Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra is perfect for scenic hikes and photography throughout the year with as aspens and alpine meadows providing a vibrant green cover through the year and lighting up in vibrant shades of gold, yellow, orange, and red during the fall season.
Heart Lake
The Heart Lake Trail in the Mammoth Lakes Basin is one of the most popular hiking routes in Mammoth Lakes’ backyard. During different times of the year, the colours of aspen trees create a dreamy backdrop to the Sierra Nevada sky. This 2.23-miles-long round-trip trail starting from the Coldwater Campground Trailhead takes hikers to the Mammoth Consolidated Gold Mine. The picturesque heart-shaped lake just beneath Pyramid Peak and Sherwin Ridge is a sight to remember.
Mammoth Rock
Another popular hiking route is the 2.5-mile Mammoth Rock Trail, flanked by the majestic Sherwin Ridge. Within minutes of starting, hikers can spot a panoramic view of the valley as well as the Mammoth Lakes town down below. Autumn is prevalent along the trail as the colours of aspen and willow protrude with their striking fall colours from a cluster of green forests and brown meadows.
The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River
Autumn is a spectacular time to explore Reds Meadow, and very few routes showcase fall colours like the River Trail. Following the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, the trail winds through sweeping groves of aspens, bursting into vibrant shades of fluorescent yellow throughout October. The 15-mile trail is lengthy but moderately easy, taking hikers on a pleasant adventure through nature.
McGee Creek Canyon
McGee Creek Canyon is a popular spring hike for spotting the vibrant wildflowers in spring; however, fall welcomes the warm hues of foliage. Hikers follow the creek lined by the aspen trees that lead them to various alpine lakes and incredible views of the mountain. One such popular lake is the Steelhead Lake, which continues to Big McGee Lake before reaching the Sierra Nevada Crest at McGee Pass. The hike to Steelhead requires a gradual climb, offering tricky ground for a challenging trek route for enthusiasts.
June Lake Loop’s Yost Lake
The scenic Fern-Yost Lake Trail is located north of Mammoth Lakes and offers a short 4.6-mile-long round-trip for a short-day hike. Reaching the lake is an uphill climb, although easy, with sweeping views of golden aspen trees and the Gull and June Lakes from a distance.
Lundy Canyon
The Lundy Canyon Trail is known for its vibrant spring wildflowers, but fall offers an equally spectacular display of colour. The trail is a beautiful combination of gradual climbs, cascading waterfalls, and beaver ponds, with the hues of autumn foliage creating a magical setting for photography. For a longer route, continue from Lundy Falls to reach Helen Lake which requires climbing a steep talus field.
Little Lakes Valley in Rock Creek Canyon
Although a year-round destination, the Little Lakes Valley Trail transforms itself into nature’s display with numerous creeks, lakes, meadows, peaks, and a changing landscape painted with alpine grasses and the changing hues of the aspens. Starting with a gentle climb from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead in Rock Creek Canyon, hikers are rewarded with an endless panorama of autumn colours.
Picture credit: Mammoth Lakes Tourism
