Hiking & Backpacking Big McGee and Steelhead Lakes (California)

This trail guide covers Big McGee Lake and Steelhead Lake, two gorgeous alpine lakes accessed through the McGee Creek trail. The Big McGee Lake hike is a hidden gem for backpacking; you’ll see less crowds and it will be much easier to score a permit.

This trail is great for relaxed day hiking as well. The initial section of the McGee Creek trail weaves through a canopy of aspen leaves, which is one of the best places in all of California to see fall foliage.

I’m particularly excited about this guide to Big McGee Lake because I’m always on the hunt for lesser-known destinations. By raising awareness of these places, we can offer respite to more popular areas that often suffer the consequences of excessive human presence.

Let’s review the details of how you can hike Big McGee Lake for yourself! I’ll also share my experience backpacking the Big McGee Creek trail, which at the time of my visit was an autumn wonderland.

If you need a refresher, check out my guide to day hiking and beginner’s guide to backpacking. Also for more places to explore in California, browse my California destination guides.

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Big McGee Lake Backpacking Trail Report

Steelhead Lake Trail Report

I did the Big McGee Lake hike on a weekday in mid-October, encountering only a handful of day hikers and one other camper. The aspen trees were in their full fall glory, transforming the initial sections of the McGee Creek trail into a mesmerizing golden tunnel. The first 3 miles were slightly inclined and exposed. There are 2 major creek crossings in this section, but fortunately makeshift bridges were in place during my visit.

Around the 4.5-mile mark I reached the side trail leading to Steelhead Lake, which began with a creek crossing. This time there was no bridge; just a rope to help with balance. I imagine that in spring, higher water levels could make this section challenging!

The ascent to Steelhead Lake spans just over a mile but climbs approximately 900 feet. You have nice aerial views of Grass Lake on the way up. The turquoise waters of Steelhead lake were a nice surprise, and I enjoyed a long break there after the exhausting climb.

Big McGee Lake Camping

Returning to the trail fork, I climbed an additional 2.5 miles to reach Big McGee Lake. I set up camp there before exploring the nearby Little McGee Lake, a true miniature version of its larger counterpart. The mountains behind Little McGee Lake were still dusted with snow and there was a mini iceberg floating in the water, left over from this year’s unusually heavy winter.

I returned to my Big McGee Lake campsite and got ready to sleep early, only to hear what sounded like a pack of wolves howling. This sound wasn’t too comforting since I was the only person camping in the area. After a somewhat restless night thinking about wolves, the next morning I woke up to a magnificent sunrise. The radiant orange light illuminated the mountain peaks and the still water of Big McGee Lake provided the perfect reflection. 

After sunrise I packed up and retraced my steps to the parking lot. I was drained, but felt my spirits lifted each time I passed through a glittering aspen grove. It’s hard to be in a bad mood when everything around you is golden.

Trip Planning Information

Big McGee Lake Map and Trail Information

The Big McGee Lake trail is moderately strenuous and can be done in as little as a day, or as a leisurely multi-day backpacking trip. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.

To visit only the aspen trees, walk out and back to Horsetail Creek. This hike is 3.6 miles, with 718 feet elevation gain. When heading out from the parking lot stay on the path to the left, which is closer to the creek and the aspen groves.

The Steelhead Lake hike is 11.1 miles and 2,522 feet elevation gain. The out and back Big McGee Lake hike is 14.5 miles and 2,788 feet elevation. To visit both Steelhead and Big McGee Lakes, as well as Little McGee Lake, the combined hike is 17.6 miles with 4,236 feet elevation gain.

Big McGee Lake Hike Useful Tips

• Limited Phone Service. Expect limited to no phone service on the road to the trailhead and on the trail itself. Download Google Maps of the area and hiking trail GPS information in advance.
• Altitude awareness. Altitude sickness can occur above 8,000 ft elevation. The trailhead at McGee Creek is at 7,900 ft and Big McGee Lake is at 10,600 ft. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and turn around if needed.
• Beat the heat. Start hiking early, especially in summer. Much of the trail is not shaded and can get hot.
• Leave no trace. Let’s keep this place beautiful! 
• Check trail conditions. The makeshift bridges across the creek on the Big McGee Lake trail are sometimes washed out. Springtime can bring high water levels, making creek crossings without the bridges difficult to impossible.

Big McGee Lake Weather and When to Go

Plan your visit to Big McGee Lake between late spring and early fall. Depending on the year, the trail may have ice and snow from late October into July. Check recent trail reports on AllTrails and call the Inyo National Forest ranger for current conditions. 

Temperatures on the trail in summer are very hot during the day and cool at night. If you’re hiking in fall, check local conditions first. Fall wildfires are common.

Park Information

The Big McGee Lake trail is part of the John Muir Wilderness, located in Inyo National Forest. There’s no entrance fee or specific opening hours for the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on the trail.

Big McGee Lake Permits

If you’re doing a day hike, you don’t need a permit. 

If you’d like to camp overnight, a wilderness permit is mandatory. From May 1 through November 1, there is a limit of 25 people per day. 60% of the permits are released 6 months in advance, and the remaining 40% are released 2 weeks in advance. 

When you’re ready to reserve your permit, visit the reservation site and select “JM05 McGee Pass”. Remember to print your McGee Pass permit before your trip and bring it with you.

McGee Creek Directions and Parking

The trailhead at McGee Creek is located along Highway 395, on the Eastern side of California’s Sierra mountains. The closest cities are Mammoth Lakes (25 min) and Bishop (40 min). The trailhead is a 5 hour drive from Los Angeles, and 6 hours from the Bay Area.

If you’re coming from the Bay Area, the shortest route will likely be through Tioga Pass. Check that Tioga Road is open for the season. This route passes through Yosemite Park, so be ready to pay the entrance fee and expect heavy traffic on weekends and holidays.

The last section of the road to the McGee Creek trailhead is unpaved but doable with a sedan. McGee Creek Road may close seasonally. Check the Inyo National Forest alerts for more information.

To get to the parking lot, navigate to “McGee Creek Trailhead”. The parking lot is for day and overnight use and has restrooms. Bear boxes are available; avoid leaving scented items in your car. Also arrive early to secure a parking spot.

What to Bring to Hike Big McGee Lake

For a full list of what to bring, refer to my complete day hiking and backpacking checklists. For this hike I would stress the following:

Big McGee Lake Day Hike Items

• Trail Map. Download the map for offline navigation. 
• Day Hiking Backpack or Backpacking Pack (Women’s, Men’s). Invest in a high-quality and durable pack that will last for years!
• Hiking Shoes. Women’s, Men’s. I do not recommend running or general athletic shoes for this hike. Their lack of traction will cause you to slip.
• Hiking Socks. Women’s, Men’s. Wool is essential to keep your feet dry and blister-free.
• Hiking Pants. Women’s, Men’s. I love these pants because they are lightweight, durable, and have pockets.
• Hiking T-Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. Quick-drying T-Shirts are ideal. Tank tops will cause your skin to rub uncomfortably against your backpack straps.
• Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. This is the best way to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitos. 
• Swimsuit and Microfiber Towel. You’ll want to swim in these lakes!
• Trekking Poles. These will save your knees on descents and provide stability when crossing streams and rocky terrain.
• Hat. This hike is very exposed, so protect yourself from the sun.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip Balm with SPF.
• Mosquito spray. I love this all-natural one because it’s very effective and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
• Mosquito head net. Mosquitos can be unbearable in some seasons. I use this to prevent them from getting in my eyes and mouth or biting my face.
• Water in a Reservoir or Bottle. Bring a lot of water – this is a long and hot hike.
• Water Filter. Bring a filter so you can carry less water!
• Electrolytes. These help prevent dehydration and fatigue, especially on strenuous hikes in hot weather and high elevation.
• Snacks, Packed Lunch
• Portable Charger and Cable. It’s good to be prepared if your phone battery dies.
• Headlamp and Spare Batteries. Whether or not you plan to camp, this is a safety essential.
• Garmin inReach (optional). Sends your GPS coordinates and calls for help in emergency situations. 
• First-Aid Kit

Big McGee Lake Backpacking Items

• Bear canister. Bear canisters or bags are required for camping in this area. 
• Tent
• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag and Compression Sack
• Stove
• Puffy Jacket. Women’s, Men’s. It gets cold at night.

McGee Creek Trail Camping Locations (for Backpackers)

To camp at Big McGee Lake, follow the path leading to the lake to find the camping area. The section suitable for camping may get crowded in high season and is mostly exposed.

For more privacy camp at Steelhead Lake, which also provides the benefit of forested sites. 

Other possible campsites include the small lake ~1.6 mi before reaching Big McGee Lake, or the forest in the last 2 mi before reaching Big McGee Lake. I saw one small campsite at Little McGee Lake as well.

Backpacking Water Sources

If you’re hiking with a filter there are many places to refill, most of which are available late into the season.

Where to Stay

Before hiking or backpacking to Big McGee Lake, it’s a good idea to stay nearby the night before to ensure an early start on the trail and to acclimate to the altitude. I frequently get mild altitude sickness in this area and can attest to the importance of getting a good night’s sleep nearby to adjust.

McGee Creek Camping

Reserve the nearby McGee Creek Campground, which is open seasonally. You can reserve on recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Make sure to reserve early, as spots tend to go quickly in the high season. 

There are additional Inyo National Forest and BLM campgrounds nearby as well.

Nearby Accommodation

McGee Creek
Rent a cabin or room at McGee Creek Lodge

Bishop
Budget: The Hostel California. Whether you choose a private room or shared dorm, this is a comfortable place to stay where you’ll likely meet other hikers. The kitchen will come in handy to prepare your hiking snacks.
Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Eastside Guesthouse and Bivy

Mammoth Lakes
Mid Range: Juniper Springs Resort
Splurge: The Westin Monache Resort

Things to Do Near Big McGee Lake

California’s Eastern Sierra region is full of interesting attractions. This area has some of the best hiking in all of California, so I’d recommend checking out some other hikes if you have the time. If not, there are still many places you can visit that involve minimal hiking.

Along McGee Creek Road: Various fishing spots and McGee Creek Pack Station for horseback riding.

North of McGee Creek: Hot Creek Geologic Site, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, Convict Lake, Devil’s Postpile, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop, Mono Lake

South of McGee Creek: Crowley Lake Stone Columns, Keough’s Hot Springs, Erick Schat’s Bakery, Manzanar National Historic Site, Alabama Hills, Whitney Portal Road

Big McGee Lake Map of Nearby Attractions

Thanks for reading, and I hope this information helps you discover Big McGee Lake for yourself! Do you love lesser-known destinations just as much as I do? Let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments, I’d love to hear from you. Happy trails!

For more places to explore, check out my guides to other hikes and backpacking trips in California.

Confirm all logistical and safety information before your trip. Also If you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for supporting me in creating free content for you to enjoy!

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