30 Spectacular Mammoth Hikes (in the Eastern Sierras)
With jaw-dropping mountain vistas, breathtaking alpine lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, and incredible views around every trail bend, the Sierra Nevada is such a special place to hike.
The eastern Sierras hold a special place in my heart, and Mammoth Lakes is truly one of my favorite places out of everywhere I’ve explored. You can experience that magic on these awesome Mammoth hikes!
From short day hikes to cool rock formations and waterfalls to epic backpacking trips to alpine lakes and along the JMT, this list features perfect Mammoth hikes no matter what you’re looking for.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE TO THE BEST MAMMOTH HIKES
This list of Mammoth hikes is broken down by difficulty, so you can easily find a perfect hike for you! Since everyone has a slightly different gauge of what is “easy” or “difficult” hiking, here is how we’ve defined the list:
Best Easy Mammoth Hikes - These hikes are under 2.5 miles AND have less than 500 feet of elevation gain.
Best Moderate Mammoth Hikes - These hikes are 2.5-5 miles AND less than 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
Best Difficult Mammoth Hikes - These hikes are over 5 miles AND over 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
We’ve also included a separate section for Mammoth backpacking trails, if you want to spend more time in this gorgeous wilderness.
WHEN TO VISIT MAMMOTH Lakes
September is my favorite time of the year to hike in the Sierra Nevada. The weather is typically perfect – and there are less mosquitos!
July and August are also good times for hiking in Mammoth, but the weather is usually warmer and the mosquitoes are out in full force.
The shoulder seasons of June and October are really hit or miss in the Sierra Nevada. If it’s been a big snow year in California, there could still be a ton of snow on the trails in June. And the first snowfall of the season can happen in October.
You also need to consider wildfire season when hiking in the Sierras and keep an eye on air quality.
Note: A large reconstruction project is underway on Reds Meadow Road that will last through the 2024 hiking season. This will affect access to some (but not all) hikes in the Mammoth Lakes area. Find out more details and see what areas are affected by the Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project at the US Forest Service site here.
And, without further ado, here are 30 of the best Mammoth hikes to explore the majestic mountains of the Sierra Nevada!
BEST EASY MAMMOTH HIKES
1 - INYO CRATERS
Inyo Craters Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Loop
Total Mileage: 1.6 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 314 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No
This short little loop hike takes you on a tour of some of the unique geology of Mammoth Lakes – three volcanic craters created in steam eruptions about six hundred years ago. Two of the craters even contain small lakes.
2 - DEVILS POSTPILE
Devils Postpile Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Loop
Total Mileage: 1.3 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 232 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No fee entry to the National Monument, but shuttle ride usually required ($15/adult)
For more incredible geologic formations in Mammoth Lakes, you can’t miss Devils Postpile. Basalt columns up to 60 feet tall make up the Devils Postpile National Monument, and it’s really cool to take this short trail to check them out.
3 - Lake mary
Lake Mary Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Loop
Total Mileage: 2.2 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 59 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No
This trail is basically a paved road around Lake Mary, but it’s a beautiful area for an easy walk, especially if you’re in the mood for a flat trail.
4 - panorama dome
Panorama Dome Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 0.7 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 288 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No
Panorama Dome is aptly named for the epic 360 degree views you get from the summit, where you can see Mammoth Mountain, Twin Lakes, Mammoth Crest and more. It’s a very short hike to the top, but it is pretty steep.
5 - minaret falls
Minaret Falls Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 2.6 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 242 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No fee entry to the National Monument, but shuttle ride usually required ($15/adult)
A really lovely short section of the PCT will take you to Minaret Falls. The cascading waterfalls are usually running strongest in early summer as the snow melts.
6 - LAKE BARRETT & TJ LAKE
Lake Barrett & TJ Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 1.6 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 311 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No
This hike starts at Lake George, so you get three alpine lakes in one hike. From TJ Lake, you’ll have spectacular views of Crystal Crag in the distance beyond the shore. The upper end of TJ Lake is also an awesome spot for wildflowers in the summer.
7 - Mcleod LAKE
McLeod Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Loop
Total Mileage: 1.8 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 351 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No
Although the trail is short, it’s easy to spend a lot of time at McLeod Lake Mammoth. This wonderful alpine lake makes a great picnic spot or a place to just relax on the sandy beach and appreciate the mountain views. Plus, you can bring your furry friend, since dogs are allowed to run around here.
8 - heart LAKE
Heart Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 2.4 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 564 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No
Find some history on the hike to Heart Lakes! This trail passes ruins of the Mammoth Consolidated Gold Mine, including the original mineshaft, on the way to a nice alpine lake with excellent mountain views.
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BEST MODERATE Mammoth Hikes
9 - Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 3.2 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 839 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: No
The hike to Crystal Lake is a great way to get some awesome Mammoth Lakes views. You’ll head up from the trailhead at Lake George to Crystal Lake and then to the base of Crystal Crag, a popular rock climbing spot.
10 - SKELTON LAKE
Skelton Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 3.1 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 872 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: No
Another nice alpine lake hike is the Duck Pass Trail to Skelton Lake. You can do this hike as an out & back or a loop connecting with the Emerald Lake Trail (both for about the same mileage and elevation gain).
11 - EMERALD LAKE & SKY MEADOWS
Emerald Lake & Sky Meadows Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 3.6 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 935 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: No
Emerald Lake is so gorgeous and the trail up to Sky Meadows takes you hiking right alongside a beautiful creek. This is just such a lovely hike the whole way, and it is truly one of my absolute favorite hikes in Mammoth!
12 - MAMMOTH ROCK TRAIL
Mammoth Rock Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 5.1 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 774 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: No
This is a classic Mammoth hike with epic views of both Mammoth Rock and the town of Mammoth. The trail doesn’t have a lot of shade due to lack of tree coverage, so it can get pretty hot in the summer. Come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water.
13 - CROWLEY LAKE COLUMNS
Crowley Lake Columns Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 4.2 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 515 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: No
The Crowley Lake Columns are an incredibly interesting geologic feature, and you’ll also get excellent views of the Sierra Nevada landscape on this hike. These cool columns were created by volcanic activity, but be aware that when the water level is high, they might be submerged, so check the conditions before you head out to find them.
14 - RAINBOW FALLS
Rainbow Falls Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 4.9 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 534 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: Shuttle required
This is a super popular hike in Mammoth and definitely a must-do if you’re visiting Devils Postpile. Rainbow Falls is beautiful, and at certain angles, a rainbow can be seen in the mist of the waterfall.
15 - STARKWEATHER LAKE
Starkweather Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 4.9 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: No
You can hike to Starkweather Lake from either Minaret Vista or Devils Postpile. If you start at Minaret Vista, you’ll head down to Reds Meadow and then have to hike back up on the way out. But it’s worth it for the beautiful views!
16 - BARNEY LAKE
Barney Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 5.1 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 1,167 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required: No
Barney Lake offers amazing views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin on a moderate hike, making it extremely popular (get there early to get parking!). But it’s truly worth the crowds, and you can continue on to Duck Pass and Pika Lake (discussed below) if you want a longer hike in this stunning spot.
BEST DIFFICULT Mammoth hikes
17 - DUCK PASS & PIKA LAKE
Duck Pass & Pika Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 10.1 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 2,152 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit Required: Only if you’re camping overnight
This trail is just spectacularly beautiful, which is why it’s one of my very favorite Mammoth hikes! If you hike all the way to Pika Lake, you’ll pass a total of five alpine lakes on your hike – Arrowhead, Skelton, Barney, Duck, and Pika.
I’ve seen a lot of amazing views in Mammoth, but I think the view of Duck Lake looking back at Barney Lake from the top of the 10,797-foot Duck Pass might just be the most incredible view in all of Mammoth.
18 - lundy canyon trail
Lundy Canyon Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 5.9 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 2,093 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit Required: No
Lundy Canyon Trail is a wonderful way to experience the majestic landscape of the Eastern Sierra. You’ll see an alpine lake and several waterfalls on your hike up this trail, along with breathtaking mountain views. And when it’s wildflower season, the blooms along this trail are incredible.
19 - RUSH CREEK FALLS & GEM LAKE
Rush Creek Falls & Gem Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 6.6 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 2,080 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit Required: No
Hiking to Gem Lake via Rush Creek Trail will give you a peek at Rush Creek Falls, and you’ll pass Agnew Lake along the way as well. You’ll also get a great perspective of Carson Peak.
20 - EDIZA & ICEBERG LAKE
Ediza & Iceberg Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 14-16 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 1,800-2,300 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit Required: Only if you’re camping overnight
While you can backpack to Ediza Lake if you like, I think it makes for a super fun, long day hike. It’s about 7 miles out to Ediza Lake, but it’s SO worth going the literal extra mile farther to visit Iceberg Lake if you have the time and energy.
Spend some time hanging out at Iceberg Lake, dip your feet into the water – or maybe even jump in for a chilly swim – then turn around and head back. This makes for a solid 14-16 mile day filled with incredible views, lakes, and waterfalls.
21 - SHERWIN LAKE & VALENTINE LAKE
Sherwin Lake & Valentine Lake Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 9.7 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 1,919 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit Required: No
For a good long day hike in Mammoth Lakes, check out the hike to Sherwin Lake and Valentine Lake. It’s a very popular trail, but a lot of hikers turn back at Sherwin Lake, so if you continue all the way to Valentine Lake, you can find more seclusion. Be aware it can get pretty hot in the summer though, since it’s at lower elevation than a lot of the other trails here.
22 - MAMMOTH CREST TRAIL
Mammoth Crest Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Loop
Total Mileage: 12.9 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 3,067 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit Required: No
This long loop is an excellent day hike to soak in the beauty of Mammoth and the Sierra Nevada. From the trailhead at Lake George, you’ll head up Mammoth Crest for spectacular views of Mammoth Lakes Basin before descending to Deer Lakes. Enjoy the lovely meadows and alpine lakes then take Duck Pass Trail to Emerald Lake and back to the trailhead.
23 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN
Laurel Mountain Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 11.6 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 4,481 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit Required: No
Hiking Laurel Mountain is a great challenging hike – it’s got some serious elevation gain! – that offers you really cool views of Mammoth Lakes. But the hike is a bit tricky to navigate, since you’ll need to hike over a lot of scree near the summit. I would skip this one if you aren’t comfortable in Class 2 or 3 terrain.
24 - MOUNT DANA
Mount Dana Hike Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 5.3 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 3,090 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Permit Required: No
For another super steep, leg-burning hike, head to Mount Dana. The trailhead is just outside of the east entrance of Yosemite National Park, so you can access it from Mammoth Lakes without entering the park. Don’t be fooled by the mere 5 miles round trip – getting to the 13,061’ foot summit of Mount Dana requires over 3,000 feet of elevation gain in just a few miles (with the last 1,000 feet or so on loose scree).
BEST MAMMOTH BACKPACKING TRAILS
All of these Mammoth Lakes backpacking trails will require a backcountry camping permit, so make sure to plan ahead and reserve one.
>>> For more about permit deadlines for popular California hiking trails and campsites, check out our guide here.
25 - minaret lake
Minaret Lake Backpacking Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 13.3 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 2,404 feet
Time to Complete: 2 days
Permit Required: Yes for backpacking
While the hike to Minaret Lake can be totally done as a day hike, I highly recommend extending it into a backpacking trip and spending at least one night camping up near Minaret Lake. Wake up for sunrise to see the stunning alpenglow on the Minarets – it’s such a special place!
>>> Check out my full guide to backpacking Minaret Lake here!
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26 - CONVICT CANYON TO LAKE DOROTHY
Convict Canyon to Lake Dorothy Backpacking Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 12.1 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Time to Complete: 2-3 days
Permit Required: Yes for backpacking
Hike the Convict Creek Trail then continue up to Lake Dorothy for a short overnight backpacking trip. If you have an extra night to spare, you can spend a day hiking up to Bighorn Lake and Lake Wit-So-Nah-Pah then back to camp, before heading out the next day.
27 - THOUSAND ISLAND lake
Thousand Island Lake Backpacking Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Loop
Total Mileage: 21 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
Time to Complete: 2-3 days
Permit Required: Yes for backpacking
Thousand Island Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake along the John Muir Trail that makes for a popular backpacking destination. The view of Banner Peak rising above the lake is simply stunning! It’s only about 9 miles out to the lake from the trailhead in Mammoth, but you can extend this trail for a nice backpacking trip by turning it into a loop.
28 - IVA BELL HOT SPRINGS VIA FISH CREEK TRAIL
Iva Bell Hot Springs Backpacking Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Out & back
Total Mileage: 23.3 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 3,887 feet
Time to Complete: 2-3 days
Permit Required: Yes for backpacking
Take the Fish Creek trail out to Iva Bell Hot Springs for a unique backcountry backpacking experience. After a steep, challenging hike, you can set up camp in the backcountry, and then soak your tired body in the hot springs. The pool at the top is the hottest, but the views are unbelievable!
29 - DEVILS POSTPILE TO TUOLUMNE MEADOWS
Devils Postpile to Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Point to point
Total Mileage: 37.5 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 6,158 feet
Time to Complete: 3-4 days
Permit Required: Yes
Devils Postpile to Tuolumne Meadows is a section hike of an awesome part of the John Muir Trail. There’s just something about being in the backcountry of Tuolumne and the Ansel Adams Wilderness that feels so special…it’s John Muir's iconic "Range of Light."
>>> Check out our in-depth guide to planning and thru-hiking the JMT here.
30 - MCGEE PASS TO REDS MEADOW
McGee Pass to Reds Meadow Backpacking Quick Facts:
Type of Trail: Point to point
Total Mileage: 40 miles round trip
Total Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
Time to Complete: 4-5 days
Permit Required: Yes for backpacking
Backpacking this trail will take you through one of the most beautiful sections of trail in the Mammoth Lakes area. You’ll hike the McGee Pass Trail over McGee Pass and end up at the Rainbow Falls trailhead. This is a long backpacking trip, so I would plan to spend several nights on the trail enjoying this gorgeous landscape.
SIERRA NEVADA HIKING SAFETY
It’s always important to know what to expect in the region that you’re hiking, and that’s especially true in mountains like the Sierra Nevada.
Here are some of the biggest hazards to be prepared for when hiking in the Sierras:
ALTITUDE
The center of the town of Mammoth Lakes sits around 7,800 feet, and many of the trails here will take you well above that. You might experience effects of the altitude when visiting Mammoth, especially if you’re coming from sea level.
It’s a good idea to give your body a day or two to acclimatize to the thinner air before doing a big hike. Also, make sure to hydrate a lot and avoid alcohol to help minimize the effects of altitude.
For more tips, check out this guide on adjusting to the altitude in Mammoth Lakes.
SNOW & SNOWMELT
Snow sticks around in the high elevation of the Sierras, so if you’re planning to hike early in the summer, you need to be prepared for snow-covered trails.
And when the snow starts to melt, this can lead to a lot of water in the creeks and even trail flooding. Creek crossings can definitely be more treacherous on big snow years.
Be sure to always check the current trail conditions before you head out so you’re prepared for what you’ll encounter.
BEARS
The Sierra Nevada is home to black bears. While these bears are typically not aggressive, they can become habituated to humans when they find food.
Bear cans are required for backpacking in most areas around Mammoth Lakes. You should keep your food and all scented items (such as toiletries) in your bear can.
Making loud noises or chatting with your hiking partners while on the trail will alert bears to your presence so they can avoid you. For more tips, check out this guide to bear safety in Mammoth.
MAMMOTH HIKES PACKING LIST
Here are some of the essential items to bring when you’re hiking Mammoth Lakes trails. This is definitely NOT a comprehensive list, so also be sure to consider the terrain of the trail and check the weather where you’ll be hiking to pack appropriately for the conditions.
Note: The list below contains affiliate links.
Again, keep in mind that this is NOT your full day hiking packing list (just some of the super important items to remember), so check out my day hiking checklist for my full gear recommendations.
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So that you can hit the trails with peace of mind knowing that you didn’t leave anything essential behind!
Hope this guide has you ready to visit the Eastern Sierras and hit the trails in Mammoth Lakes! Which Mammoth hiking trail sounds like a must-do for you? Let us know in the comments!
More CALIFORNIA hiking adventures
If you’re looking for more trails places to explore in California, check out these blog posts:
More HIKing & BACKPACKING RESOURCES
Also be sure to check out these essential hiking & backpacking resources!
Cheers,
Allison - She Dreams of Alpine
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