The beautiful of the Sierra Nevada mountains that are enjoyed in the winter are amazing to experience in the warmer seasons.  

     In spring time, you will be awed by the blooming flowers with snow covered peaks in the background. As it gets warmer, the high mountain passes start opening up and you can explore more deeply into the canyons and high mountains to see some of the most beautiful vistas that you can feast your eyes on.  The end of the summer brings fall colors that can't be beat!!  

     With the transformations that occur throughout the summer you will want to come up to Mammoth Lakes more than once so bring your camera, sturdy legs, and be ready for your eyes to behold scenes that will astound you.

Following are some options of trails that visiting and local hikers particularly enjoy. 

    Horseshoe Lake
        Distance:  1.7 miles
        Difficulty:  Easy
        Type:  Loop around horseshoe lake through beautiful pine forest.

    This is a popular trail for dogs walking owners, hikers, and bikers.  At the end of this Lake Mary road is Horseshoe Lake.  Park your car, get your go fasters (sneakers) on and head in either direction around the lake.  Enjoy the mountain tops peaking over the forests as you hike on a pretty level trail which circles the lake.  

    Mammoth Dome Loop (Panorama Dome)
        Distance:  Two loops about a mile long.
        Difficulty:  Easy to mild
        Type:  Loop to Mammoth Dome, or a loop through forests.

    This is another amazing trail that is off of the Lake Mary Rd.  About 200 yards past the Twin Lakes Bridge you will see a trail sign on the left hand side of the road.  Enter here and take either loop to make it back to your car.  There is also a trail that will take you to Old Mammoth Rd so be aware not to take this one unless you want a bit more of a hike on the road to make it back to your car.  An appeal of this area is it's gold mining history.  You will also encounter bikers on this trail so pay attention.  Enjoy the scenery.

    Mammoth Rock Trail
        Distance:  6 miles round trip
        Difficulty:  Moderate
        Type:  Out and back.  Crosses the plains in front of the Sherwin Mountains climbing up to Mammoth Rock with   awesome views of the valley and the town below.

    This is one of those trails that has a steady gradual climb but once you reach the top you will be rewarded with an incredible view.  From the very beginning of the trail at the Equestrian center by Sherwin Ranch you will have Mammoth Rock as your beacon.  It sits high on the mountain in front of you serving as your goal to reach the top.   At the end at Old Mammoth Road, take a left and your first right at Sherwin's sign.  You can't miss the equestrian center.  Enjoy the climb up to Mammoth Rock, stop to stretch, breath, and take in the beautiful valley below and then descend back to where you started.  This one is in full sun so take precautions to be hydrated and safe.  You could cheat and have someone drop you off at the top and pick you up below.  You know, however, that you would have to then do the whole out and back another day just to redeem yourself.  haha

    Sherwin Lake
        Distance:  4 miles round trip
        Difficulty:  Moderate to difficult
        Type:  Dirt hiking trail with rocks.  Switchbacks up a steep hill then flattens out to the lake with slight ups and downs.  Great views of the valley below and Mammoth Lakes.

    Head onto Main street and turn right onto Minaret Road (not towards the ski mountain).  This road will end at Old Mammoth Rd.  Make a left here and the next right at the Sherwin's sign.  Follow this road which will eventually turn to a dirt road.  A little ways down you will hit another small paved section.  Slow down because you are going to make a right turn between some trees in about the middle of this patch.  It will become dirt again.  Drive a short distance turning left taking you into the parking area at the trail head.  You will encounter an awesome creek at the beginning of this trail but make sure to have some water with you as the next spot of water will be the lake.  Please remember to stay on the existing paths as to decrease erosion.

    Valentine Lake
        Distance:  10 miles round trip
        Difficulty:  Moderate to difficult
        Type:  Dirt hiking trail with rocks.  Switchbacks up a steep hill then flattens out to the lake with slight ups and downs.  Great views of the valley below and Mammoth Lakes.  The first two miles is up to Sherwin Lake and then 3 extra miles of up and down to Valentine Lake. Follow the same directions for Sherwin Lake but go beyond for 3 more miles to reach Valentine Lake.  You can make a loop out of this heading down the Valentine Trail back to the dirt road that you came in on.  For the actual mileage for this loop please consult a good map.

    Duck Pass
        Distance: 12 miles round trip
        Difficulty:  Moderate to difficult
        Type:  Dirt hiking trail which passes 6 lakes along the way

    You won't want to miss this one as it is a local's favorite trail for many reasons.  You start your journey at the trail head at Coldwater Campground; just past Lake Mary off of Lake Mary Rd. The trail continues up a canyon with ups and downs and switchbacks up some steep hills.  What makes this trail so appealing are two fold.  First, there are six lakes that you will encounter along the way all about a mile apart until you reach the pass.  Secondly, this area has historical value for Mammoth Lakes.  Along it you will encounter an old miners cabin and mining machinery left behind reminding us of those that were there before us.  This trail is so pristine that you may find yourself stopping often to enjoy the views, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your point of view.