MAMMOTH LAKES: Inyo National Forest (June-Oct great weather - don’t forget high altitude adjustment - and weather shifts quickly w/ light rains)

• DRIVE: Alabama Hills on the way to Mammoth
  • Mobius Arch at Arch Loop Trailhead - .6 miles loop (approx 1 hr) — LOVED THIS WHOLE AREA
• Big Pine Lakes Trail - 15 miles/8.5 hours in Big Pine - 1 hour from Mammoth
• DAY 1:
  • Convict Lake - 15 mins east of Mammoth - on the way to Crowley (rented a boat)
  • Crowley Lake Columns - 45 mins from Mammoth - 4WD needed to drive down to beach
• DAY 2:
  • McLeod Lake Trail (1/2 mile uphill then 1.5 miles around the lake flat) - LOVED McLeod (favorite)
  • Lake Mary (scenic drive around Mary) - kayak or canoe - 15 mins west from Mammoth (Twin Lakes maybe more scenic nearby)
  • Crystal Lake hike - trailhead is located off Lake George Road 3mi r/t - near Lake Mary - 1 mile straight up. I preferred Mcleod.
  • "The Village" at Mammoth (shops, restaurants)
• DAY 3:
  • Rainbow Falls (5-mile roundtrip trek from Devils Postpile Ranger Station to Rainbow Falls) - 40 mins west of Mammoth (can add 1.2 mile Minaret Falls Trail) - 3hrs (with stops) Must take a shuttle from ski gondola area because no parking at lot unless you go before 7am or after 5pm maybe — LOVED
  • Stop back in town - Rent electric bikes to cruise through forests and lakes from Wave Rave (Trail goes to Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mary, and Twin Lake and downtown Mammoth loop!
• DAY 4:
  • 8 miles r/t - Little Lakes Valley Trail to Gem Lakes - budget 5+ hrs hike - arrive at 8am or 5 hrs before sunset -(40 mins away) — (park: Little Lakes Valley Trail Parking lot at dead end. Go early or later because parking lot fills up. Sometimes water proof shoes needed to cross streams) - AMAZING FAVORITE!
• DAY 5:
  • Mono Lake - (30 mins north of Mammoth) - dogs ok - kayaks: follow signs to South Tufa (1 mile trail) - LOVE (eat: Whoa Nelly Deli)
  • June Lake beach (or scenic loop!) - 30 mins north - perfect beach crystal clear water
• DRIVE 6:
  • Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest drive (45 minutes away from Mammoth Lakes or 45 min detour on way home from Mammoth) - 6.5HR TOTAL HOME (including pine forest detour)
• OTHER:
  • Mammoth Scenic Loop Drive
  • Mammoth Mountain Bike Park - 10 mins
  • Hot Creek Geological Site
  • Wild Willy's and other Hot Springs
  • Sherwin Lakes Trail (4-5 miles)
  • Bodie ghost town + Travertine Hot Springs
  • Indian wells brewing company for some crazy soda options
  • Iva Bell Hot Springs
  • Emerald Lake to Sky Meadows Trail - (57 Cold Water, Campground) Start at campground. Head toward small Emerald Lake. Beyond the lake turn right at Duck Pass Trail sign to head over stream. Follow trail along left side of stream. You can continue on trail to a small waterfall. 3.5 mile / 2hrs BEAUTIFUL TRAIL
  • Tamarack Lodge (stay here sometime)
  • Duck & Pika Lake Pass Trailhead - Length: 9.5 miles roundtrip (you will pass 5 lakes total including: Arrowhead, Skelton, Barney, Duck, and Pika)
  • Earthquake Fault
  • Obsidian Dome
• FOOD: Elixr, Gojira Ramen