Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful town located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. With such an ideal location, it is surrounded by natural beauty. If you are looking for the best lakes in Mammoth Lakes California, you’ve come to the right place.
These lakes are exquisite, and some even contain natural wonders that draw visitors from far and wide. Many of them have California hot springs located nearby. If you want to visit the best lakes in Mammoth Lakes, read on.
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Lakes in Mammoth Lakes, California
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing and tranquil spot to relax or somewhere to paddle a canoe, lakes near Mammoth provide exactly what you’re after. Check out the map below for the location of most of the lakes on our list (some are a bit further out and haven’t been included, like Duck Lake and Mono Lake.
#1 Lake Mary
Lake Mary is one of the most popular lakes near Mammoth and is a superb place to visit in spring and summer. It has plenty of space for visitors as its bank stretches almost a mile long, so you don’t have to stress about overcrowding.
Lake Mary is the biggest lake that forms part of the Mammoth Lakes Basin and boasts stunning views of the craggy mountains and the pine forest around their base. Because of its sheer size, it’s a great place to go fishing or angling, especially if you plan to launch a boat.
It’s also an excellent lake for a refreshing swim, and many visitors spend days picnicking and even camping next door to the lake.
If you would be keen to try your hand at water sporting activities, there are two places you can rent kayaks, small boats, and fishing equipment at Lake Mary. You can head to Lake Mary Marina or Pokonobe Marina to get what you need.
Do note that it is vital to plan ahead in the busy season, as often the rentals are booked up quickly. For this reason, it’s best to book in advance or head to the marina early in the morning.
#2 Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is located on the lower Lake Basin, just three miles from Mammoth Lakes town. It’s a fantastic place to go if you are basing yourself in the town itself and want to enjoy one of the best Mammoth Lakes swimming locations.
The lake is incredibly picturesque, ringed with pine trees and framed by a backdrop of snowy peaked mountains. There is also a waterfall at the far end of the lake called Twin Falls. It flows from the upper lake, which is how the lower lake was formed and got the name Twin Lakes.
The lower lake is the smaller of the two, covering 250 acres, while the upper lake covers a much larger 400 acres. It’s a great place to swim or kayak, but many choose to enjoy this lake from the sidelines.
Having a picnic along the banks of the lake or hiking on one of the nearby trails are other ways to enjoy the beauty of this Mammoth lake. There is also a campsite not too far away if you want to enjoy a weekend in nature.
#3 Lake George
Lake George is a favorite amongst those visiting Mammoth Mountain as it is the highest lake in the Mammoth Basin that can be accessed by car. The lake is at the foot of Crystal Crag, a unique rock formation that juts out an incredible 10,364 feet above the water.
Because of the lake’s high elevation, you can enjoy views over the surrounding area on the way there, which is quite the experience. Do note that the lake is only accessible during late spring and over the summer months. The easiest way to get there is by car, but if you’re up for an adventure, take the Crystal Lake Trail for breathtaking views of the area.
Lake George is a fabulous swimming lake, but the most popular attractions are the hiking trails that lead from the lake to nearby peaks. It has also become a popular spot for rainbow trout fishing, and there is a place nearby where you can hire equipment for fishing if need be.
#4 Lake Mamie
Lake Mamie is one of the most underrated lakes in Mammoth and is situated close to Lake Mary. It is the smallest of the Mammoth lakes, which makes it so special. It’s a tranquil reprieve from the other lakes, which can get busy during peak season.
Lake Mammie is relatively secluded but nonetheless provides stunning views of the surrounding area. It’s lined with pine forests and offers beautiful views of the Twin Lakes and the breathtaking Twin Falls. During the winter, you’ll be lucky enough to see snow-topped peaks rising behind the lake.
Lake Mammie is ideal for those looking for a picnic spot as there are very well-maintained picnic areas that overlook the surrounding region. It’s also ideal for birdwatching as there are seldom people around to disturb nature at its best.
During the summer months, you can hire a boat from a boat rental nearby and take it to the water for some fishing.
#5 McLeod Lake
McLeod Lake is an often missed attraction when visitors come to see the stunning bodies of water that define the Mammoth Lake basin. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Horseshoe Lake, so we recommend you visit these lakes in conjunction with one another.
McLeod Lake is situated at the foot of the backside of Mammoth Mountain and features a stunning peak as the backdrop. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy open-water swimming as the water is crystal clear in color and reasonably shallow most of the way across the lake.
It’s also become popular for float-tube fly fishing and picnicking on the shoreline. The lake’s area looks like a white sand beach, providing an ideal location to park off for the day with a good book and a sandwich.
#6 Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Mammoth Mountains. Mammoth Crest Ridge forms the backdrop for this stunning body of water, lined with dead pine trees, which makes for a breathtaking scene.
While it is a great lake to visit in the summer months, the winter makes this lake a tranquil oasis. The only way to get to the lake is by skiing or snowshoeing, making it a drawing card for those who love winter sports.
The lake is an ideal swimming location in the summer months with its crystal clear waters. Note that the waters are icy even in the summer, so pack a thick bathing suit if you intend to hop in the water.
It’s also a good idea to take along a picnic blanket that you can throw over a log to ensure you have a clean spot to sit if you plan to spend the day by the side of the lake.
#7 Skelton Lake
Skelton Lake is a real treat for anyone who ventures out to visit this gem. You cannot access it by car, but the 3-mile round trip walk along Duck Lake Pass merely adds to the adventure. The water in Skelton Lake is a crystal clear blue with cascading mountains in the background.
It’s an ideal location for swimming or stopping off for a picnic. The sandy beach that lines one side of the lake makes a great spot to relax for an entire day. Just remember to leave with enough time to walk the 1.5 miles back to your car before dark.
If you want to head out into the wild for a couple of days, you can keep going along Duck Lake Pass, where you will eventually come to a campground. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature, exploring some of the most beautiful lakes Mammoth offers. Just be sure to head out prepared with all the correct camping gear you will need.
#8 Duck Lake
Duck Lake is for the adventurers and those willing to spend a good few hours pursuing epic views. Instead of tackling this in one day, it’s best to break it up into sections and turn it into a 2-day adventure.
To get to Duck Lake, you must take Duck Lake Pass, a 9.5-mile trail that will take you to the lake and back while passing numerous other beautiful lakes. If you are attempting to do the hike in one day, go prepared with snacks and a bright flashlight in case you get caught in the dark.
If you are turning it into an overnight hike, take along camping gear to ensure you have everything you need. You’ll encounter a rather steep climb before Duck Lake comes into view. Looking down at Duck Lake from above is magnificent and makes the climb worthwhile.
If you are staying over for the night, you will need to head further along the Pike Lake Trail, which will take you to a camping site. Unfortunately, you cannot camp within 300 feet of Duck Lake because of the rocky ground surrounding its shores.
#9 Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is another beauty that makes you work to get there, but it is worth the trek. You will need to take the Crystal Lake Trail that starts in the campground of Lake George to get to the lake.
The trail is only 3 miles long, but don’t underestimate it. There is an elevation climb of 800 feet, so it’s enough to get the heart pumping. As the path winds through breathtaking mountain passes, you’ll be able to take in views of other lakes in the Mammoth Basin.
Once you get to Crystal Lake, enjoy the tranquility and seclusion that it has to offer. With clear waters and plenty of boulders to perch on, you could easily spend a couple of hours picnicking and taking in the scenery from the shore.
Because you’ll have to hike a little before getting to Crystal Lake, you must wear hiking shoes rather than open shoes or sneakers.
#10 Mono Lake
This lake is a mere 30-minute drive from Mammoth Lakes, and unlike other lakes, there is an entrance fee of $3 per person as the lake is part of the South Tufa State Reserve.
Mono Lake is one of the most geologically interesting lakes in the Mammoth Basin. The high alkaline in the water makes it ten times saltier than your average seawater, so it’s not a good place to stop for a drink.
Mono Lake is surrounded by interesting and intricate limestone formations, which give this lake a slightly different appearance from the others on this list. These formations are known as the Tufa Towers and regularly attract visitors to this lake.
Mono Lake is a great place to swim because of the salty waters, which make it far easier to float. Kayaking is also popular at Mono Lake because it is rather large, giving you plenty of space to paddle around.
#11 Barney Lake
Barney Lake, nestled in the Mammoth Lakes region of California, offers an engaging escape for those seeking a serene outdoor experience. As you hike the well-maintained trail leading to the lake, you’ll encounter stunning vistas, lush meadows, and the soothing sound of trickling streams.
It’s a spot that invites you to linger, perhaps with a fishing rod in hand or simply basking in the beauty of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The image above has Barney Lake in the foreground and Mammoth Mountain in the background, as seen looking northwest from Duck Pass.
#12 Convict Lake
Convict Lake is known for its stunning scenic beauty. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, the lake offers picturesque views, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
It is a popular destination for fishing, especially known for its stock of rainbow trout. The lake is regularly stocked, making it a great spot for both novice and experienced anglers.
There are hiking and biking trails around the lake, including an easy and accessible trail that goes around the entire lake. For more adventurous hikers, trails lead into the John Muir Wilderness, offering more challenging hikes and spectacular views.
The area around Convict Lake offers camping facilities as well as cabin rentals, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway or longer camping trips.
Wrapping Up Best Lakes in Mammoth Area
There are so many incredible lakes around Mammoth that it can be hard to decide which one to visit. But this guide should help you find the one best suited to what you are hoping to do.
If you are looking for other activities in the area, why not visit some of the beautiful beach towns in California? The perfect lake in Mammoth is right around the corner, so grab your swimsuit and a picnic blanket for a wonderful day in nature! If Mammoth Lakes is your speed, you could always think about planning a trip to Yosemite, which has its same natural splendor.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.