Crystal Lake Trail is one of the best wilderness day hikes within Inyo National Forest that offers incredible views for somewhat little work. Crystal Lake Trail is 3 miles long round trip and overlooks Lake George and Lake Mary along the way. This hike ends at Crystal Lake, an alpine lake in Mammoth that’s known for its pristine water and clear reflections. In this post, we cover tips for hiking Crystal Lake Trail in Mammoth including trail location, difficulty, the time needed, and what to expect. Crystal Lake Trailhead Location Crystal Lake Trailhead starts by Lake George in Inyo National Forest. There is parking near the Crystal Lake Trailhead but…

Convict Lake is a picturesque lake in Inyo National Forest that features turquoise water, mountains, hiking trails, and secluded beaches. This area is also popular for fishing, swimming, boating, and backpacking. Despite a strange name, Convict Lake is one of the most scenic lakes near Mammoth and a must visit for anyone traveling in the Central California region. The most popular day hike at Convict Lake is a 3-mile loop that goes around the entire lake. Location & Parking Convict Lake is a drive-up lake and can be easily accessible from Highway 395. We usually take Highway 395 when driving up to Mammoth and we’ve passed this area numerous times…