Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Valentine Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4.5-6.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    14.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    680 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    An underrated route within Inyo National Forest, Valentine Lake Trail is without a doubt worth the effort! Boasting sublime scenery characteristic of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain range, Valentine Lake Trail is an ideal route for intermediate hikers and families with older children.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Valentine Lake Trail on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    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.

    Getting to the Valentine Lake Trail Trailhead

    The Trailhead for Valentine Lake Trailhead is located off of Sherwin Creek Road.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Sherwin Creek Campground

    • When to do

      June-November

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Valentine Lake Trail Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Valentine Lake Trail Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter