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Mammoth Lakes, California

Looking for the best camping in Mammoth Lakes? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mammoth Lakes. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Camping Spots in and near Mammoth Lakes

  • Bishop, California

    Bouldering In The Buttermilks

    5.0
    The Buttermilks is a historical climbing area that is home to some of the worlds most famous rock climbs. It is located at the base of the Eastern Sierras near Bishop, CA. In this region there are 3 main bouldering areas: The Happies, The Sads, and The Buttermilks.The Buttermilks are massive gr...
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  • Lee Vining, California

    Backpack Virginia Lakes to Green Creek

    10.5 mi / 1234 ft gain
    Keep in mind that this is a point to point hike, so you will need to park a vehicle at Green Creek trailhead in Bridgeport as well as your start point at Virginia Lakes Resort.Starting at 9,886' at The Virginia Lakes Trailhead, you will begin by heading Northwest towards Virginia Pass. During yo...
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Virginia Lakes Trail

    4.0
    9.22 mi / 2464 ft gain
    If you are looking for a hike with a view every half mile or so, then Virginia Lakes Trail is one to mark on your must-see list. You start at the parking lot near the first lake where bathrooms are available onsite.  Try to hike right before the first snow in November so you can see the fall col...
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  • 37.732842,-119.557782

    Panorama Trail

    4.8
    16.87 mi / 3200 ft gain
    The Panorama Trail is an outstanding hike that takes you from the Yosemite Valley floor up to Glacier Point. Or you can hike it downhill going from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. You can camp and make it an overnight trip or do it as a day trip by leaving a car at one end and taking a park sh...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Half Dome

    4.6
    13.88 mi / 4800 ft gain
    First things first. You will need to get a wilderness pass by entering the lottery for Half Dome access. If you don't get a pass via lottery just go to the Yosemite Valley visitor center, tell the clerk you are backpacking to Little Yosemite Valley and that you would like to hike up Half Dome. Th...
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  • 37.739698,-119.564018

    Snow Creek Trail

    5.0
    20.43 mi / 2700 ft gain
    This is truly a beautiful hike. Although it’s not the easiest, you are rewarded by the views. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. Once you reach the top, you...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail

    5.0
    203.17 mi / 44944 ft gain
    To thru hike the JMT is probably one of the sickest trips to do! It's not a heavy commitment like the PCT or AT but it's also no week long vacation from work, backpacking the woods of your local forests either. There's a sweet spot in thru hiking and I believe this trail gives the full taste. You...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Porcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome

    10.04 mi / 2089 ft gain
    Porcupine Creek Trail to Indian Ridge Natural Arch to North Dome is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Yosemite Valley, California.
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point

    4.0
    23.85 mi / 6942 ft gain
    Start from Glacier Point around 7,200 feet leaving on the Panoramic Trail. Head down 2 miles to Illilouette Falls (5,800 feet). Once you cross the bridge at Illilouette Falls you go up Panorama Point and head back down to Nevada Falls (5,971 feet). Once you reach Nevada Falls fill up on as much w...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Backpack to Lower Ottoway Lake

    32 mi / 2400 ft gain
    The hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...
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  • Bishop, California

    Backpack Across Mt. Humphreys Basin

    30 mi / 3375 ft gain
    Before heading out, you will need to get a backpacking permit to stay overnight in this area. You can buy one here to pick up in town at the Bishop, CA Ranger Station, in the morning.The trailhead begins at North Lake campground (9,345'), in a beautiful lush area, with streams and aspen groves. A...
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  • Bishop, California

    Backpack to Upper Lamarck Lake

    5.0
    5.8 mi / 1562 ft gain
    Starting out at North Lake Campground, the trail to Lamarck Lakes is a fairly gradual ascent. After climbing out of the meadows near the trailhead, you will find yourself on a ridge with few trees to block the great views of Grass Lake and the valley below. Lake Sabrina is on the other side of ...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Glacier Point

    4.7
    9.17 mi / 3491 ft gain
    Everyone that knows Yosemite, knows Glacier Point. An overlook that attracts thousands of people per day that drive up via Glacier Point Road is rarely vacant of the hustle and bustle of people. However, there is a loop hole here, and when the stars align you can have Glacier Point ALL to yoursel...
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  • Yosemite Valley, California

    El Capitan Trail

    5.0
    14.68 mi / 5052 ft gain
    Start on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls

    12.6 mi / 3779 ft gain
    Get a permit.  Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center.  Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister!  Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4.  Eagle Pe...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Rock Climb in Camp 4

    5.0
    Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...
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