Trip Date: June 18-19, 2021
Big McGee Lake via McGee Pass Trail Overview
Trail: Big McGee Lake via McGee Pass Trail Distance: 15.2 miles round-trip Elevation: 2,844 ft. Location: Eastern Sierra, CA Permits: A wilderness permit is required for overnight camping and can be obtained at recreation.gov
The Story
Big McGee Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in the Eastern Sierra mountains. The hike to the lake is 15.2 miles round trip and begins at the McGee Creek Trailhead, which is located about 20 minutes outside of Mammoth Lakes.
The trail follows McGee Creek through a beautiful canyon filled with aspen and lodgepole pine trees. The first few miles of the trail are pretty flat, but the trail does gain elevation as it goes through the canyon. The trail passes by several small unnamed lakes along the way.
It was mid-June when we started our hike to Big McGee, a beautiful summer morning. The beginning of the trail is filled with wildflowers for the first mile or so, and can usually get a little crowded with day hikers. The trail also starts near McGee Creek Pack Station, so it was fun watching the horses on the trail that morning. After a few creek crossings and 3.2 miles into the trail, we stop at an unnamed lake for lunch.
We started the trail at 11:45 AM and by 5:30 PM reached Big McGee Lake. The final few miles of the trail are the most challenging, as it gains about 1,000 feet in elevation in about 2 miles. The trail also passes through a series of switchbacks as it ascends to the lake.
Big BcGee Lake is a beautiful alpine lake and if you’ve been, then you know what I’m talking about. We immediately found an awesome campsite with amazing views of Red and White Mountain in the far distance. The sunset wasn’t anything special, but the sun rays shining thru the mountain tops were quite the scene. I enjoyed ramen for dinner and by 8:45 PM was in the tent to sleep.
It was around 6:35 AM when I woke to mosquitoes hitting my tent. Literally, a swarm of mosquitoes just waiting to get inside, not allowing me to get outside. We had plans for a quick morning swim since we arrived a little too late for an afternoon swim, however, the water was so cold and uninviting, we skipped the morning swim and by 11:35 AM we were packed and ready to hit the trail back to the trailhead and back to our cars.
The hike to Big McGee Lake is considered a moderate trail and is well-maintained. Views from the lake are incredible and well worth the effort it takes to get here.
✨ Here are some tips for hiking to Big McGee Lake:
- Start early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
- Be prepared for the possibility of snow or ice, even in the summer.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Interested in winter camping at Big McGee Lake- check out this post!
