| Page Views: 1,664 Last Visit to Mammoth Lakes: June, 2007 | Secret of the Sierras by goingsolo - last update: Oct 13, 2008 |
The mountains are calling
And I must go
John Muir
Nestled among some of the mighty giants of the Sierras is California's spectacular Mammoth Lakes region. The area is bordered by both the John Muir and Ansel Adams wilderness area and is a haven for skiing, hiking, biking and other outdoor pursuits. The tiny town of Mammoth Lakes, population approximately 7,000, reminded me of Vail, but on a far less grand scale.
Mammoth Lakes is the gateway to the Sierras. Well,some of the less popular areas of the Sierras- the ones that captivated John Muir. Where the scenery is grand and the crowds nonexistent. This is some of the most beautiful scenery to be found in a state that has a great deal of it. Less than an hours drive from Mammoth Lakes or Yosemite and a fraction of the crowds |
|  | Tiny town in the wilderness At the base of the mountain, you'll find the ski area.
In the winter months, the area averages over 300 inches of snowfall, providing plenty of fresh powder and excellent conditions for winter pastimes. Mammoth Mountain is just over 11,000 feet, which makes it higher than Squaw and Heavenly in Tahoe to the north. In the summertime, Mammoth is quieter, the temperatures perfectly pleasant at this higher elevation and hiking opportunities abound.
Another perk for Mammoth Lakes is its proximity to other California natural wonders. Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance, Tioga Pass, is located about 45 minutes from the town of Mammoth Lakes. Mono Lake, Mount Whitney and the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway are all short daytrips away. Just south of town, the area of Rock Creek is the gateway to some of the Sierra's most fabulous hikes. Less than an hour away, you'll find the ghost town of Bodie. What's left of it, anyway
Just south of Mammoth Lakes, you'll find an area known as Crowley Lake. Crowley is actually a small town in Inyo County which is part of the Mammoth Lakes region. VT doesn't have a separate page for it, so the information for this area is being placed on this page. From Crowley Lake, you can drive 9 miles up to an elevation of about 10,000 feet to an area known as Mosquito Flats. From here, the choices are practically limitless and the scenery is spellbinding. Best of all, there are no crowds. In fact, you may find yourself alone at the top of a peak. There is remote wilderness out here a mere 3 or 4 miles from the trailhead
I passed through Mammoth during Labor Day weekend 2006, after a trip up Mount Whitney. My brief visit was very enjoyable and I wanted to spend more time exploring some of the hidden areas of the Sierras. The following summer, I got a chance to do just that |
| | Mosquito Flats and Rock Creek 2007 brought me back to this region several times. We took an excursion into the John Muir Wilderness in June, 2007 and again in July. In August, we stayed in Mammoth and bypassed the high altitude highs for some more sedate exploring. I was supposed to return in '08, but things did not work out as planned. Not sure when I'll get back to this area, but I imagine it will be quite some time.
Look inside and take a virtual walk through some of California's most beautiful wilderness. |
> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
| Pros: | "Skiing and hiking and plenty of mountains" | | Cons: | "A long drive from populated areas and airports" | | In A Nutshell: | "One of the hidden gems of the Sierras" |
goingsolo's Mammoth Lakes Travel Tips
 goingsolo's Mammoth Lakes Travelogues | | | |
|
 Comments for goingsolo about Mammoth Lakes | | | | |
Bwana_Brown Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:09 UTC
Mammoth Lakes sounds like a nice little base for enjoying some outdoor activities. Great shot of what appear to be basalt rock formations at the Devil's Posthole!! | ferdnbean Sun Nov 5, 2006 21:08 UTC
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the most spectacular women and friends alive. Goin' to SW Va. Cumb. Gap, Tn. Smokies and NC & Va. Blue Ridge Mtns this week for a 4 day weekend and home site scouting trip! Isn't it time for Tony Luke's? | Stephen-KarenConn Tue Sep 26, 2006 23:36 UTC
Thanks for sharing the secret of the Sierras. Your accomodation tip reminds me of some of the reasons I enjoy camping. | mtncorg Wed Sep 13, 2006 05:24 UTC
Alas, you missed the brewpub, which is, as you alude, a much better place to eat at;-] |
|
|
email me
add as friend
