Lakes Canyon Trailhead

The Lakes Canyon Trail starts at the south end of Lundy Lake and climbs a narrow canyon wedged between Gilcrest Peak and Mount Scowden, about seven miles north of Lee Vining off US-395. It follows the old mine road built to service the May Lundy Mine, so the payoff here is equal parts alpine lakes and a preserved 1880s mining ghost town, with far fewer hikers than the popular Lundy Canyon Trail across the water.

Into the Canyon

From the trailhead, the path climbs steadily past Blue Lake, then Crystal Lake, before reaching Oneida Lake at roughly 3.3 miles one-way — call it 7 miles round trip with about 1,800 feet of elevation gain, climbing from around 7,800 feet to nearly 9,700 feet. The upper canyon breaks above treeline, opening onto stark granite and the jagged Sierra crest. It's rated a moderate hike, but the elevation and thin air make it feel harder than the mileage suggests.

Mining Ruins Along the Way

The trail follows the historic route to the May Lundy Mine, one of the Eastern Sierra's most remote 1880s mining camps, and the ruins are extensive: wooden tramway towers (some still holding ore carts), mill foundations, and the collapsed remains of a bunkhouse and other camp buildings. Signage near Crystal Lake has warned of arsenic and lead contamination from the old mine tailings — worth knowing if you're hiking with a dog that likes to wade.

Know Before You Go

• Trailhead: from US-395 about 7 miles north of Lee Vining, turn west on Lundy Canyon Road and continue roughly 2 miles past Lundy Lake Resort to the south side of the dam.
• Day hiking doesn't require a permit; overnight trips into the wilderness need one year-round.
• Trailhead parking is limited — use the turnouts along the road rather than blocking it.