Sherwin Lakes, located in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, is a solid choice if you want a moderate hike that doesn’t demand all day but still delivers mountain scenery. The trail climbs roughly 2 miles with over 800 feet of elevation gain, so it’s not flat, but most dogs handle it fine. You’ll end up at a pair of alpine lakes where the water is cold and clear—plenty of dogs love wading in, though the wind can pick up afternoon, so morning trips tend to be calmer.

The trailhead is convenient to town, which means you’re not driving forever to get there. The path itself is well-maintained, and there’s room for dogs to move around without feeling crowded. The views of the Eastern Sierra peaks stay with you the whole way up, and once you reach the lakes, you can settle in for a picnic or just let your dog burn off some energy exploring the shoreline.

The hike works well as a half-day outing. Bring water for yourself and your dog—it’s drier terrain up there, and the sun reflects off the rock. The lakes themselves are refreshing stops, especially on a warm day. Because of the elevation, this hike isn’t ideal for very young, very old, or dogs with joint issues, but healthy adult dogs typically manage the elevation gain without problems.

Timing matters here. Earlier in the season there may still be snow patches lingering, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Plan to start early and be off the mountain by early afternoon. The trail doesn’t have shade cover, so sun exposure is something to consider if you’re going in peak heat. For current conditions and any seasonal updates before you head out, the Mammoth Lakes Trails System website has detailed information worth checking.