McGee Creek Canyon
McGee Creek
A classic autumn foliage gorge in the Eastern Sierra, where aspen groves line the creek in gold and the striped Baldwin Mountain rises in the background.
McGee Creek Canyon lies about 20 km south of the town of Mammoth Lakes. Turn off Highway 395 to reach the trailhead. Aspen groves on both sides of the canyon turn gold and orange-red every autumn, and together with the red-and-white striped rock layers of Baldwin Mountain, the canyon is one of the most famous fall foliage routes in the Eastern Sierra. The trail follows the creek upward and reaches a flat meadow about 3 km away, where you can turn back, or continue on to the high-country lakes if you have the stamina. Wildflowers bloom in summer, and the hike is worthwhile then too.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Convict Lake
- Crowley Lake Stone Columns
- Hot Creek Geological Site
- Wild Willy's Hot Spring
- Mammoth Museum at Hayden Cabin
- Duck Pass Trail
- Mammoth Consolidated Mine
- Lake Mary