Outbound Collective logo

Arrowhead Lake

Mammoth Lakes, California

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

2.25 miles

Elevation Gain

538 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Gregg Boydston

Another easy lake to hike to in the Mammoth area. This has a rewarding outcome no matter the season. Views, cliff jumping, waterfalls, and great spots for just hanging out.

If you make your way to the Goldwater Campground there is plenty of parking. The trailhead you take leads to many lakes but the Duck Pass trailhead is the on you want to take.

This is a easy trail to follow and walk with very little obstacles. You follow it along for around a mile and you won't miss the lake on your left. There are a few beach like areas along the south side or trail side of the lake to chill at. If you wanted to hang by the river or go cliff jumping, you will want to keep walking until you get to the eastern edge of the lake.

The rock jump is pretty hard to miss but you will need to cross the river to get to it. I do mention this area in hopes you will know your limits and have fun safely. (There is phone signal there.)

  • You are in the wilderness area here, so respect the rules.
Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Lake
River
Waterfall
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Arrowhead Lake Reviews

This hike is a quick hour roundtrip unless you plan to stay and jump off the rock on the south side of the lake. You can also continue on the trail to Duck Lake or Pika Lake.

Easy hike and the lake is beautiful. There are lots of places all around the lake to chill. Walk around the south side, jump the creek, and climb the rock for killer views and cliff jumping. Went on a Saturday in July and there were very few people on the trail. The trail continues on to more lakes if you want to extend the hike.

If you're in mammoth, you def have to make time for this trail, not tough at all and offers amazing views of the arrowhead lake. Cross the river to the rocks and you can see the shape of the arrowhead, also you may use that rock for cliff jumping! Tons of fun!!

The home there isn't very strenuous, but the lake is beautiful and there's a huge rock that offers a solid jumping point for those that seek a frigid water wake up call. Definitely worth checking out!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Duck Lake via Duck Pass Trail

Skelton Lake Trail

Pika Lake via Duck Pass Trail

Heart Lake

Emerald Lake

Photograph Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes