Sherwin Lakes Trailhead
Trailhead · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Sherwin Lakes Trailhead sits at 7,805 feet in the Mammoth Lakes corridor, offering high-elevation access to alpine lake country. Wind and cold dominate the experience.
Wind funnels through the Sierra crest here; expect 13 mph average with gusts to 41 mph, especially mid-afternoon. Morning calm is brief. Temperature hovers around 25 degrees Fahrenheit across the rolling month, dropping below freezing most days. Afternoon exposure compounds both.
Over the past 30 days, conditions have averaged a NoGo Score of 17 with an average wind of 13 mph; the maximum wind gust reached 41 mph. Temperatures have held around 25 degrees Fahrenheit on average, with a low of 10 degrees and a high of 43 degrees across the full year. The week ahead will track similar patterns; plan morning starts to avoid afternoon wind buildup.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Sherwin Lakes Trailhead
Sherwin Lakes Trailhead accesses high-country cirque lakes on the east slope of the Sierra, roughly 5 miles north of Mammoth Lakes town via Old Mammoth Road. The trailhead sits in a wind funnel zone between the crest and the Sherwin Range escarpment. This is not a protected approach; elevation gain and north-facing exposure make it colder than Mammoth village (town elevation roughly 11,000 feet net descent from crest terrain). Highway 395 is the primary gateway; the drive from Bishop or the 395 corridor into Mammoth is the standard entry. The area drains into the Owens River system; snowpack timing affects creek crossings on the approach.
Conditions here are harsh year-round. The 30-day rolling average sits at 17 NoGo Score with average temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 13 mph; wind gusts have peaked at 41 mph in the rolling 30-day window. Late spring (when this data was collected in late April) shows the trailhead still locked in cold, with minimal margin for error. Early-season visitors encounter wet snow at higher elevations and slush at the trailhead itself. By mid-to-late summer, afternoon thermal winds dominate. Crowding averages 9 out of 100 across the rolling month, reflecting modest local traffic; this is not a high-traffic destination. Smoke season (late August to September) can obscure views and degrade air quality even when wind is calm.
This location suits experienced Alpine hikers who understand cold-weather routines and can navigate exposed terrain. The trailhead is best for those targeting cirque lakes and willing to start before dawn to beat afternoon wind. Parking is limited; arrive early on weekends or choose a weekday. Most visitors are training for higher peaks or scouting snowpack conditions. Expect no cell service. The rolling max wind of 41 mph and temperature floor of 10 degrees Fahrenheit demand solid gear; cotton and cotton blends will kill you fast. Water sources are reliable but cold and often snow-fed into summer.
Nearby alternatives include Mammoth Lakes Basin (lower elevation, busier parking, more protected) and the June Lake Loop (slightly lower, often less windy). Sherwin Lakes Trailhead is the hardest-access option in the immediate Mammoth corridor and rewards early planning and early starts. If afternoon wind is consistent and you cannot start before sunrise, shift your plan south to Mammoth Crest Trail or east to the White Mountains; both offer different exposure. The Owens Valley floor (Inyo National Forest trailheads near Lone Pine) is warmer and sunnier, though lower altitude.