Mammoth Lakes, California
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Mammoth Lakes, California, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. For hikers, the John Muir Trail offers breathtaking views of the wilderness, while the Crystal Lake Trail is a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility. The Twin Lakes Campground is a favorite among campers, with its serene setting and easy access to fishing spots. There are also plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, and backpacking. For water sports, hop on a kayak or try stand-up paddleboarding on the pristine waters of Lake Mary. The San Joaquin River is a hotspot for thrilling rafting adventures. If you're up for a unique experience, Mammoth Mountain's Adventure Center offers zip-lining that will give you a bird's eye view of the stunning landscape. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a novice, Mammoth Lakes has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Mammoth Lakes
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Dyer, Nevada
Hike Boundary Peak
5.010.4 mi / 4000 ft gainBoundary Peak received its name because it straddles the border of California and Nevada. While technically in Nevada, just a few hundred feet away lies its taller neighbor Montgomery Peak (13,442') in California. Many people bag both peaks at once, but the rotten rock and unstable trail make Mon...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Backpack to Green Lake and Virginia Pass
17 mi / 4452 ft gainDay 1 Green Creek Trailhead to Green Lake When we went on this hike, it was primarily to explore the area and see if it would be a feasible entrance to Northern Yosemite for extended backpacking trips. However, it also is a great two night trip to a lovely area of the Hoover Wilderness. Best...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
10 Lakes Basin in Yosemite
5.013.38 mi / 2200 ft gainBeginning at the Ten Lakes trailhead, the trail to the lakes is a moderately strenuous uphill grind to Ten Lakes pass, followed by a quick downhill into the lake basin. We met a woman at the top who made sure we didn’t miss the short side trail to a vista point on the pass that offered a sweeping...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead
4.012.24 mi / 2000 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Dewey Point via McGurk Meadow Trailhead
5.07.51 mi / 300 ft gainBefore you start, be sure to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and grab an overnight permit. More info on this at nps.gov. This trail meanders through beautiful, dense meadows full of wildlife - watch for bears! When you're not hiking among the wildflowers and babbling brooks, you're enc...Read more -
Bishop, California
Sailor Lake Backpack & Climb of Mt. Haeckel
5.013 mi / 2500 ft gainThe basic part of this adventure is a backpack to Sailor Lake. From there you can enjoy small dayhikes to the nearby lakes or waterfalls, go fishing, enjoy some photography or just lounge in camp and gaze at the beautiful scenery. Although Sailor Lake looks smaller than the nearby lakes it stil...Read more -
Bishop, California
Backpack the Piute Pass Trail in the John Muir Wilderness
21 mi / 2000 ft gainWith so many famous hiking trails in the Sierras, its hard to find a trail as isolated as the Piute Pass Trail. This trail allows you to hike in the John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, and Sierra National Forest in one 20 mile section of trail. You will encounter amazing wilderness, spect...Read more -
Bishop, California
Baboon Lakes via Sabrina Basin
8.53 mi / 2165 ft gainGorgeous and sizable alpine lakes beyond Blue Lake via Sabrina Basin trail. There are some very confusing descriptions on the internet for this so hopefully this can help. Hike for 3 miles to get to Blue Lake, which is huge and a popular camping spot for backpackers. Continue past the lake (it ...Read more -
Bishop, California
Hike to Emerald Lakes
7.2 mi / 1719 ft gainIf you are considering this hike, then I am sure you are already familiar with the undeniable beauty that the Eastern Sierra radiates. Any season, any time- it is there. One of my particular favorites for a day hike to experience this beauty is the trek to Emerald Lake outside of Bishop.From Bish...Read more -
Fish Camp, California
Hike through Mariposa Grove to Wawona Point
6 mi / 1200 ft gainThere is easy parking in the Mariposa Grove parking lot. There are a variety of trails through the grove; you can follow the NPS guide maps to see each of the iconic trees. These include tunnel trees you can walk through as well as overturned trees showing the immense root systems. From the parki...Read more -
Yosemite Village, California
Watch the Sunset in El Capitan Meadow
After entering the park, keep driving the loop until you get onto Northside Drive, and then park once you are right below El Capitan (the 3,000ft granite monolith that is very hard to miss).Once you've parked, grab a blanket, snacks, and a beverage. With these items in hand, walk over to the eas...Read more -
Wawona, California
Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail
1.29 mi / 121 ft gainThe hike to the Wawona Swinging Bridge is a 0.7 mile dirt path. Start at the trailhead located next to the parking lot. The hike is surrounded by many trees which offers a lot of shade. For the first couple of minutes the trail is fairly straight. You then begin to hike down for just a minute or ...Read more -
Bass Lake, California
Camp at Greys Mountain Campground
/ 5293 ft gainFrom Greys Mountain Campground, Sierra National Forest is your oyster! Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground has vault toilets and (sometimes) potable wate...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Backpack to Crescent Lake
20 mi / 4100 ft gainCrescent Lake is another beautiful spot a long the Beuna Vista loop. Starting at the Chilnualna Trailhead in Wawona, you start your journey climbing about 4.6 miles and 2,300 feet to the top of Chilnualna Falls (always a good place to rest). Beyond the falls, continue a long the trail and always ...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Buena Vista Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead
24.64 mi / 5453 ft gainHiking and camping at Buena Vista Lake is a beautiful way to see the south side of Yosemite… the name says it all. With beautiful 360 degree views from Buena Vista Peak you get to look at the backside of Half Dome, up to Clouds Rest and all the domes and peaks in-between. You can reach the trail...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Hike to the Top of Chilnualna Falls
4.39.2 mi / 2300 ft gainMany visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnualna...Read more
