Mammoth Lakes, California, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse hiking opportunities. Whether you’re a novice hiker or a seasoned adventurer, there’s a trail here that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best hiking trails in Mammoth Lakes, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
Beginner Hiking Trails
Horseshoe Lake Loop For an easy, popular hike with great views of Mammoth Mountain and the Mammoth Crest, take a stroll around Horseshoe Lake Loop. Access the flat, partially shaded trail from trolley stop 104. Watch dogs swimming and people enjoying picnics along the shore of Horseshoe Lake as you follow the 1.7-mile path. The trail has a smooth dirt surface and restrooms are always nearby.
Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: Lake views, picnic areas, pet-friendly
Mammoth Creek Park Trail This gentle, 1.5-mile trail is perfect for beginners and families. The path meanders alongside Mammoth Creek, offering beautiful views of the surrounding meadows and mountains. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll and a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of Mammoth Lakes.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: Scenic creek views, picnic areas
Lake Mary Loop The Lake Mary Loop is a 2-mile trail that circles the stunning Lake Mary. This easy hike provides picturesque views of the lake, pine forests, and the surrounding peaks. It’s ideal for a relaxing summer hike, with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: Lake views, picnic spots, fishing opportunities
Crystal Lake Trail For those looking to take a step up from flat trails, the Crystal Lake Trail offers a moderate 3-mile round trip hike with a gentle ascent. The trailhead starts at Lake George and climbs to Crystal Lake, offering beautiful views of the Mammoth Crest along the way.
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Highlights: Crystal-clear lake, panoramic views, wildflowers
Panorama Dome Trail If you’re looking for 360-degree, breathtaking views, the Panorama Dome Trail should be on your list. Pick up the trailhead from trolley stop 95 (exit the Tamarack Lodge parking area toward Lake Mary Road). The 0.3-mile trail to the top of Panorama Dome is uphill but manageable. Just be sure to remember, you are hiking at high altitude, so you’ll need to take more breaks and carry extra water.
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 220 feet
Highlights: Panoramic views, high altitude, short and steep
Intermediate Hiking Trails
Duck Pass Trail The Duck Pass Trail is a favorite among hikers looking for a bit more of a challenge. This 7.5-mile round trip trail takes you through beautiful alpine terrain, past Barney Lake, and up to Duck Lake. The moderate climb rewards you with stunning vistas and a serene alpine environment.
Distance: 7.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Highlights: Alpine lakes, expansive views, diverse terrain
Sherwin Lakes Trail This 5-mile round trip trail is perfect for intermediate hikers. Starting from the Sherwin Creek Campground, the trail climbs steadily through a forested area and opens up to the beautiful Sherwin Lakes. It’s a peaceful hike with rewarding views at the top.
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Highlights: Serene lakes, forested path, wildlife spotting
Mammoth Crest Trail The Mammoth Crest Trail is an 11-mile round trip hike that offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area. This trail takes you along the crest of the Mammoth Mountains, providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and peaks. It’s a more strenuous hike, but the scenery makes it well worth the effort.
Distance: 11 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Highlights: Panoramic views, diverse landscapes, high-altitude hiking
Advanced Hiking Trails
Mount Dana For experienced hikers looking for a true challenge, the hike to Mount Dana is a must. This 5-mile round trip trail ascends steeply to the summit of Mount Dana, offering unparalleled views of Mono Lake and the Sierra Nevada. The trail is rugged and demanding, but the rewards are immense.
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet
Highlights: Summit views, challenging terrain, high elevation
Thousand Island Lake via Rush Creek This strenuous 18-mile round trip hike takes you to the stunning Thousand Island Lake. Starting from the Rush Creek Trailhead, the path climbs steeply and passes several beautiful lakes before reaching the iconic Thousand Island Lake, known for its picturesque islands and stunning mountain backdrop.
Distance: 18 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Highlights: Alpine lakes, island-studded lake, breathtaking scenery
Mammoth Mountain Trail For a true test of endurance, the Mammoth Mountain Trail offers a challenging 11-mile round trip hike to the summit of Mammoth Mountain. The trail starts at the base and climbs steadily to the top, providing panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra and beyond. This hike is best attempted in the summer when the snow has melted.
Distance: 11 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Highlights: Summit views, challenging ascent, Eastern Sierra vistas
Easy Hiking Trails in Special Areas
Minaret Vista Trail Take a trek on the Minaret Vista Trail from the Mammoth Adventure Center. The relatively short (1.2 miles each way) trail does go uphill through a lodgepole pine forest for most the way, but the endless views of the San Joaquin River Valley from Minaret Vista are well worth the effort.
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Highlights: Endless views, scenic vistas, forested path
Sotcher Lake Loop A favorite easy hike is the 1.5-mile Sotcher Lake Loop. Hop off the Reds Meadow Shuttle at stop 7 to enjoy a relatively flat loop trail around Sotcher Lake. This family-friendly hike has a self-guided nature trail, complete with information about the local ecosystems and geography.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: Lake views, nature trail, picnic spots
Agnew Wildflower Loop Also along the Reds Meadow Shuttle Route at stop 1, the Agnew Wildflower Loop is a quick, but scenic 0.6-mile hike. Make the trail one of your first stops of the day before you head on to the ever-popular Devils Postpile National Monument or Rainbow Falls view points.
Distance: 0.6 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: Wildflower viewing, flat trail, scenic stroll
Inyo Craters Trail The 0.8-mile Inyo Craters Trail is well maintained, making it a leisurely hike. After the short climb to the rim of the crater, expect to see sapphire-blue mineral water in the bottom. Plus, the view of the surrounding mountains isn’t bad either.
Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: Unique geology, crater views, easy hike
Convict Lake Loop A hike around the well-maintained Convict Lake Loop is quintessential Eastern Sierra. Surrounded by colorful rock walls holding the crystal-clear water of Convict Lake, you’ll be shocked how easy it was to get to this gentle 2.0-mile trail.
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Highlights: Lake views, colorful rock walls, easy trail
Tips for a Great Hiking Experience
- Stay Hydrated: Always carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes.
- Wear Appropriate Gear: Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.
- Check the Weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for varying conditions.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by carrying out all trash and minimizing your impact on the trails.
Mammoth Lakes offers a wealth of hiking opportunities for all levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or an epic adventure, these trails showcase the best of what this beautiful region has to offer. So lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails this summer for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
