01
Best overall pick
McGee Creek Trail into McGee Creek Canyon
Mcgee Creek Canyon • Classic Eastern Sierra Canyon Hike • Local Favorite
A steadily rising trail that follows McGee Creek into a dramatic, glacier-carved canyon lined with aspens and big Sierra views.
Starting from the McGee Creek Trailhead, this route lets you hike as far as you feel like, with constant creek sounds, changing rock colors, and great fall color in the aspens. The grade is moderate but persistent, so most people pick a scenic turnaround point near one of the meadows or side creeks. Expect limited shade at mid-day and light afternoon winds funneling down the canyon.
02
Best alpine lake destination
Big McGee Lake
High Above Mcgee Creek • Long Alpine Lake Out-And-Back • Best Full-Day Outing
A big, committing day that rewards strong hikers with a classic high-country lake in a rugged granite basin.
Follow the McGee Creek Trail deep into the canyon, then climb into open country where the trees thin and the views explode toward Red and White Mountain. The final approach to Big McGee Lake feels like stepping into true backcountry, with cold, clear water and plenty of rock perches for lunch. It is a long day at altitude, so plan for an early start, fast-changing mountain weather, and tired legs on the descent.
03
Big views for strong hikers
McGee Pass
Sierra Crest Above Mcgee Creek • High-Pass Summit-Style Hike • Big-Mileage Challenge
A strenuous push over 11,000 feet that swaps the green canyon for stark, colorful peaks and wide views off both sides of the crest.
From Big McGee Lake, the trail climbs through wind-scoured slopes and painted volcanic bands to reach McGee Pass on the Sierra crest. The pass feels remote and exposed, with sweeping sightlines toward the Mono Recesses and far-off ridgelines in every direction. This is a serious undertaking best saved for fit, acclimated hikers in stable summer conditions, with plenty of water, sun protection, and a weather eye on afternoon clouds.
04
Best mid-distance option
McGee Creek to Horsetail Creek
Upper Mcgee Creek Canyon • Moderate Creek-And-Meadow Hike • Best For Varied Scenery
A satisfying out-and-back that adds elevation and drama without committing to the full push to Big McGee Lake or the pass.
Continuing beyond the lower canyon meadows, this route climbs toward Horsetail Creek, where the walls close in and the creek cascades through boulder gardens. You get a mix of aspen groves, open sage, and tightening granite scenery that feels wilder with every mile. It is a solid half-day to three-quarter-day hike for intermediate hikers who want a taste of the upper canyon without the longest mileage.
05
Best side trip nearby
Little Lakes Valley from Mosquito Flat
Up Rock Creek Canyon • High-Elevation Lake-Filled Valley • Best For Families And Visitors
A short drive from McGee Creek, this gentle high-country trail strings together a series of alpine lakes with big peaks looming overhead.
From McGee Creek, head south on Highway 395 and climb Rock Creek Road to Mosquito Flat, one of the highest trailheads in the Sierra with remarkably easy access. The Little Lakes Valley trail rolls gently past a chain of lakes, making it easy to tailor the day for kids, newcomers to altitude, or anyone wanting big scenery for modest effort. Parking fills fast on summer and fall weekends, so locals treat this as an early-morning or shoulder-season outing.