you wanted you may be able to cross on these logs to the western side, but we did not try it. Instead, we continued just a little ways (~100') along the eastern shore and found a nice big rock in the lake to sit on and cool our feet. The water here may look a little bit tropical and inviting, but even in late-summer unless you're a polar bear you'll probably not want to get all the way in. We sat on our rock, ate lunch, watched a few fish swim through the crystal clear waters, and enjoyed the exceptional views, quiet, and solitude. When you decide its time to head back down, just follow your steps back to the trailhead.