Mariposa County, California

Mono Lake Vista Point is a quick pull off on the right side of Highway 395 as you’re headed south toward Mono City. The pull off is fairly big and is a great spot to pull over quickly to take in a view of Mono Lake and the greater area.

Upon entering Yosemite Valley National Park I made it a point to see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Washington Column and several other famous Yosemite formations. What I didn't realize was as soon as I entered The Village was that all could be seen within a 15 minute loop around the valley floor. Th...

Day 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...

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 ...

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 ...

This trip can be done as a day trip or backpacking trip. It is around an 11 mile out-and-back trip. Park at Twin Lakes in Bridgeport, CA. There is a $10 fee and it can take a while on busy weekends. A permit is required to stay overnight in Hoover Wilderness. The trailhead can be hard to find; i...

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 ...

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. ...

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...

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...

If you are visiting Mono Lake, the Panum Crater Trail is not to be missed! From 395, take highway 120 east for about 2.5 miles. Look for a small wooden sign for Panum Crater and turn left onto a dirt road. If you reach the turn-off to the South Tufa Area, you have gone too far! After about a mile...

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...

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...

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...