California · Hiking · John Muir Wilderness · Near Mammoth Lakes

Graveyard Lakes

1.4 mi
round trip
566 ft
climb
9,916 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Is Graveyard Lakes open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name Graveyard Lakes, 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.

Graveyard Lakes is an easy out-and-back hike in California's John Muir Wilderness, within the High Sierra Ranger District of Sierra National Forest. The trail is about 1.4 miles long, with a one-way elevation gain of 566 feet, taking you from a low point of about 9,340 feet to a high of about 9,916 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the route is natural-surfaced and open year-round. The most comfortable months for a visit are July and August, when typical averages from a nearby weather station at Tuolumne Meadows run around 70°F for highs and 36 to 38°F for lows. That station sits roughly 1,200 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the lakes run cooler. Horses are allowed, and the trail is not accessible. Bikes are not. Goodale Pass and Wilbur May Lake are both within about 2.3 miles, and Mono Creek offers canoeing about 3.5 miles away. For an overnight stay, Vermillion campground is about 5.3 miles off.

Around this trail

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

    Edison Ferry Pickup

    Campground

    Campground · 2.6 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Iva Bell Hot Springs

    Hot spring

    On your way back · 7 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Mammoth Lakes

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Graveyard Lakes

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 13°

    2. Feb

      38° / 12°

    3. Mar

      42° / 15°

    4. Apr

      45° / 22°

    5. May

      54° / 27°

    6. Jun

      65° / 33°

    7. Jul

      71° / 38°

    8. Aug

      70° / 36°

    9. Sep

      65° / 32°

    10. Oct

      57° / 26°

    11. Nov

      47° / 20°

    12. Dec

      40° / 12°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Tuolumne Meadows Rs, CA, 36.7 mi away at 8,694 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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