3 min
Overview
The Sherwin Lakes are a pair of subalpine lakes on the southern rim of the Long Valley Caldera, in which sits the town of Mammoth Lakes. These two small lakes also host several groves of aspens, which put on a vivid show of fall color from the middle of September to the middle of October. This moderate hike travels through dry Jeffrey pine and white fir forest to reach the two lakes. The caldera previously mentioned will account for the views while providing some interesting geological history. About 760,000 years ago, a massive eruption blew apart the massive volcano that once stood on the site. The explosion, which was approximately 500 times more powerful than the Mt. Saint Helens eruption, was so great that it expelled all of the magma within, causing the magma chamber below to collapse. A secondary explosion blew massive volumes of ash across the western half of the United States, and much of that ash resettled into the gaping hole left by the collapsed magma chamber. The town of Mammoth Lakes sits in the western half of the caldera. You probably won’t need to worry about eruptions when you visit Mammoth as there doesn’t seem to be any imminent, immediate, or even long-term concern for future eruptions. Geologists suspect that the magma chamber below the caldera has mostly crystallized and that any future eruptions are unlikely. However, the numerous hot springs and fumeroles, as well as the frequent earthquakes, attest to the area’s continued volcanism. Likewise, the hot springs provide Mammoth with a magnet for tourists in addition to the prodigious volumes of snow that make the area a haven for skiers. You will find the trailhead at the end of an access road leading from semi-paved Sherwin Creek Road. After passing the signed trailhead, the trail plunges into a cool, shaded section alongside a creek. As you cross the creek, be sure to enjoy the sound of running water as you will not encounter any other water until the lakes. There are a few aspens and other deciduous trees here, but be aware that the ma
Trail Stats
8.6 km
274 m
2635 m
2377 m
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