Set against the dramatic backdrop of California’s Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes is a scenic paradise showcasing Mother Nature’s breathtaking work of rugged peaks, alpine forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Exploring the area offers some of the most stunning and dramatic vistas while blending the thrill of outdoor adventures.
Yosemite National Park
A spectacular day trip, Yosemite National Park is just a 45-minute drive from Mammoth Lakes and is home to majestic waterfalls, enormous trees, endless hiking trails, and exotic wildlife. Tioga Pass serves as Yosemite National Park’s eastern entrance into a world of nature and adventure. Spanning over 1000 square miles, sightseeing opportunities are ample with Yosemite Valley, the iconic Half Dome, Yosemite Falls , Glacier Point, Nevada Falls , El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Bridge, and much more. The Mariposa Grove near the park’s southern entrance is the perfect spot to see the more than 500-year-old giant sequoias. There are 800 miles of trails in the park such as the Mirror Lake Trail, Panorama Trail , May Lake, and Cloud’s Rest Trail.
Mono Lake
With a salinity level over three times that of the ocean, the 65 square-mile Mono Lake is a unique, inhospitable but beautiful environment that supports a diverse collection of wildlife. It began to form around 750,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest lakes in North America. Mono Lake is a sightseer’s fairy tale, a nature lover’s dream, and an outdoor adventurer’s mecca. Whether launching kayaks through the tufa towers of Navy Beach or meandering along the boardwalks of the South Tufa Area during an evening sunset, there is a way for everyone to explore this unique area. Also, check out the modern Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center located just north of the small village of Lee Vining on U.S. Highway 395. The facility houses an incredible collection of interpretive exhibits presenting the ecology, geology, anthropology, and management of the Mono Lake Basin.
Hot Creek
One of Mammoth Lakes’ scenic highlights is Hot Creek: a collection of natural hot springs within a river gorge offering incredible scenic displays. The creek’s bubbling, mineral-rich water turns turquoise as it flows into pools edged with travertine rock layers, all shrouded in clouds of steam. Hike along the meandering trails alongside the creek to experience breathtaking geological processes that shaped the distinctive landscape of Eastern Sierra. Hot Creek also offers ample fishing opportunities throughout the year, especially fly-fishing during winter months.
Inyo Craters
The Inyo Craters were formed when groundwater contacted a large body of partially magmatic rock deep within the earth, generating steam and extreme amounts of pressure. The resulting cataclysmic explosion shot rocks miles into the air, wiped out the surrounding forest and left deep crater-like depressions as permanent scars on the landscape. Getting to Inyo Craters requires a short 0.7-mile hike from the parking area through stands of huge, old-growth ponderosa and Jeffrey pine.
In the background, legendary Mammoth Mountain, and the jagged Minaret Range loom majestically. Flanked by steep cliffs, a small lake of turquoise-green water remains trapped in the bowels of the 200-foot-deep crater, coloured from dissolved minerals leaching from the surrounding volcanic rock walls. The second crater is just uphill from the first. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including a diverse collection of birds and a frequently sighted herd of mule deer.
Earthquake Fault
Positioned deep in the forest on rolling foothills flanking the base of Mammoth Mountain, this incredible fissure cuts through hard volcanic rock for several hundred feet and reaches a depth of up to 60 feet. The fracture is believed to have formed around 600 years ago during one of the recent Inyo/Mono Craters eruptions. The Earthquake Fault interpretive area, located on public lands administered by the Inyo National Forest marks the beginning of the self-guided interpretive trail.
The short, family-friendly 0.3-mile hiking trail descends deep into the rocky bowels of the fault and winds through majestic stands of old-growth red fir, Jeffrey pine and lodgepole pine. Along the way, interpretive signs provide information about the natural history, ecology, and preservation of the area. The Earthquake Fault is a fantastic outdoor playground for enjoying picnics in the canopy of towering pines or setting off on a trek to the Minaret Vista on the 4-mile Mountain View Trail. The endless forests surrounding the Earthquake Fault offer a sightseeing adventure for all.
Reds Meadow (Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls )
Located just 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, the Reds Meadow is known for its Devils Postpile National Monument, 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The valley is lined with granite boulders, Jeffery pines, and wildflowers. Resembling a tidy lumber pile created by giants, Devils Postpile’s 60-foot basalt columns were formed when lava erupted in the valley nearly 100,000 years ago and filled the area to a depth of 400 feet.
To hike Devils Postpile, take the half-mile trail to the base, then continue uphill to the formation’s summit for incredible views. Or ramble the 2.5-mile route from the ranger station to 101-foot Rainbow Falls, the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon picnic. Anglers will find great trout fishing on the San Joaquin River, a designated Wild Trout River. Prime fishing spots can be found on the river’s banks near the parking lot and further past Soda Springs Meadow. Devils Postpile is home to more than 100 species of birds and mammals, including black bears, pine martens, mule deer and coyotes making the area an excellent place for wildlife watching.
Mammoth Lakes Basin
The Mammoth Lakes Basin is another prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts amidst the majestic Sierra Nevada Range franked by towering pine forests, mountain streams, and blue lakes. The area offers a breathtaking display of wildflowers during springtime. Just minutes from downtown Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes Basin comprises over a dozen lakes, 50 miles of hiking trails, 5 campgrounds, and endless opportunities to explore making it a hotspot for hikers, campers, fishermen, paddleboarders, rock climbers and visitors. In winter, the forested shorelines become ideal for exploring on cross-country skis or snowshoes along the trails of the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center.
Yosemite National Park
A spectacular day trip, Yosemite National Park is just a 45-minute drive from Mammoth Lakes and is home to majestic waterfalls, enormous trees, endless hiking trails, and exotic wildlife. Tioga Pass serves as Yosemite National Park’s eastern entrance into a world of nature and adventure. Spanning over 1000 square miles, sightseeing opportunities are ample with Yosemite Valley, the iconic Half Dome, Yosemite Falls , Glacier Point, Nevada Falls , El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Bridge, and much more. The Mariposa Grove near the park’s southern entrance is the perfect spot to see the more than 500-year-old giant sequoias. There are 800 miles of trails in the park such as the Mirror Lake Trail, Panorama Trail , May Lake, and Cloud’s Rest Trail.
Mono Lake
With a salinity level over three times that of the ocean, the 65 square-mile Mono Lake is a unique, inhospitable but beautiful environment that supports a diverse collection of wildlife. It began to form around 750,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest lakes in North America. Mono Lake is a sightseer’s fairy tale, a nature lover’s dream, and an outdoor adventurer’s mecca. Whether launching kayaks through the tufa towers of Navy Beach or meandering along the boardwalks of the South Tufa Area during an evening sunset, there is a way for everyone to explore this unique area. Also, check out the modern Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center located just north of the small village of Lee Vining on U.S. Highway 395. The facility houses an incredible collection of interpretive exhibits presenting the ecology, geology, anthropology, and management of the Mono Lake Basin.
Hot Creek
One of Mammoth Lakes’ scenic highlights is Hot Creek: a collection of natural hot springs within a river gorge offering incredible scenic displays. The creek’s bubbling, mineral-rich water turns turquoise as it flows into pools edged with travertine rock layers, all shrouded in clouds of steam. Hike along the meandering trails alongside the creek to experience breathtaking geological processes that shaped the distinctive landscape of Eastern Sierra. Hot Creek also offers ample fishing opportunities throughout the year, especially fly-fishing during winter months.
Inyo Craters
The Inyo Craters were formed when groundwater contacted a large body of partially magmatic rock deep within the earth, generating steam and extreme amounts of pressure. The resulting cataclysmic explosion shot rocks miles into the air, wiped out the surrounding forest and left deep crater-like depressions as permanent scars on the landscape. Getting to Inyo Craters requires a short 0.7-mile hike from the parking area through stands of huge, old-growth ponderosa and Jeffrey pine.
In the background, legendary Mammoth Mountain, and the jagged Minaret Range loom majestically. Flanked by steep cliffs, a small lake of turquoise-green water remains trapped in the bowels of the 200-foot-deep crater, coloured from dissolved minerals leaching from the surrounding volcanic rock walls. The second crater is just uphill from the first. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including a diverse collection of birds and a frequently sighted herd of mule deer.
Earthquake Fault
Positioned deep in the forest on rolling foothills flanking the base of Mammoth Mountain, this incredible fissure cuts through hard volcanic rock for several hundred feet and reaches a depth of up to 60 feet. The fracture is believed to have formed around 600 years ago during one of the recent Inyo/Mono Craters eruptions. The Earthquake Fault interpretive area, located on public lands administered by the Inyo National Forest marks the beginning of the self-guided interpretive trail.
The short, family-friendly 0.3-mile hiking trail descends deep into the rocky bowels of the fault and winds through majestic stands of old-growth red fir, Jeffrey pine and lodgepole pine. Along the way, interpretive signs provide information about the natural history, ecology, and preservation of the area. The Earthquake Fault is a fantastic outdoor playground for enjoying picnics in the canopy of towering pines or setting off on a trek to the Minaret Vista on the 4-mile Mountain View Trail. The endless forests surrounding the Earthquake Fault offer a sightseeing adventure for all.
Reds Meadow (Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls )
Located just 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, the Reds Meadow is known for its Devils Postpile National Monument, 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The valley is lined with granite boulders, Jeffery pines, and wildflowers. Resembling a tidy lumber pile created by giants, Devils Postpile’s 60-foot basalt columns were formed when lava erupted in the valley nearly 100,000 years ago and filled the area to a depth of 400 feet.
To hike Devils Postpile, take the half-mile trail to the base, then continue uphill to the formation’s summit for incredible views. Or ramble the 2.5-mile route from the ranger station to 101-foot Rainbow Falls, the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon picnic. Anglers will find great trout fishing on the San Joaquin River, a designated Wild Trout River. Prime fishing spots can be found on the river’s banks near the parking lot and further past Soda Springs Meadow. Devils Postpile is home to more than 100 species of birds and mammals, including black bears, pine martens, mule deer and coyotes making the area an excellent place for wildlife watching.
Mammoth Lakes Basin
The Mammoth Lakes Basin is another prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts amidst the majestic Sierra Nevada Range franked by towering pine forests, mountain streams, and blue lakes. The area offers a breathtaking display of wildflowers during springtime. Just minutes from downtown Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes Basin comprises over a dozen lakes, 50 miles of hiking trails, 5 campgrounds, and endless opportunities to explore making it a hotspot for hikers, campers, fishermen, paddleboarders, rock climbers and visitors. In winter, the forested shorelines become ideal for exploring on cross-country skis or snowshoes along the trails of the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center.
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