Heart Lake Day Hike
Mammoth Lakes
Heart Lake is a scenic alpine destination tucked on a bench overlooking Mammoth Lakes. Hikers enjoy wonderful views of the Mammoth Crest as they ascend the trail. Although the hike is only 1.1 miles, portions are moderately steep and lacking shade, so the hike is best done in the cool of the morning. Morning is also the best time to photograph the lake with the Mammoth Crest peeking out in the background.
Mammoth Crest from Heart Lake Trail
Heart Lake Trailhead
Easy
2.2 miles
750 feet
Mammoth
Heart Lake shares the trailhead with the Mammoth Consolidated Mine trail. The day-use parking lot is found by driving up through Coldwater Campground at the south end of Lake Mary. Watch for the little Mine Parking sign to guide you to the trailhead.
Heart Lake Trailhead
Good facilities are available at the trailhead, including restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, and ample parking. Even so, the lot can fill up at busy times. Several other popular trails originate from the same day-use area.
Heart Lake Trail
The trail starts at an elevation of 9,120 feet as it passes the Mammoth Consolidated Mine and follows Mammoth Creek for a short distance. Soon the trail begins to climb, entering groves of aspens, especially pretty in the fall.
Heart Lake Trail
Leaving the trees, the trail starts a long, open stretch traversing upward and exposing views of the Mammoth Crest. Eventually the trail swings around to the south and becomes easier. Groves of conifers offer welcome shade.
Things to Know
- Arrive early to ensure a parking space on busy summer weekends.
- Portions of the trail have no shade.
- Leashed pets are permitted on the trail.
- Carry plenty of drinking water.
Heart Lake Trail
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Mammoth Consolidated Mine - explore the ruins of an early 20th century gold mine
- Emerald Lake - an easy hike to a pretty lake
- TJ Lake - short hike to scenic lake
- Skelton Lake - make the 3.6-mile round trip to this scenic mountain lake.
Other Nearby Trails
The Duck Lake Trail begins at the south end of the same parking lot as the Heart Lake trail. Hikers headed to Duck Lake pass Arrowhead Lake and Skelton Lake and then Barney Lake on the way up to a saddle that overlooks mile-long Duck Lake, a total of 3.8 miles. For hikers headed out on overnight trips, beyond Duck Lake the trail follows down the Duck Lake drainage and connects to the John Muir Trail.
Another alternative from the saddle is to pick up the Mammoth Crest trail leading northwest and follow it around to Lake George, adding another 8 miles to the hike.