If hiking is on your agenda, Mammoth Lakes is the place to go. Nestled in the eastern Sierra region, Mammoth’s trail system offers approximately 300 miles of mixed-surface, soft-surface, and paved trails with a total of 6,000 feet of potential elevation gain. Fortunately, there are many different types of hiking you can do at Mammoth, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that’s just right for you. The helpful folks from ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for everything from hiking gear to Mammoth ski rental, suggest trying one or more of these types of hiking when you visit.
Daytime Hiking
This is the broadest category of the different types of hiking you can do at Mammoth, since it includes any hiking you do during the day. Simply pick a trail appropriate for your capabilities and preferences, and you’ll be all set. A hike to Crystal Lake is especially good for daytime hiking because of its pristine alpine lakes and amazing views.
Hiking for Nature Lovers
If getting in tune with nature is your primary goal with hiking, try the less crowded trail that leads to Sherwin Lakes. You’ll be treated to an assortment of wildflowers and birds along the way. The Panorama Dome Trail is an easier trail that highlights nature’s beauty. The Fish Creek Trail is also ideal for nature lovers, since it’s nestled within a designated wilderness area.
Overnight Hiking
There are nearly endless possibilities with overnight hiking at Mammoth. Just remember to bring some warm clothing, since temperatures drop here at night. Your overnight hiking experience can also be spaced out. For instance, you could make your way along the trail that follows Minaret Lake on your first night, spend the next day hiking other trails, and make your way back down your starting trail when the sun goes down again.
Weekend Hiking
What’s great about weekend hiking in the Mammoth area is the ability to set yourself up at one of the many campgrounds in the area. You can then enjoy easy, intermediate, or more challenging hikes at your own pace over two or three days.
Distance Hiking
If this is what you enjoy, you’re probably a more seasoned hiker who prefers to really explore and embrace what’s around you. For more ambitious trails of this nature, try the ones that go from Mammoth Lakes and connect to the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
Fast & Light Hiking
Hikers fitting into this category tend to pack in as many miles of hiking as possible by moving fast and packing light. Many hikers tackling adventures like this have their sights set on mountain peaks offering breathtaking views and personal satisfaction. One option with this kind of hiking at Mammoth is to start at the basin and hike the trail to the top of Mammoth Mountain.
Short, Casual Hiking
On the other end of the spectrum is short, casual hiking. This is worth considering if you just want to get a taste of the hiking experience and spend the rest of your time in the Mammoth area visiting local shops, spas, and eateries or enjoying other amenities here. Short, casual hiking tends to work best if you go with easier trails, like the Inyo Craters Trail or the trails along the Convict Lake or Sotcher Lake loops.
Incredible hiking opportunities are just one of the reasons thousands of people visit Mammoth Mountain every year. No matter when you choose to visit Mammoth, you’ll find a ton of fun things for the whole family to enjoy. While you’re here, stop by and see the friendly crew at ASO Mammoth. Whether you need hiking gear, mountain bike repair, fishing licenses, or snowboard rental in Mammoth, you’ll find everything you need at our store. Drop by on your way to the trails or give us a call at 760-965-3444.