Most Beautiful Day Hikes in Mammoth Lakes

Inyo & Mono Counties, California

Mammoth Lakes and its surrounding areas have an almost unlimited number of options for day hikes and backpacking trips. All you need to do is google Mammoth Lakes and you’ll see the huge number of lakes around the numerous mountain peaks of the Eastern Sierra. If you love your mountains and your lakes, this is the area for you. Below is a running list of the most beautiful day hikes we’ve been to in the Mammoth Lakes area. All hikes are within 40 minutes of Mammoth Lakes.

Most Beautiful Day Hikes

Little Lakes Valley Trail: Located near Bishop, this stunning hike is 7.2 miles roundtrip and has an elevation of gain of about 994 feet. If you do the complete trail, you’ll see a total of 6 lakes (Marsh, Heart, Box, Long, Chickenfoot, and Gem). If the lakes themselves aren’t beautiful enough for you, the trail is covered with streams and you’ll have a view of more than 5 mountain peaks while hiking in the valley. Note that the trailhead starts above 10,000 feet, so the high altitude may have an effect on you. Make sure Rock Creek Road is open before you go and try to get there early to find parking, as this is a popular hike. Backpacking options are also available here, but you’ll need a Wilderness permit. For additional information and a map of this trail, click HERE.

Hot Creek Geological Site: Probably one of the most unique and interesting sites you’ll see in the area, Hot Creek is created from snowmelt in the mountains which is then heated by magma underground. The water eventually percolates up in various locations along the stream. When it’s cold outside, you can even see steam rising up from a good portion of the stream. While there are hot springs nearby that you can take a dip into, swimming in this area is not allowed - considering the 14 deaths of folks who tried to do this in the last few years, I would follow the rules. This site is accessible by a 3.4 mile dirt road not far from the Mammoth Lakes airport. The hiking around the area is short and flat.

Convict Lake: It may be crowded at times, but the views this lake provides are well worth it. Drive right up, hike around the 2.5 mile trail that loops around the lake, and grab a bite at the Convict Lake Restaurant. Be sure to hike along the loop trail that passes closest to the mountains peaks. If you get lucky, you’ll have your own little beach area where you can take a cold, refreshing dip in the lake - you’ll come out feeling new!