Easy Hiking Trails in the Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes Basin
The Mammoth Lakes Basin is located within minutes of downtown Mammoth Lakes. The best way to explore is via the free Lakes Basin Trolley, which departs from the Village at Mammoth every 30 minutes during the summer and stops at various points throughout the Lakes Basin.
READ MORE: Hiking in the Mammoth Lakes Basin
Horseshoe Lake Loop
Quick facts: 1.7 miles | Flat, partially shaded, smooth dirt | Restrooms nearby | Accessible via the free Lakes Basin Trolley, stop 104 | Kid-friendly—read more in our family hiking guide
For an easy, popular hike with great views of Mammoth Mountain and the Mammoth Crest, take a stroll around Horseshoe Lake Loop. Access the flat, partially shaded trail from trolley stop 104. Watch dogs swimming and people enjoying picnics along the shore of Horseshoe Lake as you follow the 1.7-mile path. The trail has a smooth dirt surface and restrooms are always nearby.
For a longer hike, link up with the paved Lakes Basin Path, which travels downhill into town and has trolley stops along most of its well-marked route.
Panorama Dome Trail
Quick facts: 0.3 miles one-way | Uphill, short but steady climb | High altitude—plan extra breaks | Accessible via the Lakes Basin Trolley, stop 95 | Best for older kids who can handle a short climb
If you're looking for 360-degree, breathtaking views, the Panorama Dome Trail should be on your list. Pick up the trailhead from trolley stop 95 (exit the Tamarack Lodge parking area toward Lake Mary Road). The 0.3-mile trail to the top of Panorama Dome is uphill but manageable. Just be sure to remember, you are hiking at high altitude, so you'll need to take more breaks and carry extra water. After you've had your fill of the view, head back down the way you came up.
Insider's tip: Be certain to bring a camera, as the Lakes Basin has unforgettable views overlooking Mammoth Lakes, with the impressive White Mountains in the background.
Easy Hiking Trails Just Outside of Mammoth Lakes
If you have access to a car during your trip, a whole new collection of trails become available to you just outside of Mammoth Lakes. A quick drive and you could be at the trailhead of one of these easy hiking trails just outside of Mammoth Lakes.
READ MORE: Hiking Just Outside of Mammoth Lakes
Inyo Craters Trail
Quick facts: 0.8 miles | Short climb to the crater rim | Leisurely, well-maintained | Reached by car via the Mammoth Scenic Loop | Kid-friendly, especially for kids curious about geology
Inyo Craters are an awesome example of local geology. Created by violent steam explosions over 600 years ago, these deep conical depressions found within the old-growth forests outside of Mammoth Lakes offer up-close exposure to the region's volcanic past. The 0.8-mile Inyo Craters Trail is well maintained, making it a leisurely hike. After the short climb to the rim of the crater, expect to see sapphire-blue mineral water in the bottom. Plus, the view of the surrounding mountains isn't bad either.
Getting there: Travel 0.7 miles from the Village at Mammoth west on SR 203 (toward Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge) until you see the Mammoth Scenic Loop on the right. Turn onto the Mammoth Scenic Loop. Then follow this paved road for 2.2 miles until you reach the gravel Inyo Craters Road on the left. Follow the signs for 3 miles to the Inyo Craters trailhead.
Convict Lake Loop
Quick facts: 2.0 miles | Gentle, well-maintained loop | Especially scenic in fall | Reached by car via Convict Lake Road | Kid-friendly—read more in our family hiking guide
A hike around the well-maintained Convict Lake Loop is quintessential Eastern Sierra. Surrounded by colorful rock walls holding the crystal-clear water of Convict Lake, you'll be shocked how easy it was to get to this gentle 2.0-mile trail. The area is especially beautiful in the fall when the brilliant gold of autumn's foliage reflects off the lake.
Getting there: Travel 4.3 miles southbound on US 395 until you reach Convict Lake Road on the right. Turn onto Convict Lake Road. Then follow this paved road to the top, where there are two parking areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which easy hikes near Mammoth Lakes are best for kids?
Horseshoe Lake Loop, Sotcher Lake Loop, Agnew Wildflower Loop, Inyo Craters Trail, and Convict Lake Loop are all flat or short enough to work well for families with young kids.
Can I reach these easy hikes without a car?
Yes, five of the seven are accessible by free shuttle: Horseshoe Lake Loop and Panorama Dome Trail via the Lakes Basin Trolley, Minaret Vista Trail via the Mammoth Mountain shuttle, and Sotcher Lake Loop and Agnew Wildflower Loop via the Reds Meadow Shuttle.
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