01
Most iconic shoreline hike
Crowley Lake Columns
Crowley Lake Shoreline • Lakeside Out-And-Back With Volcanic Formations • Iconic Local Landmark Hike
A rough road walk leads to surreal stone columns rising straight out of Crowley Lake’s turquoise water.
This is the hike people talk about when they mention Crowley Lake: a straightforward route along a dirt road that suddenly drops you at a wild, sculpted cliff of naturally formed stone columns. It is more about big views and strange geology than shade, so it is best tackled in the cooler hours of the day. Plan on some wind, sun exposure, and a bit of loose sand near the shore, but the payoff is unlike anything else in the Eastern Sierra.
02
Best nearby creek canyon
Hilton Creek Trail
Foothills Above Crowley Lake • Creekside Forest Climb Into High Meadows • Best Nearby Escape On A Hot Summer Day
A shady singletrack follows Hilton Creek up from the foothills into cool forest, meadows, and classic Sierra granite scenery.
Starting just uphill from town, this trail quickly trades sagebrush for aspen, lodgepole, and the sound of running water. The grade is steady but never brutal, making it a good choice for hikers who want a workout without committing to an all-day push. Wildflowers pop through early summer, and the mix of open meadows and creek crossings keeps the hike feeling varied all the way up canyon.
03
Best full-day adventure
McGee Creek Trail
Mcgee Creek Canyon Trailhead Off Highway 395 • Glacially Carved Canyon Trek Toward The High Sierra • Top Pick For Strong Hikers Chasing Big Views
This classic Eastern Sierra route climbs steadily along McGee Creek into a broad U-shaped canyon framed by colorful peaks.
From the trailhead just south of Crowley Lake, the path follows a lively creek past aspen groves, open sage benches, and eventually subalpine meadows. You can turn around at any point, but pushing farther rewards you with increasingly dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and in season, a standout wildflower show. It feels remote without being technical, making it ideal for hikers who want a big, rewarding outing close to town.
04
Easiest big-scenery walk
Convict Lake Loop
Convict Lake Basin Near Highway 395 • Family-Friendly Alpine Lake Loop • Go-To Option For Casual Walkers And Photographers
A mellow loop circles the shore of emerald Convict Lake beneath sheer cliffs that light up at sunrise and sunset.
About ten minutes north of Crowley Lake, this well-signed loop offers maximum drama for minimal effort. The mostly flat trail alternates between open shoreline, boardwalks, and short forested stretches, with constant views of towering Mt. Morrison and the surrounding peaks. It is an easy win for families, visitors adjusting to elevation, or anyone who wants classic Sierra photos without a big climb.
05
Most unusual landscape
Hot Creek Gorge Trail
Hot Creek Geological Site Near Mammoth Airport • Geothermal River Walk Through A Volcanic Gorge • Most Unique Geothermal Walk In The Area
Short paths follow the rim and banks of Hot Creek, where steaming vents, turquoise pools, and rugged cliffs create a striking scene.
A short drive north from Crowley Lake, this area feels more like Iceland than California, with boiling springs and mineral-rich pools lining a cold mountain river. The walking itself is easy, but the scenery is fascinating and constantly changing with light and steam. Stay on marked paths and obey closure signs, then linger to watch the colors shift on the water and canyon walls as the sun moves across the sky.