26 Oct 2026

Written by: Sarah Hinds Friedl, long-time local and moon lover

With Halloween right around the corner and a full moon TONIGHT, we thought we’d share 3 places around Mammoth Lakes that are perfect to let out your inner werewolf! Or, you know, simply enjoy the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra in the moonlight, if you want a less spooky option!

Three places to enjoy the full moon in Mammoth Lakes

Panorama Dome

We’ll start with the closest option, which is right here within town limits! Panorama Dome is a short .3 mile loop trail out of the Lakes Basin with great views of the Owens Valley. We would recommend accessing the trail from Lake Mary Road to get the best views without needing to venture into the woods.

Mono Lake

Mono Lake looks like something from out of this world during the day, but at night the drama is even more ramped up! A full moon visit to this fascinating place is both lovely and a little bit spooky. Perfect for a nighttime stroll to get you in the Halloween spirit!

For more info on how to make the most of a nocturnal visit to Mono Lake, take a look at this stargazing guide from the Mono Lake Committee!

Geothermal Hot Springs

Moon worship and relaxation can go hand in hand when you take a trip to the geothermal hot springs, located just South of Mammoth Lakes! Wild Willy’s Hot Spring is the most well-known hot spring in the area, so that will be a great option if you’re looking to make friends with fellow werewolves tonight.

How to stay safe exploring Mammoth Lakes at night

Normally, we would recommend that visitors to Mammoth Lakes explore our wonderful wilderness during the daytime. But, who are we to argue with the magnetism of a full moon? If you’re called outside tonight by a force beyond your control, here are a few ways to stay safe:

Download maps ahead of time. The areas we’ve included in our list are pretty easy to find with Google Maps, but you may go through areas of spotty cell signal. So we would recommend planning out your route ahead of time and downloading your maps so that you don’t get lost.
Wear bright colors. Anytime you’re traipsing about at night, it’s a good idea to make yourself visible with bright clothing and even reflective gear.
Take a flashlight. Once you get settled into your moon-gazing chair, you’ll want to shut off all artificial lights so that you can take in the natural wonder. But, you’ll still be glad that you took a reliable flashlight to be able to get to and from your car.
Dress in layers. It snowed just a few days ago, so we probably don’t have to remind you of this. But just in case, remember to dress warmly!
Don’t be afraid to make some noise. Wild animals in our area continue to be active until they settle in for the winter or start their migration to warmer pastures. So, make sure that you don’t startle any wild animals while you’re out and about by being too quiet. If you do hear something rustling in your periphery, shine a light and make some noise to let our wild neighbors know you’re not prey!
Keep dogs on leash. Speaking of being friendly with our wild neighbors, you’ll want to keep your dog fully under your control. Remember that even dogs with great recall can get spooked or lured by coyotes, bears, or mountain lions. So, the best way to protect everyone is to keep your dog on a leash.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next full moon in Mammoth Lakes?

Tonight! October 26th, 2026 is the next full moon in Mammoth Lakes. It’s also known as the Hunter’s Moon.

If you’ve missed this one, the next one will be on November 24th.

What time does the moon rise in Mammoth Lakes today?

Tonight’s moonrise will start at 6:11pm.

Are full moon tours available in Mammoth Lakes?

Yes! Take a look at the full list of full moon tours available in Mammoth Lakes.

Are wild animals still active in Mammoth Lakes?

Yes, although temperatures are starting to drop, and many animals have already started their migration, it’s still important to practice wild animal safety here in Mammoth Lakes! Even throughout the winter, bears have been known to venture out of their dens from time to time, so you’ll want to stay Bear Aware throughout the year.

Ready to plan your next full moon visit to Mammoth Lakes?

We’re here to provide a place to stay for your next full moon soiree in Mammoth Lakes (or any other date that calls you to the mountains!) Take a look at the condos we have available at Mammoth Mountain Reservations, such as this cozy 2 bedroom, loft:

Mountainback at Mammoth, Unit 100

2 BR - Loft | 3 BA | 9 Guests

3 Places to Howl at the Full Moon in Mammoth Lakes

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