Lee Vining, California

Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping. Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park ...

Matterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada. There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins ...

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 ...

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...

Tenaya Lake is located alongside Tioga Road in the park's Tuolumne Meadows region. There is a family-friendly trail that surrounds the lake. Though some spots along the trail on the western shore may require fording the waters, the 2.5-mile trip is an easy hike for all to enjoy. Many others pre...

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...

There probably isn't a more fun way to goof around and play in the snow. And we take it up a notch - skip the hiking, and catch a lift to the top, then bomb down as fast as you dare in one of our high-speed snow tubes. (Children must be 42" to tube.)Highlights include everything you could be look...

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...

From the parking lot, walk down the short but steep incline to the springs (200m). There is also a campsite within 0.25 miles.

Shady Rest Park is a peaceful, family-friendly recreation area located just off Sawmill Road, only minutes from the center of Mammoth Lakes. With easy access, tall pine forests, and gently rolling terrain, it’s a great spot for walking, picnicking, biking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the E...

Since these are wild horses, tracking them can be difficult. However, they tend to play and graze in a certain field in Mono County, right outside of Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite! From CA-395 turn onto CA-120 towards Mono Lake. Take this road for 21 miles until you reach Dobie Meadows Road, a one l...

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...

The trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...

Mammoth’s volcanic valley floor is peppered with these natural steamy tubs with panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra. It’s pretty damn whimsical.  My personal favorite is the Hilltop Hot Tub, which is a man-made stone pool fed by a bubbling, steamy creek. According to some corner of the web, it...

The unmaintained trail is initially hard to find if you’re not familiar with its location. Here are the instructions: From Happy Isle, start on the JMT trail heading towards Vernal Falls. Shortly after passing a sign indicating the start of the John Muir Trail, you'll come to another sign o...