This hike has some easy sections (near the start and then just before the lake). The rest of the trail is steep, rocky and 1 rather tough creek crossing. The hiking seemed tougher coming down due to tired bodies and the steep rocky trail.
I would rank the trail as Moderate rather than Easy, but then again we are 80 years old.
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The Laurel Canyon hike is 4.5 miles to the Laurel Lakes and the elevation gain is about 2700 ft. The trail is on an old mining road that hugs Laurel Mountain. I rated the hike only four stars due to the mining road, however the scenery in Laurel Canyon is five star spectacular.
The first 1.5 miles is pedestrian as one marches up the moraine. Be careful of the “no-see-ems” as they can be nasty. Then the road takes a turn and the splendor of the canyon is exposed. You will be treated to a magnificent water fall/rapids and the valley is teaming with wildlife.
During my hike the mountains were snow capped, the wildflowers in full bloom, adding to the peaceful setting. In summary a wonderful hike.
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Bit of a pain to do late in the day...heat..
Otherwise very nice to have a cold beer at Mammoth Brewery to finish off.
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Nice little hike for kids. Beware that there’s a playground just north of the marina. Plan for some play timed you bring kids.
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I wrote the description above. It gets 4 stars because it's just a great trip that I've done twice. It loses 1 star only because you have to use the shuttle system at Mammoth and because of the distance. I don't know why the track shows what it does. Here's mine: https://www.gaiagps.com/public/6UaTRoudg7dkPL7mOkkOYSZF . Do note that I recorded this route leaving, so it goes from Iva Bell to the trailhead. Distance is 12ish miles with about 2,000 ft gain/loss on the round trip.
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Nice shaded hike with well maintained switchbacks up to Sherwin Lakes. Lower elevation, good for early season hiking. Some views of Lincoln and white mountains.
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Jeep camping some by streams two nights in hotels to watch warriors basketball finals. Beautiful mountain views.
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It is an easy beautiful hike with amazing views to the mountains and the lakes. We finished eating in the June Brewing and it was amazing!
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4 Months ago, 66, 43 lbs pack. Started in Onion Valley and spent the night at Flower Lake. Over the top to Bullfrog lake, out Whitney. The first day is always difficult, altitude is the culprit. That is why I spend the first night at Flower. The trail is not technically difficult, it it the altitude that will get to you. Once acclimated, then it is not hard, but that takes some time to get there. The lower lakes are wonderful.
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We made this as a first leg of a backpacking trip to the Iva Bell hotsprings. From the Rainbow Falls trailhead all the way down to the valley floor. As soon as the final descent brings down to the Fish Creek, there is a lot of flat relatively open space that works great for making camp. From that location, another 4 miles along the Fish Creek Trail will bring to the hot springs area. The pools take some time to find them, there are use trails that run in the general direction of the pools. Moving up the slope one gets from one pool to the next but not necessarily in a straight line. The pools are warm; some are cleaner than others; they also vary by the quality of the bottom material. It is heavenly to soak in the warm relaxing water and gaze into the vast valley under the deep blue sky. The official trails are well marked and cross many streams. On a sunny dry day in late September, the trail was quite dusty to trod.The Iva Bell hotsprings area seems to be popular - there were at least 3 camping parties and more passing through.
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