Visiting With Your Dog

Mammoth Lakes is the kind of place where your dog has just as much fun as you do.

In the spring, summer and fall, bring them along for scenery-studded walks through high-desert landscapes carpeted in sniff-worthy sage. Or climb endless pine-covered trails that reward both of your efforts with refreshing lake dips in vividly turquoise water. Then dry off, stretched out on a sun-warmed granite boulder together recharging and snapping Sierra selfies.

When the temperatures cool for winter and the snowy weather arrives, watch your dog go full zoomie mode as they realize snowballs equal infinite, edible fetch. The powder gets deep here, which means it’s a rare opportunity to finally give them permission to dig to their heart's content. Bounding across a snowy meadow together, you’ll be happy you brought them along for some Mammoth Lakes memory making.

Lodging
Leash Laws
Restaurants
Public Transit
Things to Do
Dog Park
Interactive Map

A Warm Welcome for Dogs in Mammoth Lakes

In the Town of Mammoth Lakes, you'll find dog-friendly hotels with pup-focused amenities and pet-friendly vacation rentals with room to roam. There are restaurants that even serve dog-specific dishes, and stores stocking every canine essential, plus a few specialty items worth splurging on. Between Town’s welcoming businesses and the surrounding 2 million acres of Inyo National Forest, there’s no shortage of things to do with your dog in Mammoth Lakes.

Where to Stay

Dog-Friendly Lodging
Looking for cozy accommodations for both you and your pup? Browse our dog-friendly lodging options, some of which go above and beyond with amenities like bowls, beds and treats waiting at check-in.
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Know Before You Go

Leash Law

  • The simple version—keep your dog leashed. A leash is required almost everywhere — parking lots, trailheads, multi-use paths, sidewalks, roadways, and lakeshores — both in the Town of Mammoth Lakes and in developed Inyo National Forest recreation areas. Within Town limits Municipal Code 6.12.210 requires a leash six feet or shorter at all times. Off-leash and out of your control counts as "at large," and owners can be cited.
  • The exception—once you're on unpaved Inyo National Forest trails, away from trailheads and paved paths, the Forest Service allows dogs off-leash under voice control. Still, we recommend keeping a leash on hand, it makes encounters with wildlife, mules, horses, and other hikers and pets much easier to manage.

Dog Waste

  • Cleanup of dog waste is required everywhere within the Town boundary. Municipal Code 6.12.190 makes owners responsible for picking up and disposing of their pet’s waste.

Dog-Friendly Dining

Getting Around

Dogs on Local Transit
One of the best things about visiting Mammoth Lakes with a dog is that you don't need a car once you're here — the Town's free public transit is genuinely dog-friendly.
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Things to Do with Your Dog

Town Loop

Distance: 7.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy

The main hub of the Mammoth Lakes Trail System, the Town Loop is a 7.8-mile paved multi-use pathway that offers a family-friendly tour of Town with access to a variety of outbound trails and staging areas. Mammoth Creek Park is a popular starting point, from which you can tour the eastern half of Mammoth with sweeping views of the Sherwins. The Town Loop is a top choice if you want to pick your own mileage. Hop on or off wherever you like, walk the full length, or just get out for a quick stroll.

Horseshoe Lake Loop

Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Horseshoe Lake Loop is a flat, easy 1.5 mile loop with a sandy beach where dogs can swim and play fetch — a good option for a lower-key day or a dog that's still adjusting to the altitude.

Sherwin Lakes Trail

Distance: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

The Sherwin Lakes Trail is a steeper hike with less shade, rewarding hikers with two small alpine lakes and sweeping views back toward town.

Lakes Basin Trails

Distance: Varied
Difficulty: Varied

Reachable via the Lakes Basin Trolley, with access to most of the lakes in the basin and connecting trail networks. Find incredible long hikes like Duck Pass Trail, moderate hikes such as the Crystal Lake Trail and even an easy paved 5.3 mile Lakes Basin Path.

Panorama Gondola + Summit Trails

Distance: Varied
Difficulty: Varied

Ride up the dog-friendly Gondola in summer, then explore several marked hiking trails at the top, including options to hike back down to the base instead of riding.

Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, Reds Meadow

Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate

Dogs are welcome at Devils Postpile National Monument, but must remain on-leash at all times — no exceptions. The National Park Service allows dogs on the trail to the Postpile formation and the roughly 5-mile round trip to Rainbow Falls. Being able to visit this area with your furry best friend is a real treat as the sightseeing is top-tier.

Winter Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Distance: Varied
Difficulty: Varied

Inyo National Forest allows dogs on its trails, but they need to stay off groomed tracks and be kept under control near skiers. The Public Access Corridor at Tamarack is a great winter season option for dog walking as long as pets are on a 6 foot leash or shorter.

Mammoth Lakes Dog Park

Open Seasonally
This is the one spot in Town where dogs can be off-leash. The park is about one acre, fully fenced, with separate small-dog and large-dog areas and a double-entry gate system. Free…
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Local Resources

Mammoth Mountain Guide

Mammoth Lakes Trail System

Veterinary Care

• Bishop Veterinary Hospital at Mammoth — 437 Old Mammoth Rd, Unit B-3. (760) 934-2287. — Open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For on-call emergency service (including weekends and holidays) contact (760) 873-5801.

Pet Supplies & Grooming

• Mammoth Pet Shop — 26 Old Mammoth Rd. (760) 934-4417 — Food, toys, treats, apparel, and first aid, plus a self-service dog wash on site.
• Grocery Outlet — 37 Old Mammoth Rd. (760) 934-1510 — Discount grocery store that carries pet food, treats and toys.
• Vons — 481 Old Mammoth Rd. (760) 934-4537 — Grocery store that carries pet food, treats and toys.
• DIY Home Center — 26 Old Mammoth Rd, Ste E & F. (760) 924-7112 — Hardware store with a small selection of pet items.
• Mammoth Mercantile — 126 Old Mammoth Rd #102. (760) 923-8451 — Boutique general store carrying some specialty items for pets.
• Grooms By Axel — (760) 923-8101 — Mobile dog grooming delivered to your door. Baths, haircuts, and specialized mud treatments for healthy skin and coats.

Dog Licensing (for Residents / Long Stays)

Dogs four months and older must be licensed with the Town within 30 days of acquisition or of moving to Mammoth Lakes; licenses can be purchased or renewed online. Not typically relevant for a short visit, but worth a line for anyone relocating.

Town of Mammoth Lakes Map

Interactive Dog Map
An excellent resource featuring an interactive map with layers that show Town and Municipal Boundaries, High-Use Areas, Dog Waste Stations and more.
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Local Dog Etiquette & Tips

Keep a leash on hand at all times

Required in every developed area, and the simplest way to stay ready for wildlife encounters or other trail users.

Pack out waste everywhere

Always bring extra bags on your adventures and don't leave used dog waste bags behind.

Give dogs a day or two to adjust to the altitude before a big hike

Panting, lethargy, or reluctance to move are all signs to slow down.

Keep an eye out for Host Hound events

These fun pop-up summer events are a great chance for you and your pup to learn all about being good stewards of Mammoth Lakes. Your dog can even sign the official "Paw-ledge," snag a Host Hound bandana, and enjoy some well-earned free treats.

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