Hundreds of Miles of Groomed Hiking Trails
Sightseeing & Landmarks
When you visit Mammoth in the warmer months be sure to explore the many groomed trails that wind throughout the Inyo National Forest along majestic mountain tops and open meadows with spectacular views that go on for miles. On your hikes you will discover the many hidden crystal-blue lakes, rushing streams and peaceful surroundings that can only be reached by foot, ATVs or horseback. No guides or crowds - the adventure is all yours!
Lakes Basin area, off of Lake Mary Road provides numerous shorter trails near Lake George. In order to get the most out of your excursion, plan to hike an hour or more before turning around.
Panorama Dome is an easy 1/2 hike that begins near the bridge of Twin Lakes and plunges into a dense forest of red firs. Once you reach the top of the dome you will encounter stunning views of Mammoth Crest, Crystal Crag and Mammoth Mountain.
Rock Creek is also one of the easier trails to trek. Most of the trail runs alongside a rushing creek through glacier-carved canyons. You will be surrounded by bellowing aspens, willows, and flowering foliage. An early October hike when the colors are brilliant yellows, and reds is breathtaking!
Mammoth Lakes provides more than 70 groomed trails throughout the area, from simple to challenging. Maps are available at the Visitors Bureau in town or ask any local for recommendations or directions.
The Mammoth area has many historical landmarks
Red's Meadow
is home to several historic sites and the views heading up to the Minaret Summit before descending to Red's Meadow are overwhelming! A shuttle runs from 7:30 to 5:30 daily (a fee is charged). You can access Red's Meadow by automobile before or after these hours.There is exceptional trout fishing, camping, horseback riding, and hiking trails are plentiful. Pack a picnic or eat at the lunch cafe near the general store.
Devil's Postpile National Monument is located in Red's Meadow. The columns of basalt were formed approx. 900,000 years ago when a lava flow slowed and began to cool and crack. Temperatures deep within the lava bed were uniform enough to produce six-sided columnar joints, 40 to 60 feet high resembling a giant pipe organ, polished to a shine by later glacial action.
Rainbow Falls is located downstream from the Devil's Postpile. The San Joaquin River flows over an abrupt 101-foot drop, sending rainbows of color into the midst. Truly a sight that is breathtaking and worth the easy 2-mile walk.
Mono Lake is 30 miles north of Mammoth. The salt waters of this ancient inland sea sustain a unique biosphere where tiny brine shrimp feed millions of migrating birds each year. Meander among the odd-shaped tufa towers. These unusual towers are piled-up mineral deposits formed beneath the water's surface when mineral-rich spring water mixes with salt lake water. Consider arranging for a guided canoe tour of the lake.
Hot Creek State Fish Hatchery
raises about 3 million trout each year for planting in the Sierra Nevada lakes and streams, and over 20 million eggs for other fish hatcheries throughout the state. Get the details on breeding trout year round. Open daily
to the public. Located near the Mammoth airport off Hwy. 395.
Yosemite National Park/ Tioga Pass and Tuolumne Meadows
is a
favorite day trip for Mammoth vacationers. Its eastern entrance at Tioga
Pass is just 45-minutes from Mammoth (Tioga Pass is typically closed
due to snow from mid-November through May). The inspiring scenery
in Yosemite is overwhelming with tremendous mountain peaks, a
series of gigantic granite domes, lakes and glistening waterfalls.
Discover it for yourself!
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