Laurel Lake to Edith Lake Trail
The Laurel Lake to Edith Lake Trail is a backcountry route in the John Muir Wilderness near Mammoth Lakes, California. The line runs from the Laurel Lakes area down to Edith Lake, with continued connections onward to Lake Genevieve and the Convict Canyon trail system.
Expect off-trail travel to find the tread for much of the route; it’s not described as regularly maintained and can be hard to follow. Route-finding skills matter, especially when visibility is poor or you’re off the obvious paths.
The route is about 5 miles one-way, climbing from the Laurel Lake area (around 9,800 ft) up toward a saddle before descending southeast to reach Edith Lake. The overall character is steep and rocky, with terrain that changes quickly as you move between drainages and slabs.
Season matters: water crossings may be significant during higher snowmelt. Frog Creek is specifically called out as something that can be challenging to cross when runoff is high, and the route may also include rough deadfall from fallen trees.
Access to the trail begins via Laurel Lakes Road (28E201) south of Sherwin Creek Road; washouts on that road have been reported, and the road is described as extreme. Plan for high-clearance 4x4 travel only if you’re driving it—otherwise, many hikers start by hiking the rough dirt-road approach up from the lower end.
Overnight trips are regulated in the John Muir Wilderness: day hikes don’t require a permit, but a wilderness permit is required for all overnight backpacking trips.
Camping at Laurel Lake itself is described as not requiring a wilderness permit, and the hiking trail leaves the rough dirt road just above Laurel Lake as it enters the wilderness.
Summer is the listed season for this route, matching the general need for summer navigation and the typical timing when snowmelt-runoff crossings are lower (though creek conditions can still vary).
More information: Visitor information, Edith Lake Route Tips? - High Sierra Topix, Laurel Lake to Edith Lake and Genevieve Lake Trail - Hiiker