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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Tuolumne County, California
Backpack to Nelson Lake
17 mi / 1000 ft gainHead to any Yosemite wilderness station for a map, bear canister, and permit for Nelson Lake. The trail itself starts in the Tuolumne Campground at Elizabeth Lake trailhead. Follow the trail 2.2 miles up to Elizabeth Lake and remember the lake itself is in a no-camping zone, so you must continue ...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Camp at Mono Lake
5.0Many people visit Mono Lake for a quick photo opportunity of the South Tufa. When I discovered camping was allowed on the North side of the lake, I knew I had to experience it and share.You head East on Cemetery Rd. just North of Lee Vining. This road turns into a dirt road, which will require yo...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Explore the Black Point Fissures
4.32 mi / 500 ft gainThis area is such a great way to spend time exploring. It's a lot different than what it's surrounded by, making it a great change of pace in the Eastern Sierra.Just East of Lee Vining, California is Black Point, which sits on the North side of the massive Mono Lake...Which used to be an underwat...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Boothe Lake
5.016.83 mi / 1854 ft gainStarting at the Tuolomne Meadows Visitor Center you will head south to jump on the John Muir Trail, move east for 2.8 miles on the JMT until the trail intersects with the Vogelsang High Sierra trailhead, you head south when you reach this trail. Once you hit the Vogelsang trail you are 5.5 miles ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Tulomne Meadows to Donohue Pass via JMT
5.027.56 mi / 2953 ft gainDonohue Pass lies on the border of Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) route through this pass at 11,056 ft. A challenging but beautiful hike that starts from Tuolumne Meadows and follows the JMT for 12.5 miles t...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack to Lower Merced Pass Lake
4.023 mi / 880 ft gainLMPL (let's be honest, the full name is a mouthful) is situated just below the crest of Merced Pass, and can be accessed by hiking south from Yosemite Valley, or north from Chiquito Pass. This is a stunning and much less crowded spot to camp, or a great way to access some of the less climbed moun...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Mono Lake Park Nature Trail
5.00.54 mi / 79 ft gainMono Lake Park Nature Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Lee Vining, California.Read more -
Wawona, California
Cathedral Lakes
4.89.04 mi / 1581 ft gainStarting at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead near the Tuolumne Meadows parking lot (if parking is full at the TH), this trail wanders through the classic High Sierra forest with large white granite boulders and pine trees. After approximately 4 miles of quiet solitude in the forest, you will reach ...Read more -
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley
5.030.82 mi / 6109 ft gainYosemite is an iconic park, and if you are looking for isolation with spectacular views of the backcountry this trip is for you. The trail itself is approximately 33 miles and can be done in 3-4 days, but I recommend a 6 day hike to enjoy the scenery and to have the opportunity to soak in each lo...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Scramble Yosemite's Cathedral Peak
3.0Start at Toulumne Meadows (8000 ft), and take the John Muir Trail, on the south side of Tioga Road. After about 1 mile, an unmarked trail will appear on your left – it is a less-traveled path, primarily taken by climbers. This trail will lead you away from Cathedral Lake to the back of Cathedral ...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Climb North Peak via the NW Ridge
DirectionsAlthough North Peak lies right on the border of Yosemite, the hike starts just outside the park at the Saddle Bag Lake trail-head. There are also some campsites here if you wish to spend the night, but I think they are usually in high demand and hard to come by. To get to Saddlebag Lak...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
20 Lakes Basin Loop
5.07.81 mi / 915 ft gainThis trail is overall very easy to hike, but the 9.1mi distance at a 10,000ft altitude is what makes it a bit of a doozy for people who aren't frequent hikers. That said, if you are a relatively in-shape individual, you should have no problem with this trail. Remember to take frequent water bre...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
Hike to George Lake
9.2 mi / 1050 ft gainThe hike to George Lake starts out about 4 miles after you turn off 168 onto Kaiser Pass Rd. You'll want to park at the parking lot right before Badger Flat Campground. The parking lot is easy to notice and it is located on the right hand side of the road, two pit toilets and bear lockers are loc...Read more -
Wawona, California
Pothole Dome
5.01.01 mi / 220 ft gainGetting There From the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, head west on Tioga Road/ Hwy 120 towards Tenaya Lake. You'll only travel about 1 mile down the road until you see Tuolumne Meadows open up again on your right, and there will be a very large gravel pull out where you can park. Pothole Dome ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Lower Cathedral Lake
5.0Make the .75 miles detour off of the John Muir Trail to reach this spot and you won't regret it. Lower Cathedral Lake is typically less populated than nearby Upper Lake and has some of the mot beautiful scenery on the JMT. Sunrise and sunset with the reflection of Cathedral Peak on the glassy wat...Read more -
Bishop, California
BLM Horton Creek Campgrounds
Great find! Close to Buttermilks and town. Clean vault toilets but bring your own water. The time we went there the pumps were not working. Each site has fire rings, picnic tables and latern hooks. It can get pretty windy and exposed, so bring the appropriate gear. The campground has 49 tent/RV ...Read more
