Last month, a girlfriend and I took a week-long trip to California to check out some of the best hiking trails in Mammoth Lakes area. Hiking is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of this high-mountain area. You will find pristine sapphire lakes, dozens of hiking trails, hot springs, and colorful bursts of wildflowers. What’s more, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful landscape without having to deal with the crowds of other national parks.
We were able to explore Mammoth Lakes and Convict Lake and a few other places in between. It is such a massive area and I felt we needed more time, but that is normal when you are surrounded by such beauty.
There are many options for hiking in Mammoth Lakes, California. The area is surrounded by two million acres of Inyo National Forest. Getting to trailheads is easy, as shuttles can be used to reach them. You can also take the Lakes Basin Trolley. Do not let the mountains deter you; there are some easy hiking trails in mammoth lakes such as Horseshoe Lake Loop. With some advance planning you can determine how easy or challenging of a time you want hiking this wonderful area.
Little Lakes Valley is a day hike near Tom’s Place
The Little Lakes Valley is a day hike close to Tom’s Place, a popular tourist destination in Mammoth Lakes. The trailhead is located at the end of Rock Creek Road. The hike begins on the east side of the lake, at the base of steep granite cliffs. It’s a short hike that offers great views of the surrounding area. Once you’ve reached the end of the trail, turn around and return.
One of the most popular day hikes in the area, Little Lakes Valley entails passing by six lakes in less than five miles. Hikers can also take a side trip to Treasure Lakes, which is just a short distance away.
The trailhead is located just outside of Mammoth, making it a convenient destination for biking or car trips. The 4.5 mile out-and-back hike has an elevation gain of 850 feet and can be rated as easy to moderate. Unlike some other Mammoth Lakes day hikes, this trail does not require much technical skill. It is a perfect day trip for families and those looking for a moderate day hike.
Heart Lake Trail is a secluded wilderness trail
The Heart Lake Trail is a scenic and secluded wilderness hike in Mammoth Lakes. It starts from the Coldwater Creek Campground and gradually climbs to the lake. The trail then follows the shoreline of Heart Lake, passing remnants of an old mining camp and stamp mill. The trail also offers spectacular 360-degree views of Mammoth Mountain, Duck Pass, and Mammoth Crest.
The trail is 3.1 miles long and includes granite rock features, fir trees, hemlocks, and manzanita trees. It is one of the most popular trails on the eastern side of Mammoth. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Mammoth Lakes on the way up and down. It is also an easy hike, with only a few steep switchbacks.
Although the Heart Lake Trail is a short, secluded wilderness trail, few other hiking trails offer the same combination of alpine terrain and incredible vistas. It starts at the Castle Lake trailhead and climbs to a bench high above the lake. From there, it nestles into the rocky cliffs and offers views of Mount Shasta.
Convict Lake Loop Trail is a family-friendly trail
Convict Lake is a scenic lake in the shadow of Mt. Morrison, and the Convict Lake Loop Trail is one of the best hikes in the area for fall colors. The easy 3.3-mile loop offers spectacular views of the Sherwin Range and Sierra Crest as you hike through aspen and pine forests. The trail winds through a grove of aspens and descends to Convict Creek, which provides much of the color.
There are many places to hike and bike in the Mammoth Lakes area. The Lakes Basin area is ideal for first-timers and experienced hikers alike. It offers several hiking and biking trails, and a wide variety of lakes for fishing. A summer trolly also runs to this area for easy access to hiking and biking.
While the Convict Lake Loop Trail is popular year-round, it is best to visit during the fall season to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. The lake is ablaze with wildflowers in early October, and the scenery is just beautiful.
Crystal Lake is a hiking destination near Mammoth Lakes
Crystal Lake is one of the most scenic hiking destinations near Mammoth Lakes. Hikers who take the one-and-a-half-mile trail can enjoy panoramic views of Lake George and Lake Mary. Despite the moderate difficulty level of the trail, it is ideal for families who enjoy a little adventure.
The trail starts at the Lake George parking lot and climbs gradually to the ridgeline. The trail is mostly shaded by fir, pine, and hemlock trees. As the hike progresses, you’ll begin to see Lake George and the crystal-crag, a granite monolith that dominates the lake. The lake itself is surrounded by 13 acres of scenic wilderness.
Visitors to the lake can also enjoy fishing. The lake is home to golden trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout-hybrids. While hiking around the lake, visitors are advised to bring water, sunscreen, and high-protein snacks. Because of its high elevation, Crystal Lake is also home to a large variety of wildlife. It’s important to be careful when approaching wildlife, and never feed or provoke them. Remember to always tell someone where you’re going.
Devil’s Postpile
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll love hiking in the Devils Postpile National Monument, located near Mammoth Mountain in Eastern California. It’s a rare columnar basalt rock formation that’s described as fitting together like a vast mosaic.
The walk to Devil’s Postpile is easy and well-signed. It offers a unique perspective of the columns of basalt that formed in the area’s ancient past. You can see a few unique patterns carved into the stone by erosion and a combination of freeze-thawing and earthquakes.
Rainbow Falls
If you’re hiking in the Eastern Sierra, don’t miss the chance to see Rainbow Falls while you’re there. The waterfall’s mist creates a vibrant rainbow that’s best viewed at midday. In early summer, the water flows at its strongest and most dramatic, cascading from its rocky cliffs into the frothy waters below. By mid-August, however, the flow has reduced considerably, making the falls more like several gentle rivulets.
Rainbow Falls is part of Devils Postpile National Monument, a national park near Mammoth Lakes. The monument is administered by the National Park Service and has a website and a Facebook page.
Sherwin Lakes
If you want to experience a unique mountain hike near Mammoth Lakes, California, consider the Sherwin Lakes Trail. This 4.2-mile route, which has an elevation gain of 862.6 feet, takes you through a remote section of the Inyo National Forest. While it is not as well known as other popular trails in Mammoth, it is a great choice for those who want to experience a scenic view and challenge themselves.
The trail to Sherwin Lakes begins at the end of a short, unnamed road south of the campground. From here, you’ll enter the Inyo National Forest, where you’ll walk alongside a small creek and small lakes. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a parking lot and restrooms. This 4.5-mile hike is moderately difficult, but still manageable by most hikers.
Words cannot truly describe this place. It just has to be seen first-hand. It would have been a travesty not to take as many photos as I did. A few of which I will share here. It was such an exhilarating experience and one which I highly recommend.