Mammoth Lakes Gives Hikers Access to the Spectacular High Sierra Backcountry

Mammoth Lakes Gives Hikers Access to
the Spectacular High Sierra Backcountry

Map of the Long Valley Caldera, the Inyo Craters and Mono Craters within the Inyo National Forest, Eastern Sierra, Mono County, California.

Trails Lead to Lakes, Waterfalls, 13,000-foot-plus Peaks and Colorful Wildflower Displays Mammoth Lakes, Calif. — Both day hikers and backpackers seeking quick access to the spectacular High Sierra scenery will find plenty of trails to explore in the Mammoth Lakes area. Families seeking an easy trail, intermediate hikers who want to trek past breathtaking scenery, advanced hikers who can go the distance, and peak baggers who want to get above it all will all find hikes to suit their tastes in and near Mammoth. Below is a sampling of Mammoth hiking trails for every ability (all distances are round trip).

Family Hikes

McCleod Lake (1 mile) - The trail passes through a peaceful conifer forest on the way to colorful McLeod Lake with its wide, sandy beaches. Trailhead: At the "Mammoth Pass" sign at Horseshoe Lake.

Panorama Dome(1 mile) - Winding through the trees, this trail reaches the top of a plateau, offering beautiful panoramic views. Trailhead: on Lake Mary Road just past the turnoff to Twin Lakes.

Barret Lake and TJ Lake - In late June or early July, hikers are rewarded with colorful displays of wildflowers in the meadow at the upper end of TJ Lake. Trailhead: On the backside of the parking lot at Lake George.

Other trails that demonstrate the area's volcanic activity include the half-mile round-trip trek to and from the Inyo Craters (trailhead off of the Mammoth Scenic Loop road) and the 2-mile round-trip hike around Horseshoe Lake. In 1989, an earthquake released CO2 gases that killed the roots of trees around Horseshoe Lake, creating an eerie landscape which is great photography. Horseshoe Lake is now safe, but keep dogs and children off the beach and out of low-lying areas.

Intermediate Hikes

Crystal Lake and Mammoth Crest (6 miles) - The hike to Crystal Lake features impressive views of alpine lakes that glimmer like gems embedded in the forest below as well as panoramic vistas of the Minarets. Traveling beyond Crystal Lake, hikers can admire the views from the impressive Mammoth Crest. Trailhead: to the immediate right of the parking lot entrance at Lake George.

Emerald Lake and Sky Meadows (4 miles) - Wildflowers border the creek all the way to Emerald Lake and Sky Meadows, which sits under the base of spectacular Blue Crag. Trailhead: above Coldwater Campground.

Mammoth Rock Trail (5 miles) - The trail passes under Mammoth Rock, a massive limestone and marble monolith. Trailhead: Follow Old Mammoth Road, just past the first hairpin turn.

Advanced Hikes

Shadow Lake and Lake Ediza (12 miles) - After passing an impressive waterfall, hikers arrive at Shadow Lake then continue on to Lake Ediza, with the Minarets as a backdrop. Trailhead: Take the turnoff to Agnew Meadows Campground. From the trailhead parking lot, follow the signs for "Shadow Lake/River Trail."

Thousand Island Lake (14.2 miles) - Tucked away at timberline with towering, snow-speckled peaks in the background, this lake is named for the many islands that dot its surface.

Sherwin Lakes and Valentine Lake (10 miles) - The highest and largest Sherwin Lake is at 8,700 feet surrounded by conifers with Bloody Mountain soaring above the treetops. Three miles past Sherwin Lakes is Valentine Lake, an alpine jewel surrounded by craggy peaks. Trailhead: The turnoff is on Sherwin Creek Road.

Duck Pass and Duck Lake (10 miles) - Hikers ascend the steep switchbacks of Duck Pass to reach Duck Lake, which boasts an intense, deep-blue color. Along the way hikers pass Arrowhead, Skelton and Barney lakes. Trailhead: above Coldwater Campground.

Peak Bagging

Banner Peak - Glaciers dot the slopes of this 12,936-foot mountain, the second highest peak in the Minarets.Climbers can hike to the foot of the mountain where various routes reach the summit, the easiest of which is a class 2 scramble.

Mt. Whitney - The highest peak in the contiguous U.S. (14,495 feet) is two hours away from Mammoth. A 10.5-mile one-way trail to the summit passes alpine lakes, waterfalls and breathtaking views. Hiking permits are awarded in a lottery in February but often can be obtained the day before a hike (especially on weekdays) due to cancellations.

Boundary Peak - Hikers who trek to the top can claim to have summited the highest peak in Nevada at 13,140 feet. Boundary Peak is about two-hours from Mammoth.

Montgomery Peak - Peak baggers who want a-two-for-one climbing experience can tackle Boundary Peak then summit its California neighbor, Montgomery Peak at 13,441 feet above sea level situated at the northern end of the White Mountains.

Mt. Dana - Anyone who reaches the summit of this 13,061 peak, the second highest in Yosemite National Park, will be rewarded with vistas of Mono Lake, lakes throughout Dana Meadows, and a panoramic view of the High Sierra. An unmaintained trail to the top begins on the Western face of the mountain near Tioga Pass.

For more information about hiking near Mammoth Lakes, visit www.VisitMammoth.com/hiking.

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