At the end of Lake Mary Road and the Lakes Basin Path, with winter access by ski or snowshoe only, Horseshoe Lake is a popular recreation area and staging point for the Mammoth Pass and McLeod Lake trails. With the Mammoth Crest escarpment and the southern flank of Mammoth Mountain as backdrop, the area is further distinguished by more than 100 acres of tree kill; carbon dioxide from cooling magma seeped through the surface after a swarm of small earthquakes hit in 1989-1990. In dry years, as its feeder streams dry up, the lake diminishes dramatically over the summer, leaving expanses of sandy beach to play on.
Horseshoe Lake
Conditions Update
- 05/15/2024: TEST CONDITION TEST CONDITION
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Destination Activities
Public Services
Hours of Operation: N/A
Season: Year Round
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This destination is accessed directly from the Horseshoe Lake Trailhead.
*Note that not all facilities are accessible via public transit.
Related Trails
Horseshoe Lake Loop
1.7 mi
- Surface: Soil
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Lakes Basin Path
5.3 mi
- Surface: Asphalt
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Mammoth Pass - Crater Meadow Trail
3.6 mi
- Surface: Soil
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Mammoth Pass Trail
4.1 mi
- Surface: Soil
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Related Trails
| Trail | Length (mi) | Surface | Activities and Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Lake Loop | 1.7 | Soil |
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| Lakes Basin Path | 5.3 | Asphalt |
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| Mammoth Pass - Crater Meadow Trail | 3.6 | Soil |
|
| Mammoth Pass Trail | 4.1 | Soil |
|
Related Experiences
Bouldering at Horseshoe Boulder
0.6 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Family Biking the Horseshoe Lake Loop
1.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: About an hour
Family Biking the Horseshoe Lake Loop from Twin Falls Overlook
2.1 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Family Biking the Lakes Basin
6.2 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Family Biking the Lakes Basin Path
10.6 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Half day
Family Biking the Lakes Basin Path Downhill
5.3 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Guided Geology Tour at Horseshoe Lake
1.4 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Hiking the Horseshoe Lake Loop - Adaptive Option
1.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Lake Swimming in McLeod Lake
1.2 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Water,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Pets on the Horseshoe Lake Loop
1.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Sand,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Road Biking around the Lakes Basin
14.1 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Road Biking the Climber's Tour of Mammoth
16.5 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- 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
Running the Lakes Basin Path from Twin Lakes Vista to Horseshoe Lake
6.2 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Ski Touring from Mill City to McLeod Lake
7.0 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Snow,
- Duration: Half day
Sport Climbing at Horseshoe Slabs
1.0 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Soil,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Stand Up Paddleboarding on Horseshoe Lake
0.6 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Water,
- 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
Walking the Horseshoe Lake Loop
1.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Walking the Horseshoe Lake Loop Out and Back
1.0 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Sand,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Walking the Lakes Basin Path from Horseshoe Lake to Lake Mary
2.1 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Related Experiences
