20 Best Lakes in Mammoth Lakes, CA You Shouldn’t Miss [w/ Map]

Then you’ve come to the right place because this guide covers the most beautiful lakes in Mammoth that you should visit on your mountain getaway.

We included everything you will need to know, from the best swimming lakes in Mammoth to the lakes where you can score a trophy-sized trout.

Now get ready to pick out the best lakes in Mammoth, CA that you must see for your upcoming trip to this area.

20 Best Lakes in Mammoth You Should Visit

1. Lake Mary Mammoth Lakes

• ⭐Why Visit: It is Mammoth Lakes Basin’s largest lake.
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Spread a picnic and enjoy the scenery at one of the best lakes to visit in Mammoth, Lake Mary. 

This picturesque lake has been a favorite among tourists and locals alike because of its clear waters, surrounding pine trees, and impressive mountain views.

Over a mile wide, this is the largest lake in Mammoth Lakes. It’s also very easy to visit if you’re on a road trip and just driving through the Mammoth area.

There are a couple of campgrounds near the lake which are excellent spots for lakeside camping.

Lake Mary is a great base camp for your Mammoth Lakes Basin exploration, with other beautiful lakes nearby and access to popular trails, such as the John Muir Duck Lake Pass Trailhead.

Local Tip: This is considered the best lake to kayak in Mammoth, so you must plan and secure your rentals when you visit.

2. Twin Lakes Mammoth

• ⭐Why Visit: One of the most accessible lakes to get to, especially if you’re short on time.
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Twin Lakes Mammoth happens to be the lowest lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and unlike most of the lakes in the area, this one remains accessible by car all year round.

Located just three miles south of Mammoth Lakes Village, it’s one of the best lakes in Mammoth you can visit if you’re strapped for time, but you wouldn’t miss out on some beautiful lakeside views.

The lake is made out of a single large lake with a narrow portion in the middle that makes it appear almost like there are two.

Also, eruptions from nearby Mammoth Mountain have bordered one side with lava cliffs while the other side is forested with lush pine trees.

You can take a leisurely stroll to the Twin Lakes Bridge, where you can take beautiful photos of the crystal clear lake and the jagged mountains reflected on it.

If you fancy getting in the water, you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle from one section of the lake to the other.

Local Tip: Rent a kayak and paddle to the Upper Lakes to see Twin Falls up close. It’s the source of Twin Lakes’ water.

3. Lake George Mammoth Lakes

• ⭐Why Visit: It has one of the best views in the area
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up or 1.5 mi loop trail, 104 ft elevation gain 

If you find Lake Mary a bit too crowded, head on to its neighbor Lake George which is the second-largest lake in the area. 

This is as high as you can go, as far as road-accessible lakes are in Mammoth Lakes since you have to go on a hike to get to the others.

The lake is located at a high elevation of 9250 ft and is popular among avid hikers who love a bit of work for some incredible payoff.

The 360-degree views from here are worth the scrambling and climbing you’d have to go through while hiking the Lake George Trail.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of small streams and stretches of lovely meadows if you just want to stay close to the lake.

If you’re looking for a place to camp by the lake in Mammoth, Lake George has a campground with first-come, first-served sites.

Local Tip: Parking here can be challenging, so try to come before 8 AM to secure a spot.

4. Lake Mamie

• ⭐Why Visit: Great lookout or vista points
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Sandwiched between the larger and more popular Lake Mary and Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mamie feels a little more secluded even though it’s quite as easily accessible as its neighbors.

During your visit, you might find that the area is more frequented by anglers looking to catch some trout, boaters enjoying its tranquil waters, or birdwatchers with their binoculars out.

The overall vibe that best describes this place is quiet and relaxed, perfect for a nice picnic.

The lake has designated picnic areas if it’s what you want to do during your visit.

Local Tip: Just across Lake Mamie Vista Point is the Twin Falls Overlook which is a great spot to see the Twin Falls and its mighty waters flowing into the Twin Lakes.

5. Crystal Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Stunning Mammoth Lakes Basin views
• 📌How to get there: 3.2 mi out and back trail, 839 ft elevation gain

Are you the type who will hike for views even if it does involve a bit of a challenge?

If you answered a resounding yes, then hiking the Crystal Lake Trail would be perfect for you.

The trail itself is well-shaded for the most part, with plenty of switchbacks in the beginning. 

As you get higher, you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Lake George and Lake Mary.

It’s a steady climb all the way to the lake with a total gain of 839 ft at 9000 feet of elevation.

Once you reach the lake, you will see the reflective turquoise waters that mirror the surrounding forest, Crystal Peaks, and even the sky above.

This reward makes this trail one of the most popular hikes in the Mammoth Lakes.

6. Lake Barrett

• ⭐Why Visit: Perfect for beginner hikers looking for an easy scenic hike
• 📌How to get there: 1.1 mi out and back trail, 255 ft elevation gain

Lake Barrett may be admittedly small, but it serves up quite a view that if you’re already visiting Lake George, you might as well proceed and carve out some time for this beauty.

The trail to the lake starts at the Lake George day-use area and involves a very short and easy one-mile hike inland.

Once you reach this small alpine lake, you will soon realize that it’s a great place to sit under the shade of pine trees.

If the water levels are low, you can head on to the next lake nearby, T J Lake. 

7. T J Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Great views of Crystal Crag and Mammoth Crest
• 📌How to get there: 1.5 mi out and back trail, 314 ft elevation gain

T J Lake is another relatively secluded lake that can be easily accessed from the George Loop Trail.

The beginning of the trail is a bit steep, but the climb is fairly quick and painless.

When visiting this lake in Mammoth during the summer, you can go for a swim and even take a picnic with you. 

This is one of the best lakes in Mammoth if you’re looking to get away from the crowds to enjoy breathtaking views of the Crystal Crag and Mammoth Crest peaking through the trees.

During the winter, you will need some microspikes to safely navigate the trails. 

8. Horseshoe Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: For a dramatic and eerie photoshoot
• 📌How to get there: 1.8 mi loop, trail, 114 ft elevation gain, see trail info

Horseshoe Lake is a unique destination that offers a chance to see nature’s destructive force firsthand.

Following the 1989 earthquake that hit Mammoth Lakes, carbon dioxide started seeping from the ground, which is toxic for humans to breathe in large quantities. 

This concentration of CO2 has killed over 100 acres of trees which makes for some stunning opportunities for photography.

While the lake is worth a visit, it’s important not to stay long, especially if you are traveling with kids or pets.

It’s also imperative to avoid sitting in any depression as Carbon Dioxide is heavier than air and can concentrate in these areas.

9. McLeod Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Great spot to hike with dogs
• 📌How to get there: 1.5 mi out and back trail, 314 ft elevation gain

If you’re looking for a good place to swim in Mammoth Lakes, then check out McLeod Lake.

The trail to McLeod Lake from the Horseshoe parking lot is only 1/2 mile each way, but since you’re hiking at 9300 ft with a 350 ft elevation gain, you can get a little bit winded.

Crystal clear shallow waters near the shore, the Mammoth Crest and Mammoth Mountain even more up-close, you will want to get in the water as soon as you arrive.

Although this is one of the swimming lakes in Mammoth, be warned that the water tends to stay cold even during the summer.

The trail around the lake is just under a mile, and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of the jagged peaks.

This spot is also very popular among hikers with dogs, so you might see a lot of off-leashed dogs during your visit. 

10. Skelton Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Peaceful and quiet lake with crystal clear waters
• 📌How to get there: 3.1 mi out-and-back trail, 872 ft elevation gain

Skelton Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Mammoth, located in the Mammoth’s Upper Lakes Basin.

To reach this lake, you will start your hike at the Coldwater Campground area on the John Muir Duck Lake Pass Trailhead and make your way past Arrowhead Lake and onto Skelton Lake.

This dog-friendly trail has several switchbacks and is mostly uphill, with an elevation gain of 872 feet. 

The altitude of over 9000 feet can prove challenging, especially if you’re not much of a hiker, so just take your time and drink lots of water.

After a quick stop at Arrowhead Lake, you’ll reach Skelton Lake shortly, where you’ll see a beautiful mountain backdrop with crystal clear waters at the forefront with a tiny sandy beach.

If you’re looking for the best lake in Mammoth that involves a short day hike with rewarding views, come to Skelton lake.

You’re welcome to camp here, but you will need to secure a wilderness permit to stay the night.

If you want to explore further, you can keep on hiking to the next lake, Barney Lake.

Local Tip: If you’re visiting this lake in the summer, make sure to bring bug spray as the mosquitoes can be vicious at this time of the year.

11. Barney Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Awesome views of the Mammoth Crest
• 📌How to get there: 5.4 mi out and back trail, 1177 elevation gain

Hiking the trail up Barney Lake gets your heart pumping, but the lake is still accessible from the Duck Lake Pass, so you wouldn’t have to go off the trail that much to see it.

Aside from the striking views of Mammoth Crest in the backdrop, the surrounding area is primarily green, though still relatively more exposed than the other much-forested trails.

Despite the altitude, the lake still gets many visitors, so it’s not totally secluded. However, it does feel like you’re farther away from the crowds.

This trail is one of the best hikes in Mammoth Lakes, and if you’re feeling adventurous, continue on to the next lake on this trail, Duck Lake.

12. Duck Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Great way to visit multiple lakes all in one trail 
• 📌How to get there: 10.1 mi out and back trail, 2,152 ft elevation gain

If you’re looking for one of the prettiest lakes in Mammoth, check out Duck Lake.

There is a 10.1-mile out-and-back trail to the lake which is an excellent and challenging day hike.

You will start the hike at 9100 feet of elevation at the John Muir Duck Lake Pass Trailhead and gain over 2000 feet of elevation in 5 miles.

And though this trail involves a lot of uphill climbing as well as some switchbacks and scrambling over rocks, the views on top are well worth the effort.

You will also pass three beautiful lakes along the way, so if you feel like stopping to catch your breath or rest your feet, you will have plenty of opportunities to do so.

Best Lakes near Mammoth

13. Convict Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: History and incredible mountain views
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up or 3-mile loop, 180 ft elevation gain

Convict Lake is one of the deepest lakes in the region, famous for trout fishing and the easy 3-mile loop that takes visitors around its shores.

Just 15 minutes from Mammoth’s center, this is easily accessible as its only a couple miles off of Highway 395.

Convict lake has the oldest rocks in the Sierra Nevada Range, reflecting how ancient glaciers carved it into existence.

Now a bit of history, the lake was named after convicts that escaped to the area, got into a long standoff with the authorities, and were eventually captured.

But during the said standoff, the local sheriff died. Mount Morrison, the highest mountain peak in the area looming above the lake, was then named after him.

This is one of the best lakes near Mammoth Lakes that you should visit.

14. Crowley Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Manmade lake with a full-service marina; Crowley Lake Stone Columns
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Crowley Lake is a manmade lake/reservoir located just 10 miles south of Mammoth Junction.

With its own fishing park and full-service marina, it’s often frequented by anglers looking to fish some trout.

However, if you’re not into fishing, you might want to check out the Crowley Lake Stone Columns on the eastern shore instead.

To access this scenic spot, travel using a 4×4 vehicle through a rough dirt road south of Hwy 395. 

Once you reach the parking lot, you will have about a 20-minute hike on the road leading to the columns.

You will hike down a steep sandy hill, but it’s not too bad if you take your time.

You’ll then see the unique sand columns just off the lake’s shore, with some rising up over 20 feet tall. 

You can continue to hike around and explore the little caves around the area or hang out on the sandy beach.

15. Rock Creek Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Beautiful high-elevation lake you can drive to
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Rock Creek Lake is located 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and is one of a few high-elevation lakes in the area that you can quickly drive to, which means you don’t need to take a strenuous hike to get to it.

Like most of the lakes in Mono County, the waters here are crystal-clear, and the lake is surrounded by stunning mountain views and lush pine forest.

You can make a reservation to camp near the lake and use it as your launch point to explore the many other nearby hiking trails leading to high lakes and streams.

16. Mono Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: One of the oldest lakes in the United States; famous for its Tufas
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Mono Lake is a beautiful saline soda lake just a 30-minute drive up north of Mammoth Lakes on Hwy 395.

This lake is famous for its tufa towers which are the beautiful and unusual rock formations that serve as habitats to Osprey, owls, and alkali flies.

Mono Lake is also one of the oldest lakes in the western hemisphere and is home to trillions of brine shrimp and millions of birds.

Make sure to stop by the visitor center to learn more about the history of the Mono basin and see various interesting exhibits.

17. June Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Great for paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and fishing
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

June lake draws in visitors of the Eastern Sierras to relax by its shallow shoreline and to take in the view of its stunning turquoise and emerald blue water. 

This is a popular spot for catching some rays on the sandy beach or for water sports ranging from sailing to kayaking.

The other big reason why people flock to June Lake is for its world-class trout fishing, where good and lucky anglers can score a trophy-sized catch.

This is one of the best lakes near Mammoth, with some great trails for hiking in the area where you can trek into the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

June Lake has plenty of options for a place to stay, including several resorts and campgrounds so you can spend a few days enjoying the crisp cold water.

18. Silver Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Home Silver Lake Resort, the region’s oldest fishing retreat
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Silver Lake is a smaller neighbor of June Lake that offers a quieter and more serene destination with gorgeous views from all sides of the shoreline.

In the mornings, the calm water provides a dramatic mirror of the surrounding peaks that makes for some incredible photography.

The biggest draw is the Silver Lake Resort fishing retreat, where anglers can relax while trying their best to catch a monster trout.

For more adventurous visitors, there is also a campsite with some of the sites sitting just steps from the water.

For hikers and trail runners, the Rush Creek trailhead offers easy access to the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Gem Lake.

19. Grant Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Nice spot for motorized watersports
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Grant Lake is the biggest lake in the June Lake Loop, even larger than June Lake.

However, despite its size (over 1,100 acres), this lake receives fewer visitors as there are no accommodations in the immediate vicinity, and the campground is fairly limited.

The only amenities by the lake are found at the Grant Lake Marina, where you can rent a fishing boat or grab some supplies at their general store.

This isolated location is part of why this is a great destination for fishing, as you can easily find a quiet stretch of shoreline to throw out your line away from the worries of the world.

20. Gull Lake

• ⭐Why Visit: Very underrated lake with lots of trails and great picnic spots
• 📌How to get there: Drive-up

Gull Lake is located a half mile down the road from June Lake and is separated by the small town of the same name.

If you take the drive north from Mammoth on 395, you will have a chance to see both lakes and fish for trophy trout from the shores or from a kayak or boat rental from Gull Lake Marina.

If you plan ahead, you might get lucky and be able to reserve a site at the Gull Lake Campground, which offers lakefront camping with views of the surrounding peaks.

This lake is a great option for those that are traveling with kids, as there is a lakeside playground, a picnic area, and plenty of open shorelines for kids to dip their toes in the water.

Where is Mammoth Lakes?

Mammoth Lakes is located in Mono County, high up in the Eastern Sierra Nevada.

This high-elevation mountain community is situated on the backside of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, off Highway 395, which runs parallel to the Nevada state line.

Mammoth Lakes is centrally located in California and is 237 miles from Sacramento, 329 miles from San Francisco, and 310 miles from Los Angeles.

Mammoth Lake Address

📌 2510 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States

This address is set for the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center, which is a great starting point for visiting the Mammoth Lakes area. Here are the addresses for the main lakes in Mammoth:

• LAKE MARY, MAMMOTH: Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA
• TWIN LAKES, MAMMOTH: Twin Lakes, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA
• LAKE MAMIE: 4500 Lake Mary Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States

Mammoth Lakes Map

Mammoth Lakes Planning Guide

Best Time to Visit the Lakes in Mammoth Lakes

The best time to visit Mammoth is during the summer if you want to visit and explore the lakes and in winter for epic skiing at the resort. 

Mammoth Lakes is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time for your trip will be dependent on what you want to do during your visit.

Mammoth is one of the best places in California for snow play and is also heaven for hiking lovers with its countless trails.

For many visitors, the best time to experience Mammoth Lakes is in the early fall when the deciduous trees start to change color, and you can enjoy dipping in one of the hot springs in the Mammoth area.  

The fall also comes with great offseason hotel rates, and the crowds are gone for the season

Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes

There are plenty of accommodation options in Mammoth Lakes for different budgets and preferences. We have written a full guide that you can check out, but the two places below are our best picks. 

• The Village Lodge – perfectly situated in the center of the Village in Mammoth close to multiple restaurants & bars, and steps from the gondola and ski lifts.

• Tamarack Lodge – This historic lodge is located right on the shores of Twin Lakes and is very close to downtown Mammoth Lakes.

Getting to Mammoth Lakes 

Getting to Mammoth Lakes will take around five hours from any major city in California by car, and the drive will be even longer if you visit during the winter when the roads are icy.

Another option for visiting Mammoth is to fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport and rent a car to make the short drive to the town of Mammoth Lakes.

If you plan to visit Mammoth Lakes during the summer, you can drive south on Highway 395 from Lake Tahoe or drive over the Tioga Pass from Yosemite National Park.

If you are driving to Mammoth anytime other than summer, make sure to carry snow chains and be prepared to alter your plans if a winter storm hits the Eastern Sierras.

Closest Airport to Mammoth Lakes 

The closest airport to Mammoth Lakes is the Mammoth Yosemite Airport which is less than 15 minutes away.

However, flights to this tiny airport are very limited and can be a bit pricey, so we’ve gathered a list of major airports near the area that you can fly into with more reliability and availability.

To get to the town of Mammoth Lakes, you will have to rent a car at the airports to make the rest of your trip.

• Mammoth Yosemite Airport – (8 mi, 11 minutes)
• Los Angeles International Airport – (313 mi, 5 hours)
• Reno-Tahoe International Airport – (166 mi, 3 hours)
• Fresno Yosemite International Airport – (191 mi, 4 hours 35 minutes)
• San Francisco International Airport – (264 mi, 5 hours 45 minutes)

Getting Around Mammoth Lakes

Like almost anywhere in the country, driving around the Mammoth Lakes area with your own vehicle is still the best and most efficient way to get around.

This also allows you to visit the beautiful lakes near Mammoth, as well as secluded hot springs for a nice dip.

But if you don’t have a car, the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority has made it easy for you to visit popular spots in the area, including shops, stores, restaurants, and even some accommodations, by providing a free shuttle service.

Tips for Visiting Mammoth Lakes

1. Be mindful of the elevation

You may not feel the effects right when you arrive, but you should take it slow and allow your body to adjust before taking any hard hikes or other strenuous activities. 

The elevation here is higher than the altitude in Lake Tahoe, and you will see a noticeable difference, especially when you’re hiking.

Symptoms of elevation sickness, such as shortness of breath and headaches, can quickly start to set in if you climb to higher elevations in the area of the trails or at the higher lifts at the Mammoth Mountain ski resort.

2. Stop at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center

You are visiting a new area and so make sure to stop by the Welcome Center and be acquainted with as much information about the place as you can. 

Grab a copy of the map, and depending on how much exploration you plan to do, you can pick up any necessary permits for overnight backpacking or campfires.

3. Plan accordingly 

As you may have noticed, a lot of the popular lakes in the Mammoth area can be accessed by the same trails.

If there are a few lakes that you want to visit, you can group them together or connect them on a single hike to avoid spending too much time driving around or hiking back and forth. 

This way, you will get to enjoy more lakes and also have more time to relax and enjoy the views.

4. Download your maps

Like any trip out in nature, it’s always best to download your maps and have them available offline since there will not be consistent or reliable internet coverage in the area.

If you plan on doing some hiking, you can download trail maps in the ALLTrails App with a premium membership.

FAQs: Mammoth Mountain Lakes

How many lakes are in Mammoth Lakes?

There are five lakes in the town of Mammoth Lakes and seven total in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. 

There are well over one hundred small to large lakes spread out throughout the county and in the neighboring National Forests.

Many of these smaller alpine lakes can be visited by connecting them via the many trails in the area.

What is the most beautiful lake in Mammoth?

Convict Lake is widely considered to be the most beautiful lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

This stunning lake is surrounded by massive peaks that create a dramatic backdrop that reflects on the surface of the lake when the water is still.

This gorgeous alpine lake is especially gorgeous in the early summer months when the mountain peaks in the background are covered with snow or during the fall when the aspens change colors.

Which Mammoth Lakes can you swim in?

You can swim in any of the lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

While it is permitted to swim in the lakes, be conscious of the water temperatures as these bodies of water are replenished annually with snow runoff.

The best time for swimming in the lakes in the Mammoth area is during the late summer when the water temperatures have had time to heat up.

What is Mammoth Lakes known for?

Mammoth Lakes is best known for a combination of epic winter skiing at the resort and its stunning mountain lakes during the summer.

The area is also a very popular destination during the summer for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking on the many trails that surround Mammoth Lakes.

The Devil’s Postpile National Monument is also one of the best things to check out while you’re in the area.

Wrap-Up: Lakes in Mammoth, California

Now that you are filled to the brim with everything that you need to know to explore the best lakes in Mammoth Lakes, all you have to do is book your accommodation.

Now pack your bags and get ready to enjoy a getaway to this gorgeous mountain town and its surrounding lakes.