Are dogs allowed on Hoover Lakes Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Hoover Lakes Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Hoover Lakes Trail?

No, Hoover Lakes Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Hoover Lakes Trail?

Hoover Lakes Trail is rated difficult. It is 11.9 miles long with 2,913 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Hoover Lakes Trail?

Hoover Lakes Trail is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Toiyabe National Forest/California

Hoover Lakes Trail

Lee Vining, California

11.9 mi

Distance

2,913 ft

Elev. Gain

5h 10m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

The Hoover Lakes Trail is an out-and-back route located in the Toiyabe National Forest near Lee Vining, California. Spanning approximately 11.9 miles with a significant elevation gain of 2,913 feet, this trail presents a challenging hike primarily on dirt surfaces. The path ascends through varying elevations, reaching a maximum height of 3,070 meters, promising expansive views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gain

Elevation Profile

Min:2,456 ft

Max:3,070 ft

888 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

Verify by phone or mail

Address:NV

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

mountain viewsforest setting

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Hoover Lakes Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Green Creek Trail

Kavanaugh Ridge

Big Virginia Lake to Frog Lakes

Three Summits At Virginia Lakes

Virginia Lakes Trail

Tamarack Lake Trail (Twin Lakes)

Other trails in Toiyabe National Forest

Hunter Creek Trail

Mary Jane Falls Trail

Mount Rose Trail

Van Sickle Rim Trail Connector

Fletcher Canyon Trail

Castle Rock Loop Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Green Creek Group

Green Creek

Toiyabe National Forest Trumbull Lake Campground

Lower Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

Upper Virginia Creek Campground

Upper Virginia Creek Primitive Campground

Similar trails in California

Half Dome

Yosemite Falls Trail

Four Mile Trail

Lost Horse Mine Loop

Potato Chip Rock via Mt. Woodson Trail

Upper Yosemite Falls Trail