Hiking

This is hands down our favorite activity to do in Mammoth. I cannot recommend the hikes up here enough. There are an infinite amount of hikes at all skill levels. As always please take with a grain of salt my grading for these hikes. Wear hiking boots for more stability. Most Eastern Sierra hikes start out going uphill. Always check the weather and bring more water than you think you need due to the high elevation and dehydration.

Our favorites

Little Likes Valley-South of Mammoth along the 395 to Rock Creek (40 minutes). Drive to the end of the road to Mosquito Flats parking where the trailhead is. Then you have a choice to go to Ruby Lake or the alternative to Gem Lakes (there are about 5+ lakes along the Gem trail).

Duck Lake to Pika-From the Mammoth Lakes-Coldwater Campground access to the back for trailhead parking. Difficult if you go all the way to Duck Pass at 11,000ft. But there are 3 lakes along the way you can enjoy and then turn around.

Saddlebag Lake-North of Mammoth to 120 Tioga Pass. You will not go into Yosemite.

Drive past Ellery Lake. Follow the signs to Saddlebag and drive on the dirt road to the lake. During the summer season there is a water taxi that will take you to the trailhead to 20 Lakes Basin. If the taxi isn't running it's a 1 mile hike. One side of the trail is all rock but shorter while the other side is longer but nice dirt surface. Once at the trail you can hike clock or counterclockwise. We think counter is easier. Explore the beauty of the Sierras.

Mammoth Lakes Basin

Not much for hiking? Just take a drive up Lake Mary Road and take in the scenery.

Horseshoe Lake-Easy, less than 3 miles

Park at the lot and walk around the lake at your leisure

Mcleod Lake-Easy, 1/2 mi. to the lake. If you're up to it hike around it.

Lake George-2 Moderate hikes to Crystal Lake and Barrett/TJ.

Park at Lake George for both hikes. Crystal has switchbacks going up has the most magnificent view of all the lakes in the basin!

Goldwater Creek Campground-3 hikes from here. Duck (as mentioned), Easy+ Emerald Lake and Sky Meadows and Heart Lake. From Lake Mary Road go left after the Stables. Follow the sign to the campground and you'll have to go through the campground to the end where the parking is located.

Minaret Vista-Drive Minaret Road towards Main Lodge and pass it. Turn right before the Ranger's checkpoint. The view of the Minarets is breathtaking!

*From there you can hike down to Red's Meadow, Devil's Postpone/Rainbow Falls

USFS is currently working on the one lane road with turnoffs. Please check with the Visitors Center for current road conditions.

Hikes within 15-20 minutes of Mammoth

South

Convict Lake, Hot Creek Geological Site, Fish Hatchery, Off roading to find Hot Springs, Crowley Columns

North

Parker Lake, Mono Lake (saltwater lake)

45 minutes North

Lundy Lake, Virginia Lakes, Bodie (Ghost Town)

Mammoth Lakes is about a 45-minute drive to the east entrance of Yosemite through Tioga Pass. Once you enter the Park you will find yourself in what I call the upper part of Yosemite AKA Tuolumne Meadows. The drive to the Valley floor from the entrance is about 2 hours plus depending on traffic & construction. Growing up my family spent a lot of time in Tuolumne Meadows since it is such a short drive from Mammoth, however, I truthfully believe everyone needs to experience the Valley at least once in their lives. Here are some of our favorite hikes and activities to do in Yosemite.

Please note if you plan on entering the park on a Saturday or sunday you will need to make reservations prior. Click here for reservations.

Tuolumne Meadows

1. Cathedral Lakes

Beautiful hike to the lakes

2. May Lake

Drive past Olmstead Point and follow the sign to the lake. It's a right turnoff to a one lane road to the trailhead

3."Climb" Pothole Dome

Fun and gorgeous view of Tuolumne from the top

4. Picnic at Tenaya Lake

Very popular for water activities. Find a spot to rest and enjoy the beauty.

5. Dog Lake

Moderate hike to a pretty lake. There are two starting points

6. Olmsted Point

Great view of Half Dome! Take the trail to the lookout.

Yosemite Valley

1. Glacier Point

2. Sentinal Dome

3. Waterfalls (bridalveil, lower yosemite falls, vernal falls, nevada falls, yosemite falls), check all trails to see if they are dry since it is October.

4. Mirror Lake

Scenic Drives

Hwy 120 East from Mono Lake through the back roads

June Lake Loop-395 North to 158

395 North to Bridgeport and Twin Lakes

395 South to Bishop to South Lake, Sabrina

395 South to 168E (Big Pine) to White Mountain Road

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest (oldest trees alive)

No services beyond Big Pine

Biking-Rent a bike from town to ride the bike trails at the Lakes Basin

Fishing-so many lakes to fish. Just pick one but remember you need a fishing license.

Water Sports-Convict, Mary, June, and Crowley have rentals. The mountain water is very cold, especially by October.

Enjoy the fall colors-check the website for current conditions

California Fall Color

Laws Railroad Museum-395 South to Bishop