Hiking on Mammoth Mountain

When it comes to shuttle-accessible hiking in Mammoth Lakes, nothing beats a visit to Mammoth Mountain. These trails provide access to the summit of Mammoth Mountain and Minaret Vista. Climb the western side of Mammoth Mountain for sweeping views of Reds Meadow, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the Ritter Range, the Minarets, Balloon Dome, the Central Valley and more. At the summit, spend some time learning about the area's geology at the Eleven53 Interpretive Center.

Choose a more moderate hike for an up-close look at the Minarets, with views of the San Joaquin Ridge, the Junction Bluff and the Ritter Range. Or take the Panorama Gondola at Mammoth Mountain to the trailheads at the top of Mammoth Mountain and hike back down to Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge or Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Tickets for the gondola are available at the Mammoth Adventure Center at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. Check Mammoth Mountain for current pricing and hours.

All trails on Mammoth Mountain start above 8,900 ft, with the summit sitting at 11,053 ft. Plan for summit temperatures running 20-30 degrees cooler than town, bring high-SPF sunscreen, and carry at least 2 liters of water per person. First-timers should read up on altitude acclimatization before heading out. Start early—afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Trails on Mammoth Mountain typically open in late June, depending on snowpack. Early season hikers should expect snow near the summit.

Stop by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center to pick up a trail map, or browse all trails in advance at Mammoth Trails.

Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge Trailhead

From this trailhead, you can access the Minaret Vista Trail and the Mammoth Mountain Trail. The Minaret Vista Trail also connects to the Mountain View Trail.

Minaret Vista Trail

3 miles round-trip | 300 ft elevation gain | Moderate

Starting from behind Mammoth Mountain Inn, the trail climbs gently through red fir and lodgepole pine before breaking out onto the open saddle of San Joaquin Ridge. From there, the granite spires of the Minarets, Mt. Ritter, and Mt. Banner rise straight up across the valley. Interpretive signage and viewing scopes help you identify the surrounding peaks. Picnic tables and restrooms at the vista make it a natural lunch stop.

Mammoth Mountain Trail

7 miles round-trip | 2,000 ft elevation gain | Strenuous

The classic way to earn the summit on foot. The trail climbs the western flank of the mountain—a dormant volcano that shaped the entire landscape around Mammoth Lakes. Above Reds Lake, the forest gives way to treeline and the views stretch across Reds Meadow Valley, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the Ritter Range, the Minarets, and all the way to Balloon Dome and the Central Valley. At the summit, the Eleven53 Interpretive Center covers the area's volcanic geology, earthquake history, and the peaks visible in every direction.

Mammoth Mountain Summit Trailhead

From this trailhead, you can access the Dragon's Back Trail. Take the gondola to the summit to hike the trail downhill. Alternatively, start at the Twin Lakes trailhead (Trolley Stop 92) in the Mammoth Lakes Basin to hike the trail up to the summit.

Dragon's Back Trail

4 miles one-way | 2,342 ft elevation gain if hiked uphill | Strenuous

The trail runs along a wind-swept ridgeline from the summit of Mammoth Mountain down to Twin Lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Views stretch across the basin to Duck Pass and the Mammoth Crest, east across the town of Mammoth Lakes, and north to Mono Lake and the Sweetwaters. On the way down, watch for the natural lava tube locals call the "Bottomless Pit." The Seven Lakes Point Trail branches off as a spur—see if you can spot all seven lakes below.

Mammoth Mountain is just one piece of what makes Mammoth Lakes one of the best hiking destinations in California. The surrounding Eastern Sierra offers hundreds of miles of trails across every terrain and difficulty level—from easy lakeside walks to multi-day wilderness routes into the John Muir Wilderness and beyond. Here are the best places to start planning the rest of your time on the trail.

Hiking in the Mammoth Lakes Basin—The Lakes Basin sits just minutes from town and packs in alpine lakes, wildflowers, jagged peaks, and over 100 miles of designated routes leading deep into the Sierra. It's the most accessible concentration of great hiking in the area.

Hiking Just Outside Mammoth Lakes—Venture a little further and the trailheads get quieter and the terrain gets wilder. The broader Eastern Sierra has creeks, canyons, and high-country routes that reward the extra drive.

Hiking & Backpacking—A full overview of hiking options across the region, from day hikes to multi-night backpacking trips into the Ansel Adams Wilderness and beyond.

Bucket List Guide to Hiking the Eastern Sierra—The Eastern Sierra has no shortage of standout routes. This guide pulls together the ones worth building a trip around.

Family-Friendly Adventures—The Panorama Gondola ride and the Minaret Vista Trail are two of the best introductions to Mammoth Lakes for kids. This page covers the full range of family-friendly options across the area.