Mammoth Lakes, CA

The town of Mammoth Lakes, located just east of Highway 395, on the eastern side of the Sierras, is a great stopover while traveling south on our way back towards Arizona.  This town is very much a tourist/resort destination. 

With Mt. Mammoth just on the edge of town, skiing is a big draw in the winter months.  And, with all the trails and lakes nearby, hikers, bikers and fisher – persons are drawn here when the snow melts and the weather warms. 

We are staying at Mammoth Mt. RV Park, right on the edge of town; Forest Service campgrounds are also close-by. Paved town trails, shaded by large pines, run right by the RV park and are great for walking the dogs and doing some local sight-seeing.  The town has a great selection of restaurants, several within walking distance of our RV park.

We have already mentioned our visit to Yosemite NP; traveling to Yosemite was one reason we chose this location.  With several other areas of interest around Mammoth Lakes, we decided to spend a week here.  Now we realize that there are so many spots to check out, one week is not sufficient time, but we have had a good time seeing what we can. 

First, we wanted to see some of the area that defined the name of this town.  Located just outside of town is the Mammoth Lakes Basin.  There are at least five major lakes in the basin accessible by road, with trails to reach several others.  The larger lakes were very busy, with lodges/cabins surrounding them, fishing, boating and swimming in the waters; several campgounds are also near these lakes.

Lake George in day-use/camping area near trailhead

Lake George Again

We chose a morning hike from Lake George (one on the road system) up into the woods to higher elevations to check out Lake Barrett and TJ Lake. As we started on the trail and climbed up the hillside, the views of Lake George were beautiful. 

As we climbed, we noted wildflowers along the trail.

Penstemon in rocks

Reaching Lake Barrett first, we noted how clear this lake’s waters were (and cool temps). My guess is the lakes are fed by lots of snowmelt. 

Lake Barrett, 1st view from the trail

Some other hikers, more familiar with the area, told us not to miss TJ Lake, as it was quite a beauty.  And, they were so right. 

TJ Lake

The mountains surrounding TJ Lake set off a great display with their reflections into the waters.   

Hikers arrived with Labradors; the dogs just could not resist that water!

Fish were jumping - too quick for our camera. But a dragonfly decided to pose -  It all seemed like a National Geographic moment. 

We hated to leave, but there was that hike out, and lunch, awaiting us.