Adventuring to Mammoth's Stunning Lakes by Foot - where's wallock

I’ve been settling in Mammoth for the past week and to say the least, I am overwhelmed with outdoors information! It’s like an information overload in the best possible way. Here I’ll list some of Mammoth’s Lakes that I found particularly stunning and accessible.

Twin Lakes

Elevation: 8,600 feet

Activities: Walking, fishing, biking, camping, kayaking, paddleboarding, row boat rentals, snowshoeing, ski touring*

Twin Lakes must be one of the most famous of Mammoth’s lakes. According to Mammoth Lakes Trail System: Twin Lakes – really a single lake with a narrow choke in the middle – is the lowest lake in the Lakes Basin and the only one accessible by car year-round.

It’s just a 10-minute drive from Mammoth and definitely worth the short drive!

*Just after the turnoff for Twin Lakes, the Lakes Basin closes to cars after the first snow of the season, but the lakes are still accessible by skis or snowshoes.

Lake Mary

Elevation: 8,910 feet

Activities: Walking, fishing, biking, camping, kayaking, paddleboarding, pontoon rentals, snowshoeing, ski touring

Lake Mary has incredible views of Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag. Going for a kayak in Lake Mary has to be one of my favorite experiences since moving out here. Lake Mary has a good degree of shaded lakefront as different parts of the lake face different angles.

Lake George

Elevation: 9,000 feet

Activities: Walking, fishing, biking, camping, kayaking, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, ski touring

Lake George is hugged by trees in all directions. It’s a bit farther to get to but totally worth it! There is a trail up to Crystal Crag and Crystal Lake.

I’ve also had the privilege of paddleboarding at sunset on Lake George. The coastline is more accessible with campgrounds so it was a bit more crowded than when I went to Lake Mary on a Monday morning. We watched a stunning black bear walk along the perimeter of Lake George.

Horseshoe Lake

Elevation: 8,955 feet

Activities: Walking, fishing, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, snowshoeing, ski touring

Horseshoe Lake is one of the most popular swimming spots. Due to carbon dioxide seepage, there is over 100 acres of tree kill before the lake begins. The trail around Horseshoe is nicely shaded.

McLeod Lake

Elevation: 9,000 feet

Activities: Walking, fishing, biking, backpacking, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, ski touring

McLeod Lake is hands-down my favorite of Mammoth’s lakes that I’ve been to. Huge claim, I know! I trail-ran a 1.8 mile loop around McLeod and it was absolutely breathtaking. I can’t wait to return here for a morning swim and picnic. Even though it’s only a mile or so hike from Horseshoe, it feels like you’re in the quiet backcountry. A little bit of effort goes a long way.

Little Lakes Valley

Elevation: 10,000 feet

Activities: Walking, fishing, backpacking, camping, paddleboarding, swimming

We were recommended to Little Lakes Valley by my friend Meghan. She said it’s an especially good hike because it’s relatively flat, with little elevation gain, and truly stunning. There are a number of lakes trickled along the 8 mile roundtrip hike. I stopped at the first one, but the views were lovely.

Sotcher Lake

Elevation: 7,651 feet

Activities: Walking, fishing, camping, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding

On my birthday, my brother and I took the shuttle to Reds Meadow. We stumbled upon Sotcher Lake and saw a huge contrast from the dryness on the other side of the valley. I would highly recommend taking the shuttle into the national forest and exploring as much as you can of Reds Meadow area. It was so quiet and peaceful. We only saw one other group on the trail and loved swimming in Sotcher.