Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Mammoth Lakes Hikes

I may spend several days in Mammoth Lakes either in mid May or early September. Can anyone recommend some day hikes in the area?

It's a long day hike, but getting to Thousand Island Lake or to Garnet Lake would be nice. Actually for a day hike, the view of Garnet Lake is better.

Shadow Lake is an easier hike, and certainly would make a nice day.

Those hikes start from Agnew Meadows. You would either take the shuttle bus ($$) or leave really early (I think you can drive in if you go before 7 AM, but not sure.)

In mid-May the road to Red's Meadow/Devils Postpile may still be closed, it all depends on the severity of the winter.

Hi Reno,

If you have a choice I suggest Sept. As WB suggested snow and road closures will likely limit your choices in May.

I second Steve's suggestion of 1000 lakes. Also, you can continue on past Shadow Lake to Lake Ediza (and beyond) if you like.

Shadow Lake


Lake Ediza


Then there is always the hike to the top of Mammoth Mountain. You can either go from the Mammoth Lodge side, or from Twin Lakes up the "Dragons Back).

Twin Lakes


Mammoth also offers many trailheads within a 10 to 15 minute drive. Crystal Lake, Mammoth Crest, Duck Lake/Pass, etc...... Many options to turnaround early, on continue on for longer hikes.

Crystal Lake


Mammoth Crest


If you do not mind a 45 minute drive you can drive to the trailhead at Saddlebag Lake for more options. Also, the turn off to Saddlebag lake is very near the Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite, so many many more hikes to choose from.

Saddlebag Lake


North Peak


Mt. Conness


Tarn below Mt. Conness


lastly, Gaylor Peak (near Tioga Pass Entrance to Yosemite Park)




I really like this area due to the wide selection of one day hikes (or shorter) within short driving distance.

John

If you have a car and don't mind a bit of a drive, these are some of the things I saw in my multiple day trips while staying in Mammoth this year:

• Mt. Dana
• Cloud's Rest
• Mono Pass
• Devil's Postpile(not much of a hike, but cool to see... could hike to Rainbow Falls from here)
• Mono Lake (a short walk, but cool to see)

Twenty Lakes Basin (Saddlebag Lake, one of John's suggetions) is something I'd like to do.

There's a spot to view the Minarets just to the north of the entrance station to Devil's Postpile. It's a nice spot to watch the sunset or sunrise.



The next time I am in Mammoth, I hope to do some hiking closer to Mammoth. Have any of you hiked Banner Peak or Mt. Ritter?

August climbs of Banner

Agnew Meadow to west end Thous Island (base cam) - 7to 8 hrs

Banner Peak via Lake Catherine and west glacier- RT 10 hrs.
Have done it with and without crampons. Microspikes would work.
Mostly for west glacier. From Banner -Ritter col the last 900 ft up is straightforward rock hopping

base camp back to Agnew Meadow 6 hrs

Holy crap John. Really spectacular shots.

I second the trip out to Ediza Lake from Agnews Meadow. The Gem Lakes from Mosquito Flats (up Rock Creek) is also high ROI if you don't mind a short (in relative terms) drive.

Cathedral Lakes from Tuolumne Meadows just up the road is amazing.

So many options you can't go wrong. Have fun.

Thanks Harvey. If I plan this trip, I may contact you for more info




I agree - it's one of my favorite trails (not sure why I didn't think of it):

Little Lakes Valley Trip Report, August 16 2013