Photograph Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes
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Added by Tiffany Nguyen
Photograph the sunset followed by the Milky Way over Lake Mary. Be sure to check when the sun sets and verify that there will be clear skies. Lake Mary is walking distance from Coldwater Creek campground.
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.
Bring a few chairs with snacks and drinks, post up at a spot you like and enjoy the view. My favorite spot is right in front of Crystal Crag where it’s hard not to get a great shot of the formidable peak reflecting onto Lake Mary. Camping at Coldwater Creek Campground is within walking distance so you can head back and make some dinner before returning to stargaze and see the Milky Way later in the evening.
From the campground you will be able to tell when the Milky Way is high in the sky. Its position varies throughout the year so the optimal viewing time may vary. During our last visit, around 10 pm seemed to be the sweet spot but your experience may be different. You can go back to the same spot as sunset or find a different one for your night shot. Be sure to dress warm as it gets quite cold at night. Spend about an hour shooting the night sky; you won’t be disappointed.
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Close to town
Lake Mary is as you would expect straight up Lake Mary Road from town. With the large body of water, you can see amazing reflections if you get it in the golden hour with little wind. This is also a great spot to learn to fish (boat rentals, prime fishing spot on the bridge, etc.). There are also great trails if you keep driving past coldwater campground.
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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
