A perennial locals’ favorite, the Horseshoe Lake Picnic Area offers plenty of tables under the pines, with expansive views not only of Horseshoe Lake itself, but of Crystal Crag, the Mammoth Crest and the south side of Mammoth Mountain. Bring a blanket if you’d rather settle down on the lakeshore’s beachy sand. Ample parking (including spaces for equestrian trailers) makes this a convenient lunchtime option, as does access to the Lakes Basin Trolley, which turns around here to head back into town. Bathrooms, trailhead maps and information are a short stroll from the picnic area.
Horseshoe Lake Picnic Area
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Destination Activities
Public Services
Hours of Operation: Day use only
Season: Fall Spring Summer
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This destination is accessed directly from the Horseshoe Lake Trailhead.
*Note that not all facilities are accessible via public transit.
Related Trails
Horseshoe Lake Loop
1.5 mi
- Surface: Soil
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Horseshoe Woods
0.8 mi
- Surface: None
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Lakes Basin Path
5.3 mi
- Surface: Asphalt
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Mammoth Pass - Crater Meadow Trail
3.6 mi
- Surface: Soil
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Mammoth Pass Trail
4.1 mi
- Surface: Soil
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Related Trails
| Trail | Length (mi) | Surface | Activities and Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horseshoe Lake Loop | 1.5 | Soil |
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| Horseshoe Woods | 0.8 |
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| Lakes Basin Path | 5.3 | Asphalt |
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| Mammoth Pass - Crater Meadow Trail | 3.6 | Soil |
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| Mammoth Pass Trail | 4.1 | Soil |
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Related Experiences
Bouldering at Horseshoe Boulder
0.6 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Family Biking the Horseshoe Lake Loop
1.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: About an hour
Family Biking the Horseshoe Lake Loop from Twin Falls Overlook
2.1 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Family Biking the Lakes Basin Path
10.6 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Half day
Family Biking the Lakes Basin Path Downhill
5.3 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Guided Geology Tour at Horseshoe Lake
1.4 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Hiking the Horseshoe Lake Loop - Adaptive Option
1.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Lake Swimming in McLeod Lake
1.2 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Water,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Pets on the Horseshoe Lake Loop
1.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Road Biking around the Lakes Basin
14.1 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Road Biking the Climber's Tour of Mammoth
16.5 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Road Biking to Horseshoe Lake and Swimming Horseshoe Lake
13.9 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Running the Lakes Basin Path from Twin Lakes Vista to Horseshoe Lake
6.2 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Sport Climbing at Horseshoe Slabs
1.0 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Soil,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Stand Up Paddleboarding on Horseshoe Lake
0.6 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Water,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Trail Running around Horseshoe Lake and Swimming Horseshoe Lake
2.7 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Walking the Horseshoe Lake Loop
1.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Mixed,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Walking the Horseshoe Lake Loop Out and Back
1.0 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Sand,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Walking the Lakes Basin Path from Horseshoe Lake to Lake Mary
2.1 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Asphalt,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Related Experiences
