In summer, the open-water swimming is world class at a number of local lakes, especially Arrowhead, McLeod and Convict. The only body of water in the Lakes Basin open to swimming is Horseshoe Lake. A multitude of local and visiting triathletes hop in the water regularly for race training and pure enjoyment. Lakes are snow-fed, so be prepared for a cool to chilly dip! For lap swimming, the Town/Mono County-managed facility at Whitmore (760-934-4222, entrance fee required) features an outdoor 25-meter spring-fed pool, wading pool, restrooms, showers and a grassy lawn with big views of Mt. Morrison.
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Subregions
- Eastern Lands (+)
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Inyo Craters (+)
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C Trail - Groomed Snowmobile Trail
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D Trail - Groomed Snowmobile Trail
- Earthquake Fault Trail
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F Trail - Groomed Snowmobile Trail
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G Trail - Groomed Snowmobile Trail
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H Trail - Groomed Snowmobile Trail
- Inyo Craters Trail
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I Trail - Groomed Snowmobile Trail
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L Trail - Groomed Snowmobile Trail
- Mountain View Trail
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Lakes Basin (+)
- Arrowhead Lake Trail
- Coldwater-George Trail
- Crystal Lake Trail
- Duck Pass Trail
- Emerald Lake - Skelton Lake Trail
- Heart Lake Trail
- Horseshoe Lake Loop
- Lakefront Path
- Lakes Basin Path
- Mammoth Crest Trail
- Mammoth Mountain - Mammoth Pass Trail
- Mammoth Pack Station Trail
- Mammoth Pass - Crater Meadow Trail
- Mammoth Pass Trail
- McLeod Lake Spur
- Panorama Dome Mountain Bike Trail
- Panorama Dome Trail
- Panorama Mountain Bike Loop
- Pika Lake Trail
- Rim Trail
- Seven Lakes Point Loop
- Sky Meadows Trail
- TJ Lake Loop
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Winter Access Corridor - Lakes Basin
- Woods Lake Trail
- Mammoth Crest (+)
- Mammoth Mountain (+)
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Reds Meadow Valley (+)
- Agnew Meadow - Pumice Flat
- Agnew Wildflower Loop
- Anona Lake Trail
- Beck Lake Trail
- Emily Lake Trail
- Fish Creek Trail
- High Trail
- Minaret Lake Trail
- Rainbow Falls Trail
- Red Cones Cutoff
- River Trail
- Shadow Creek Trail
- Sotcher Lake Feeder
- Sotcher Lake Loop
- Sotcher Lake - Mammoth Pass Trail
- Starkweather Trail
- Summit Meadow - Holcomb Lake Cutoff
- Upper Crater Meadows Trail
- Shady Rest (+)
- Sherwins (+)
- Town (+)
Activity Checklist
- Sunscreen/lip protector
- Swim goggles
- Swimsuit or wetsuit
- Towel
- Water
Featured Swimming Experiences
Lake Swimming in Convict Lake
- Difficulty Rating:
- Duration:
- Less than 4 hours
Lake Swimming in McLeod Lake
- Difficulty Rating:
- Duration:
- Less than 4 hours
All Swimming Experiences
Lake Swimming in Convict Lake
N/A
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Water,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Lake Swimming in McLeod Lake
1.2 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Water,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Road Biking to Horseshoe Lake and Swimming Horseshoe Lake
13.9 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Road Biking to Whitmore Pool and Swimming Whitmore Pool
17.9 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Trail Running around Horseshoe Lake and Swimming Horseshoe Lake
2.7 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Soil,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
All Swimming Experiences
| Experience | Rating | Length (mi) | Surface | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Swimming in Convict Lake | N/A | Water | Less than 4 hours | |
| Lake Swimming in McLeod Lake | 1.2 | Water | Less than 4 hours | |
| Road Biking to Horseshoe Lake and Swimming Horseshoe Lake | 13.9 | Asphalt | Less than 4 hours | |
| Road Biking to Whitmore Pool and Swimming Whitmore Pool | 17.9 | Mixed | Less than 4 hours | |
| Trail Running around Horseshoe Lake and Swimming Horseshoe Lake | 2.7 | Soil | Less than 4 hours |
All Swimming Trails
McLeod Lake Spur
0.4 mi
- Surface: Soil
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Rainbow Falls Trail
1.7 mi
- Surface: Soil
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All Swimming Trails
| Trail | Length (mi) | Surface | Activities and Services |
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| McLeod Lake Spur | 0.4 | Soil |
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| Rainbow Falls Trail | 1.7 | Soil |
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