3.2 hr
Overview
To get there, go east on Sherwin Creek Road from Mammoth for about 3.5 miles\u2014past the Sherwin Creek Campground\u2014until you see the sign for the Valentine Lake Trailhead. <br><br>From the trailhead, the Valentine Lake Trail climbs up sandy switchbacks for about 2.5 miles until it reaches the juncture with the Sherwin Lakes Trail. Continue straight to stay on the Valentine Lake Trail. The climb steepens on rocky trail for the next 2.5 miles until it dead-ends at Valentine Lake. <br><br>If you cross the outlet of the lake, you can find a nice lunch spot on some boulders overlooking the Long Valley Caldera behind you.
Trail Stats
7.7 km
668 m
2940 m
2272 m
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Photos
A runner heads up the Valentine Lake Trail.
A runner heads up the Valentine Lake Trail.
Looking back down the valley from the top of the Valentine Lake Trail.
Looking back down the valley from the top of the Valentine Lake Trail.
The juncture of Sherwin Lakes Trail and Valentine Lake Trail.
The juncture of Sherwin Lakes Trail and Valentine Lake Trail.
Trailhead for Valentine Lake Trail off of Sherwin Creek Road.
Trailhead for Valentine Lake Trail off of Sherwin Creek Road.
End of the trail at Valentine Lake.
End of the trail at Valentine Lake.