California · Hiking · Ansel Adams Wilderness · Near Mammoth Lakes

Tule Lake

6.0 mi
round trip
294 ft
climb
6,934 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Tule Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name Tule 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.

Tule Lake is a 6-mile out-and-back hike in California's Ansel Adams Wilderness, within the High Sierra Ranger District of Sierra National Forest. The trail rises from about 6,711 feet to about 6,934 feet, a climb of 294 feet, and is managed by the Forest Service. The route is rated hard, and it is not an accessible trail. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The trail surface is natural. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Huntington Lake weather station show July and August highs around 74°F with lows near 49°F and only one or two wet days a month. Winter is cold, with January highs around 43°F and lows near 24°F. The hike is open year-round. North Mono Crossing is about half a mile away, and the China Camp and Warm Creek mountain biking areas are within a mile. For an overnight stay, Vermillion campground is about 2.3 miles off.

Around this trail

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

    Vermillion

    Campground

    Campground · 2.3 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Iva Bell Hot Springs

    Hot spring

    On your way back · 12 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 · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Tule Lake

    Best months: May–October. 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

      43° / 24°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      44° / 23°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      46° / 26°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      50° / 29°

      8 wet

    5. May

      56° / 36°

      6 wet

    6. Jun

      66° / 42°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      74° / 49°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 49°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 44°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 37°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 31°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      44° / 25°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Huntington Lake, CA, 13.2 mi away at 7,020 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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