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  • McLeod Lake
    Sierras

    How To Hike McLeod Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 21, 2025 /

    McLeod Lake Trail is a short wilderness hike in Mammoth Lakes that leads to a stunning alpine lake. If you’re looking for a relatively easy and quick trail – put McLeod Lake on top of your list! Mcleod Lake Trail is less than 2 miles long so it’s perfect for families and people with dogs. This lake also offers great swimming and fishing opportunities (catch & release only). In this post, I cover where the McLeod Lake Trail is located, what you can expect if you plan to hike it, and other visitor tips. Quick Trail Highlights Here are a few quick McLeod Lake Trail highlights before I go into…

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    Outbound Mammoth Hotel

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  • TJ Lake Trail
    Sierras

    How To Hike TJ Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 16, 2025 /

    For the past few summers, I have been searching for the best day hikes to do in Mammoth Lakes. On my most recent trip, I hiked to TJ Lake, a small and quiet alpine lake not far from Lake George. The TJ Lake Trail via Lake George leads to multiple serene lakes with beautiful views of the surrounding mountain peaks. This location also offers great swimming, bouldering, and fishing opportunities. In this post, I share details for hiking TJ Lake Trail including where to park, what to expect, and what you need to know before heading out there! Quick Trail Highlights Here are a few quick TJ Lake Trail highlights…

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  • Sherwin Lakes
    Sierras

    How To Hike Sherwin Lakes Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 15, 2025 /

    Sherwin Lakes Trail is a stunning mountain hike in Inyo National Forest that leads to an alpine lake. Located on the outskirts of Mammoth Lakes, this is a secluded wilderness trail that doesn’t get as busy as some of the other day hikes in this region. This trail travels up gradual switchbacks in a forest with excellent mountain views along the way. It is also very dog friendly so many people bring their four-legged friends along for some fresh air and exercise. If you’re planning to hike Sherwin Lakes Trail, I cover where the trailhead is located, hike difficulty, and other tips to know before you head out there! Quick…

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  • Convict Lake Hike
    Sierras

    Hiking Convict Lake Loop In Inyo National Forest

    January 15, 2025 /

    Convict Lake is a picturesque lake in Inyo National Forest that features turquoise water, rugged mountain views, and beautiful hiking trails. This area is also popular for camping, fishing, swimming, boating, and backpacking. Convict Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in the Sierra Nevada mountains and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Mammoth Lakes. While visiting this lake, I recommend hiking the 2.5-mile-long Convict Lake Loop that goes around the entire lake. Here is my detailed guide covering tips for hiking Convict Lake Loop and what you can expect to see along this route! Trailhead Location & Parking Convict Lake is a drive-up lake that can be easily…

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  • Inyo Craters
    Sierras

    How To Hike Inyo Craters Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 15, 2025 /

    Planning to visit Inyo Craters in Mammoth? Inyo Craters is a short and interesting wilderness trail that leads to a set of volcanic craters hidden deep within the forest. This trail offers a look into the unique geology makeup of Mammoth Lakes and has amazing views along the way. In this guide, we share everything you need to know to hike the Inyo Craters trail year-round. This guide includes where to park, what to expect, and know before you head out there! Table Of Contents: Inyo Craters Trail Location & Parking If you’re planning to hike the Inyo Craters Trail in the summer, you can drive on Dry Creek Road…

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  • Barney Lake Trail
    Sierras

    Hiking Barney Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 15, 2025 /

    Barney Lake Trail is a stunning wilderness hike in Mammoth Lakes that leads to several alpine lakes. I’ve done this trail multiple times over the past few years and there’s always something new to discover that keeps me coming back! The ease of accessibility and the gorgeous landscape make this route one of the most popular hiking options in Mammoth. Along the way, you’ll enjoy great views of Skelton Lake, meandering creeks, and have lots of opportunities for rest breaks and taking photos. In this post, I cover where the Barney Lake Trail is located, what you can expect if you plan to hike it, and other visitor tips! Quick…

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  • Heart Lake Mammoth
    Sierras

    How To Hike Heart Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 14, 2025 /

    Mammoth Lakes is known for having some of the best hiking trails in California. There are endless day hikes to explore and adventures to be had on a visit to Mammoth! The Heart Lake Trail is a beautiful wilderness trail in Mammoth that is short in distance and rarely crowded. This hike leads to an emerald alpine lake that’s shaped like a heart. Along the way, you also have the option to go on a quick detour to a historic mining settlement in the forest. In this post, I share where the Heart Lake Trail is located, what to expect along the trail, and other helpful hiking tips for first-time…

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  • Visiting Mentryville Park And Hiking Pico Canyon Trail
    Southern California

    Visiting Mentryville Park And Hiking Pico Canyon Trail

    January 7, 2025 /

    Mentryville Park is an oil boom ghost town situated in the Santa Clarita Woodlands. It is the perfect place to visit for history buffs and nature lovers. Here you can walk around and see old wooden buildings that still remain after the town was disassembled and abandoned in the 1930s, once the oil industry slowed down. This location is also the starting point for the Pico Canyon Trail, which leads to Pico Well Number 4. This was the first commercially successful oil well in California, so you can visit two unique historical attractions at the same spot! This guide covers what you can expect to see at Mentryville Park and…

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  • Places To Stay In Mammoth Lakes
    Sierras

    12 Best Places To Stay In Mammoth Lakes

    January 1, 2025 /

    Mammoth Lakes is a charming town in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Mammoth is best known for its stunning landscapes, endless hiking opportunities, natural attractions, and winter sports. And while there is no denying that skiing and snowboarding are some of the biggest attractions, that is not all there is to do in Mammoth! From turquoise alpine lakes to snow-covered hot springs, geological wonders, and waterfalls, there are plenty of adventures to be found in this mountain region. Within the city limits, amazing local restaurants, shops, and craft breweries are ready to entertain the year-round visitors. The Village At Mammoth often hosts fun outdoor events that draw the entire town…

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  • Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail In Idyllwild-Pine Cove
    Southern California

    Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail In Idyllwild-Pine Cove

    December 23, 2024 /

    Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is one of the most popular day hikes in Idyllwild town within San Jacinto Wilderness. I recently hiked this trail while visiting Idyllwild on a weekend trip. Ernie Maxwell Trail is 4.6 miles long and takes a few hours to complete. Despite the distance, this hike is fairly easy so it’s a great day adventure for families and people with dogs. Note that you will need to get a $5 parking permit in Idyllwild town before heading out on the hike. This post covers details on where to park, where to start the hike, and what you can expect to see along this trail! Quick Trail…

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- ABOUT ME -

Welcome to California Wanderland! I’m Laura Sausina, a California local always in search of new adventures around me. California Wanderland is here to help you discover the best hikes, outdoor activities, things to do, and the best places to stay in Central California. Read more about me here!

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