Valentine Lake Trail

Route Description for Valentine Lake Trail

Sections of the Valentine Lake Trail lack much shade, so it is therefore recommended that you protect yourself from the effects of the powerful alpine sun by wearing sunscreen and a good hat. The Valentine Lake Trail is also within the high alpine environment of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range. This means that altitude sickness is a tangible hazard and that it is important you monitor yourself and your group members for its symptoms.

With your vehicle parked along Sherwin Creek Road, follow the Valentine Lake Trail as it makes its way south. The terrain will begin to incline steadily at first, and then rapidly as the trail turns into a series of switchbacks to help aid you in your climbing of the elevation. After the initial switchback section, the pathway will straighten out and you will soon arrive at a junction within the trail.

At the junction, continue on the Valentine Lake Trail by taking the southern pathway. The trail will travel adjacent to a creek before crossing the creek and veering southwest. The Valentine Lake Trail will then arrive at Sherwin Creek where it will continue south along the creek's eastern shore. After one last switchback section, the route will deliver you to beautiful Valentine Lake where incredible views of the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed! Once you're ready, simply backtrack your steps towards the trailhead.