Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,287.00 ft (1,001.88 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
15.10 mi (24.30 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Mammoth Pass To Reds Meadow Loop is an 15.1-mile out-and-back tre located near Mammoth Lakes, California. There are alpine lakes, beautiful pine forests, and springtime wildflowers on this moderately rated trek. In the middle of the adventure, visitors arrive at Reds Meadow, a backcountry resort with a general store, campground, cafe, and picnic tables. Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT) thru-hikers are often seen hanging outside the general store during peak hiking season. A number of activities are popular in the area, including trail running, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and fishing. 

A gentle ascent begins from the Horseshoe Lake Parking Area and leads to McLeod Lake through forested terrain. Trail 2707 climbs up Mammoth Pass, then descends to the PCT/JMT junction. 

Continue northbound along the PCT/JMT for approximately 3.9 miles before turning right into Reds Meadow. The Mule House Cafe at Red's Meadow Resort serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a small general store, campground, and general store, bathrooms, and showers. For those looking to spend the night, the area offers cabin rentals and camping opportunities. Also nearby are hot springs that are perfect for soaking tired feet or just relaxing in the forest.

For hours of operation and additional information please visit www.redsmeadow.com or call 1-760-934-2345.

To return to the start head east from Reds Meadow and look for the Mammoth Pass Trail which will take you back to the Horseshoe Parking Area. 

ALTERNATE ROUTE

It is possible to turn this loop into a point-to-point, ending at Reds Meadow. From Reds Meadow visitors must either arrange a ride or utilize the Mammoth Shuttle/Bus system. For more information about the Mammoth Shuttle/Bus please visit https://www.mammothmountain.com/transportation/free-mountain-shuttle

PERMIT INFORMATION

  • No permits are required for day use.

  • Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Pine Forest. Wildflowers. Visit to Reds Meadow.

Cons

Goes through some burn areas.

Trailhead Elevation

9,006.00 ft (2,745.03 m)

Highest point

9,458.00 ft (2,882.80 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Historically significant
Near lake or river
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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