Earthquake Fault – Rolling Chef
Trail Notes
- Elevation Gain: 20 feet
- Best Seasons to Visit: Spring, summer, fall
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 8 minutes
- Parking: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
The Adventure – Earthquake Fault
Adventurers think of this trail as an appetizer to all the best things Mammoth Lakes has to offer. Just minutes from downtown and The Village, the Earthquake Fault is a short, family-friendly loop that winds beneath shady red firs, lodgepole, and Jeffrey pines before opening to a dramatic volcanic fissure. Stretching hundreds of feet long and plunging up to 60 feet down, this massive crack in the earth is a striking reminder of the powerful forces that shaped the surrounding peaks. If you feel a cool alpine breeze drifting from the crevasse, it’s not your imagination—the depth of the fault creates its own pocket of chilled air.
The 0.3-mile loop is easy for all ages and offers restrooms and picnic tables, making it a quick but memorable stop. Just remember there are no trash cans on site, so pack out what you bring in to keep this natural landmark pristine for the next explorer.
The Reward – The Rolling Chef 395
After your adventure, it’s time to refuel! Conveniently parked in the center of town, The Rolling Chef 365 serves up Latin fusion with serious flair. Argentinian, Peruvian, Cuban and Mexican influences all come together on this family-owned food truck’s menu, creating bold dishes that both surprise and satisfy.
One of their most popular dishes is the lomo saltado—a sizzling Peruvian stir-fry of beef, fries, and veggies. It’s hearty, homemade comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors, and if you happen to spot it on the menu, don’t miss your chance to enjoy it. Looking for something lighter? Try a freshly made juice or one of their inventive specials like Latin-inspired sushi rolls (yes, they’re as good as they sound).
Sherwin Lakes Trail – Dos Alas CubaRican Café
Trail Notes
- Hike Length: 4.3-mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 900 feet
- Best Seasons to Visit: Spring, summer, fall
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 10 minutes
- Parking: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
The Adventure – Sherwin Lakes Trail
The Sherwin Lakes Trail strikes the perfect balance between easy and challenging, offering a moderate 4.3-mile round-trip climb through pine forests and aspen groves. Along the way, hikers are treated to sweeping views of the Sherwin Mountain Range, glimpses of alpine lakes, and—if you time it right—bursts of vibrant wildflowers. As one of the first trails to melt out in spring, it’s an ideal choice to get your legs moving after winter.
Steady switchbacks provide a solid workout without ever feeling overwhelming. In summer, the trail can be hot, but the reward is worth it: wide vistas across the Long Valley Caldera, Mammoth Mountain rising behind you, and finally, a glaciated bench at around 8,000 feet where the twin Sherwin Lakes shimmer beneath the high peaks. It’s the perfect spot to rest, recharge and dip your toes in the cool water before heading back down.
The Reward – Dos Alas CubaRican Café
After conquering this beautiful intermediate trail, reward yourself back in town with island flavors at Dos Alas CubaRican Café. A beloved local spot, Dos Alas blends Spanish, Cuban, and Puerto Rican traditions into generous plates filled with bold spices, fresh ingredients, and plenty of heart. Fall in love instantly by ordering a crowd favorite—the Cuban Sandwich, made with guava glazed ham and roasted garlic pork. The café serves dinner only, so plan your hike for the afternoon and roll straight into a well-earned evening feast. On Wednesdays, live music adds a festive vibe, turning every meal into a true celebration. This local favorite fills up fast, so reservations are highly recommended.
Crystal Lake – The Warming Hut
Trail Notes
- Hike Length: 2.7-mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 800 feet
- Best Seasons to Visit: Summer, early fall
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 14 minutes
- Parking: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes
The Adventure – Crystal Lake
Take on one of Mammoth Lakes’ classic uphill challenges with the Crystal Lake Trail, a steep 2.7-mile out-and-back that delivers some of the best views in the Sierra Nevada—while reminding you what “uphill” really means. As you climb through the forest, each switchback opens up bigger views of the Lakes Basin, where turquoise waters glimmer far below.
The steady elevation gain will test your legs, but the payoff comes the moment you reach Crystal Lake itself. Here, jewel-toned waters sparkle beneath the jagged buttress of Crystal Crag—a dramatic sight you won’t see until you crest the final rise. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, so head out early to beat the crowds and give yourself time to soak it all in.
The Reward – The Warming Hut
After a hike like Crystal Lake, nothing satisfies more than hearty, homemade food paired with genuine Mammoth hospitality. The Warming Hut is one of the town’s most welcoming spots, inspired by the simple joy of gathering around the table for good company and a comforting meal.
A local favorite is their grilled cheese and tomato bisque combo—a cozy classic that tastes even better after a leg-burning hike.
Whether your hike is mellow or mighty, a quick wander or an all-day trek, Mammoth Lakes serves up the perfect reward: great food and drinks that make every adventure even more satisfying. From trail-to-table bites to craft cocktails and local brews, refueling here is as much a part of the Mammoth Lakes experience as the mountains themselves.
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