Mammoth Mountain, California

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 ...

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...

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...

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. ...

The Lake George Loop is perfect for exploring the shoreline and fishing near the top of the Mammoth Lakes wilderness. The lake can get quite cold due to the elevation and surrounding mountains not allowing the sun to hit it for an extended time, but if you go during mid-day you should have a refr...

The Waterford Gap bridge creates a picturesque view of the Eastern Sierra as it crosses over Mammoth Creek as part of the town loop and connects Majestic Pines Dr, which runs up to Eagle Lodge, with old Mammoth Road, which is a main road along the south and east edges of town. This is a great spo...

Devils Postpile Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mammoth Lakes, California.

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...

Emerald lake is a relatively short 1.7 mile out-and-back hike. There is ample parking at the parking lot and trailhead. There is also overflow parking at the upper lot for Duck Lake and Skelton Lake.  The trail has a decent amount of uphill, but you should arrive shortly (<30 mins) at your de...

The Duck Pass trail in the John Muir Wilderness combines breathtaking views, wildflowers and plenty of icy mountain lakes for swimming into a trail that is moderate in both difficulty and distance. With multiple lakes along the way to pitch your tent and plenty of day hike options from a base cam...

If you make your way to the Goldwater Campground there is plenty of parking. The trailhead you take leads to many lakes but the Duck Pass trailhead is the on you want to take. This is a easy trail to follow and walk with very little obstacles. You follow it along for around a mile and you won't ...

As many of the other hikes start in this area, you start at the Goldwater Creek Campground where there is plenty of parking and restrooms. You will take the Duck Pass Trailhead for this hike. • I wanted to point out that this is not the easiest hike to do as a day hike. Many people do overnighte...

The hike to Skelton Lake in Mammoth Lakes, CA starts off at the Duck Lake Pass trailhead just past Lake Mary. The hike starts off with quite a few switchbacks as you climb through the John Muir Wilderness. About one mile up the trail, you'll see an option to veer off to Arrowhead Lake. Continue o...

You will see a couple of trailheads starting by parking at the Coldwater Creek Campground parking lot. This one is specifically marked Heart Lake. There will be a couple of forks in the trail, but if you stay right and on the more obvious path, you will be up to Heart Lake in no time. (Going left...

Inyo Craters Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Mammoth Lakes, California.

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 ...