01
Best views for the effort
Crystal Lake Trail
Mammoth Lakes Basin Above Lake George • Steep Alpine Lake Hike • Quick-Hit Panorama Pick
A short, steady climb to a balcony lake with sweeping views over the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Starting from the Lake George trailhead, the path wastes no time gaining elevation as it switchbacks through pine and fir to a rocky overlook above Crystal Lake. The views back across Lake George, Lake Mary, and the surrounding peaks feel like something you should have worked much harder for. It can be busy on summer weekends, so aim for an early-morning or late-afternoon start if you want quieter shores and softer light.
02
Classic local climb
Sherwin Lakes Trail
Sherwin Range Trailhead Just Southeast Of Town • Forest Climb To Granite Bowls • After-Work Local Favorite
A sustained but manageable uphill hike to a pair of clear lakes tucked into granite slabs and lodgepole forest.
From the Sherwin Creek trailhead, you climb steadily through sagebrush, then shaded forest, with glimpses back toward town and the White Mountains. The reward is a cluster of small lakes ringed by smooth granite, with plenty of rock perches to spread out for lunch or a quick swim. The grade and length make it a satisfying half‑day outing that feels remote without eating your entire schedule.
03
Best easy walk
Convict Lake Loop
Convict Lake, South Of Mammoth Off U.S. 395 • Scenic Lakeside Loop • Best For Relaxed Family Strolling
A mostly level trail circling a deep-blue alpine lake framed by dramatic, striped canyon walls.
The loop around Convict Lake is one of the easiest ways to soak up big Eastern Sierra drama without much effort, with broad views from nearly every point on the shoreline. Sections of packed dirt, boardwalk, and singletrack make it approachable for a wide range of hikers, and you can shorten it by turning around at any point. Go early or near sunset to avoid mid‑day heat and to catch the light raking across the cliffs above the far shore.
04
Big day in the high country
Duck Pass and Pika Lake
Coldwater Creek Trailhead In The Lakes Basin • Full-Day High-Country Route • Best Classic Alpine Adventure
A rewarding high-elevation hike linking a chain of lakes to a windy pass and quiet basins beyond.
Climbing from Coldwater, the trail steps past Arrowhead, Skelton, and Barney Lakes before switchbacking to Duck Pass, where the terrain opens into broad views of ridges and tarns. Many hikers turn around at Duck Lake, but continuing toward Pika Lake buys you more solitude and a wilder feel. The altitude, exposure, and length make this a true mountain outing—pack layers, start early, and treat it as your main objective for the day.
05
Iconic waterfall outing
Rainbow Falls via Devils Postpile
Reds Meadow Valley West Of Mammoth Mountain • Riverside Waterfall Hike • Best Summer Shuttle Adventure
A gently rolling trail that pairs the volcanic columns of Devils Postpile with the mist and color of Rainbow Falls.
Once you’ve shuttled down into Reds Meadow, an easy forest path leads past Devils Postpile’s basalt columns and along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River to the brink of Rainbow Falls. On sunny days, a vivid rainbow often hangs in the spray at the base, making the short descent to the lower viewpoint worth the extra effort. Summer afternoons can be hot and crowded, so most locals aim for the first shuttle of the day and enjoy the cooler walk out under tall pines.