Groveland, California

There are several trailheads you can start at to get to the lake, but we chose the River Trail in Agnew Meadows because it was the only trailhead that hadn't met the quota yet. You can check on permit's and trailheads here. If the River Trail is booked other great options are Shadow Creek, Fish C...

Located in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Cecile Lake can be reached from a variety of trailheads. I chose to start out in Agnew Meadows. From here, the trail criss-crosses through a serene lowland environment with several crystal clear streams. After passing Olaine Lake, veer left an...

Cross country hiking can be a daunting idea. There are so many things to plan for, and such a long distance to cover. If you are an experienced backpacker, and you want to get a taste of hiking on the John Muir Trail this hike might interest you.  Planning Plan to hike this from mid July ...

This past spring, I got the urge to photograph the Milky Way over the other-worldly landscape of Mono Lake, a large, desert saline lake at the edge of the eastern Sierras in California. One of the the lake's defining features is it’s incredible tufa rock formations, a variety of limestone. The e...

Mono Lake is was formed at least 760,000 years ago, making it one of North America's oldest lake. Explore the coastline of this unique lake filled with unusual rock formations called tufas. Photograph the tufa towers with the majestic mountains in the background. The towers can make for some very...

If you do this once the shuttles are running from Mammoth Mountain, you'll want to park at the Mammoth Mountain Inn and took the Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus to the trailhead closest to Devils Postpile. It was a short and easy hike, about 0.5 miles to the base. While many walked past Devils Postpile a...

Minaret Vista offers stunning panoramic views of the jagged Minarets, which are part of the Ritter Range in Mammoth Lakes, California. This viewpoint can be reached by driving up Minaret Road (Highway 203) to Lookout Point Road. From the viewpoint, you can also see Mount Ritter, standing at 13,15...

The trailhead begins at the end of Golden Gate Rd in Coleville, Ca on highway 396. There are very limited signs, so maps are necessary! Depending on how fast of a hiker you are, you can most likely reach the lake in 6 hours with minimal breaks. If you cannot start in the morning, there are beauti...

Although this trip specifically describes how to get to Garnet Lake, there are several other pristine alpine lakes (Shadow Lake and Thousand Islands Lake) along this looped trail, only a few short miles away from each other, that are just as worthy if you have the time. A minimum of 3 days/2 nigh...

The summit of Mammoth at 11,053 feet provides one of the most stunning views you'll find in California. Take a scenic trip up the Panorama Gondola for a 360 degree vista of Sierra Nevada peaks and a commanding view of the San Joaquin River Valley below. Grab a lunch at the cafe at the top, then v...

Take a ride in a snowcat for one of the most unique excursions in the Eastern Sierra. Experience the sights and sounds of the backcountry in the heated comfort of a luxury snowcat.After a day on the slopes, celebrate a spectacular view over the Ritter Range and the Minarets with a champagne toast...

Start your journey at the Mammoth Pass Trailhead at the back of the parking lot for Horseshoe Lake. From the start, the trail ascends steadily through dense pines, and big granite stair steps.  Although it is a moderately steep route (and the altitude doesn't help), it is only about 0.6 miles to ...

This is a great short hike, located near the turn off for Twin Lakes. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the lakes basin, the town, Mammoth Mountain, and the White Mountains. There was a little snow left at the top, when we hiked it over Memorial Day weekend.  Eve...

Bodie exploded as a gold mining town in 1876, after the discovery of gold ore. It is estimated that Bodie produced over $34 million worth of gold over the years. The town was finally abandoned in 1942.While driving on 395, turn onto 270 and follow it 17 mi to the ghost town of Bodie. The last thr...

In Lake George, park along Lake George Road and walk towards Crystal Crag Trailhead sign to begin the hike. If you couldn't find it, you can head to the boat rentals by the lake and you will see a sign saying trailhead is behind you. The trail is well maintained and it is really easy to follow. ...

Lake Mary is the largest of the 11 lakes in the Mammoth Mountain area. Explore the lake’s perimeter and find your own perfectly peaceful place to watch one of Mammoth’s signature stunning sunsets. Parking is easy to come by either on the side of the road or at the marina parking lot up the road.B...