7 Scenic Mountain Trails Near Mammoth Lakes, California to Explore This Fall
If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty around Mammoth Lakes, California, you’ll find plenty of trails that showcase stunning mountain views. These paths offer a chance to enjoy the outdoors, whether you want a relaxing walk or a more challenging hike.
These seven scenic mountain trails near Mammoth Lakes give you a variety of landscapes to explore, from alpine lakes to forested slopes. You can enjoy peaceful nature, fresh mountain air, and some of the best sights the Eastern Sierra has to offer.
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Lake Mary Loop Trail
If you’re looking for an easy and relaxing hike, the Lake Mary Loop Trail is a solid choice. It’s a 2.2-mile loop that takes about 40 minutes to finish, so it’s perfect for a quick outdoor escape.
You’ll get great views of Lake Mary and the surrounding alpine forest. It’s a popular spot for hiking, camping, and even mountain biking, but you can still find some quiet moments if you visit early or late in the day.
Dogs are allowed but need to be on a leash. The best time to visit is between May and November. For more details, check out the Lake Mary Loop Trail guide.
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Twin Falls Trail
If you want an easy and scenic hike, Twin Falls Trail near Mammoth Lakes is a great choice. The trail starts off from Lake Mary Road, which is easy to find and well-marked.
As you walk, you’ll see alpine lakes and a beautiful waterfall. It’s perfect for a relaxed day outdoors with some great photo spots.
You can also explore more by connecting to other trails nearby. If you visit in winter, snowshoes or cross-country skis are needed to access the area.
Find more details and trail maps on the Twin Falls Trail page.
Mammoth Rock Trail
If you’re looking for a trail with great views of Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding mountains, Mammoth Rock Trail is a solid pick. It’s about 2.5 miles one way, mostly easy to moderate with a gentle incline.
You’ll share the path with hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and even horses, so stay alert. The trail starts near the top of Old Mammoth Road and takes you beneath the iconic Mammoth Rock formation.
It’s perfect for a relaxed hike or ride, especially if you want to enjoy some fresh air and scenic overlooks without a tough climb. You can find details about the trail and map at Mammoth Rock Trail on AllTrails.
Convict Lake Trail
If you’re looking for an easy hike with great views, Convict Lake Trail is a solid pick. The loop is less than a mile, making it perfect if you want a quick outdoor escape without a tough workout.
You’ll get to walk around a stunning turquoise lake framed by rugged mountains. It’s popular for fishing and even horseback riding, but you can still find some peace during quieter times. Parking is easy to find near the boat launch. Check out more about this trail here.
Crystal Lake Trail
If you’re looking for a moderate hike with great views, Crystal Lake Trail is a solid pick. It’s about 3.2 miles round trip and takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to complete.
You’ll climb switchbacks through forested areas before reaching the alpine lake. Along the way, you get sweeping views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
At the lake, you can relax and take in the peaceful mountain surroundings. It’s a nice day trip if you want a mix of effort and scenic payoff near Mammoth Lakes.
For details, check out this Crystal Lake Trail guide.
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Rainbow Falls Trail
If you’re looking for a scenic and fairly easy hike, Rainbow Falls Trail is a great pick. The trail is about 1.3 miles one way and takes you down to a viewpoint overlooking a 101-foot waterfall.
You can start from Reds Meadow Resort, where the trailhead is close to a shuttle stop. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Eastern Sierra and might spot some wildflowers or wildlife. The falls create a rainbow in the mist, especially around midday, which makes for a nice photo opportunity.
Learn more about the trail at Rainbow Falls Trail in Mammoth Lakes.
McLeod Lake Trail
If you’re looking for a quick, easy hike, McLeod Lake Trail is a great pick. The trail is short and leads you to a peaceful alpine lake with crystal-clear water.
You can enjoy swimming, picnicking, or just relaxing by the shore. The trail starts at the end of Lake Mary Road and shares parking with Horseshoe Lake.
For a longer outing, you can connect this trail to the Rim Trail and explore nearby spots like Crystal Lake. It’s a good option whether you want a short walk or a mild adventure.
Learn more about hiking McLeod Lake Trail here.
