Mammoth Mountain

The Mammoth Mountain Trail is part of the Mammoth Lakes Trail System. It's one of the trails that permits pups on their leashes, and can be accessed anytime outside of skiing season, which usually runs from October through March, or whenever skiers are on the mountain. Hiking trails are not maintained when there's snow. This pawrrific trail is a great hike all the way around the mountain and to the end at the summit gondola stop. Many switchbacks on shallow, narrow tracks make the elevation changes easier, and it crosses several other Mountain Lakes Trails, so be sure to watch for approaching mountain bikes at intersections. 

Many people take the dog-friendly gondola at the beginning of the trail near Adventure Base to the summit and hike down, taking full advantage of the pawsome views of the Minaret Mountains, Reds Lake and the San Joaquin Valley. Wildflowers like bright red Indian Paintbrush provide variety in the open meadows above the treeline, and its rocky, loose terrain on the tundra will challenge anyone, including Fido. Of course the hike can start at the bottom with a gondola ride from the summit to return, or folks and their doggos can do a round-trip out-and-back. Before or after your adventure, you and your fur-buddy can share a snack or lunch at the picnic area near the Adventure Center at the base.

Formed by a volcano that is considered active,  the mountain is subject to steam eruptions from time to time, though the last major eruption took place about 700 years ago. Because the volcano continues to let off large amounts of carbon dioxide, which can accumulate inside tents and cabins, camping is not permitted on Mammoth to avoid suffocation of people and pups. Open air hiking doesn't pose a risk, however.

Below the treeline, the trail winds through dense forest where you may spy bears, elk, mountain lions and other large mammals, along with porcupines rustling in the underbrush. 

Likely Mammoth Lakes' premier trail, the Mammoth Mountain Trail is popular because of its relative ease and pawtastic views! So grab Fido and his leash and see what all the excitement is about!