California · Hiking · John Muir Wilderness · Near Mammoth Lakes

Cirque Lake

Cirque LakePhoto: GSEC, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
13.0 mi
round trip
3,495 ft
climb
10,426 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Cirque Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name Cirque Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Sierra National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Cirque Lake is a hard hike in California's John Muir Wilderness, within the High Sierra Ranger District of Sierra National Forest. The route is an out-and-back that climbs from about 7,460 feet to 10,426 feet, with a total elevation gain of 3,495 feet over roughly 13 miles. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is not accessible. The trip is a full-day commitment. The climb is steep, and the trail is natural, so expect a rugged route. Bikes are not allowed. The hike starts close to the Bear Creek Cutoff and Bear Creek Trail, both within a mile. Mono Creek campground sits about 1.8 miles away, and the South Fork San Joaquin River offers canoeing about 3 miles off.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Mono Creek Overflow

    Campground

    Campground · 1.6 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Iva Bell Hot Springs

    Hot spring

    On your way back · 13 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Mammoth Lakes

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

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