Mammoth Pass Trail is a solid 3.5-mile hike that connects Horseshoe Lake to Reds Meadow, and dogs are welcome the entire way. The trail climbs above McLeod Lake through shaded forest before descending into Red Meadow Valley, so you get real elevation change and varied scenery rather than just a flat walk through the trees.

Starting from Horseshoe Lake, you’ll notice the terrain shifts as you gain elevation—the forest provides good shade on warmer days, which matters at this altitude. The trail crosses streams in a few spots, and depending on when you visit, your dog might splash through snowmelt or just a gentle trickle. The views open up once you’re higher up, and you can see back toward the lakes you came from and into the valley ahead.

The diverse terrain means your dog gets different surfaces underfoot—packed dirt, some rocky sections, and meadow stretches. The 3.5 miles one-way is manageable for most dogs in reasonable shape, though the elevation gain means you’re working for it. If you’re not up for the full distance or want to turn it into a shorter outing, you can hike partway and still get the forest and water crossings.

The Eastern Sierra setting means you’re looking at actual mountains in every direction, not just pretty scenery from a postcard. Weather changes fast up here, so bring layers and check conditions before you head out. The trail gets decent use, so you’ll likely see other hikers and dogs, which most dogs either enjoy or can manage without drama.

Visit the Mammoth trails website for current conditions and any seasonal closures before making the drive out—this trail’s popularity can fluctuate depending on snow and maintenance schedules.