Mammoth Lakes and Tuolumne Meadows
Getting to the Mammoth Lakes
This July 4th, we sought a new National Park adventure without the long weekend air travel. Mammoth Lakes, a place I'd often heard about since moving to California, seemed like the perfect fit. Fortunately, we found a great Airbnb and hit the road on Wednesday afternoon. After a 5-hour drive with a break, we arrived in Mammoth Lakes around 7 PM.
There are two routes to Mammoth Lakes: Tioga Pass Road through Yosemite National Park and CA-88E through El Dorado National Forest. Tioga Pass is shorter but seasonal and requires a $35 permit. We took Tioga Pass on the way up and CA-88E on the way back to avoid paying the permit twice.
Tuolumne Meadows
Driving Tioga Pass Road through Yosemite National Park offers stunning vistas of the valley at various pullouts. We stopped at Olmsted Point, renowned for its panoramic views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon.
Our next stop was Tuolumne Meadows. I'd seen countless photos of these meadows online and finally understood their allure firsthand.
Day1:
Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls
On our first day, we visited Devil's Postpile National Monument. We initially drove there but discovered that the road was only accessible by shuttle. Returning to Mammoth Village, we purchased shuttle tickets and boarded a 45-minute bus ride to the Devil's Postpile ranger station.
A short hike led us to the unique hexagonal rock formations, unlike those found in Lassen NP. After exploring the Devil's Postpile, we continued to Rainbow Falls, a stunning waterfall known for its vibrant rainbow in sunny weather. We spent about an hour enjoying the falls before returning to the ranger station and catching the bus back to Mammoth Village. The entire trip took approximately 5 hours, and we ended the day with a meal at Pita Pit.
Day2:
Lembert Dome and Soda Springs
Due to the predicted heat and our lack of a Yosemite National Park permit, we decided to start our hikes later in the day. Remember, Yosemite requires permits for entry between 5 AM and 4 PM during peak season.
We left our accommodation around 4 PM to reach the Tioga Pass entrance. Our plan was to hike Lembert Dome and then explore Soda Springs.
We began our Lembert Dome hike at the Lembert Dome/Dog Lake trailhead. The trail includes some ups and downs, but the final ascent, though challenging, is manageable. The peak offers stunning panoramic views of Tuolumne Meadows. However, even on hot days, it can be windy at the top, so bring a light jacket.
After descending from Lembert Dome, we headed to Soda Springs. The walk to the springs is flat and peaceful, with breathtaking meadow views. The springs themselves are a unique feature, offering naturally carbonated water with a refreshing taste. The source of this water remains unknown.
Day3:
Inyo Craters
On our third day, we visited Inyo Craters in Inyo National Forest, a short 20-minute drive from our Airbnb. These three craters are relatively young, having formed about 500 years ago. We hiked to the lower two craters, as the third is located at the summit of Deer Mountain. The hike to the lower and middle craters was approximately 1.5 miles from the parking lot and took about 30 minutes. The water in the lower crater is a beautiful turquoise blue which will definitely remind you of Lake Tahoe.
Convict Lake
I'd been eager to visit this lake, known for its Swiss-like charm in the United States. However, my experience was underwhelming, partly due to the large crowd and the hot summer weather. With minimal snow, the landscape lacked the picturesque appeal often associated with this lake. After a 30-minute walk around the lake, we moved on to our next destination.
I recommend visiting this lake outside of peak season, perhaps in early summer or late spring, to fully appreciate its beauty.
Hot Creek Geologic Site
This geothermal area was a highlight of our trip. Despite the heat, we enjoyed exploring the hot creek and descending to its bed for a closer look at the steaming water and volcanic features. The creek's turquoise water changes color depending on the mineral content. The fumeroles, or steam vents, are another fascinating aspect of this area. The creek also supports a thriving fish population, which can be observed with careful attention. Remember to avoid getting too close to the hot water and fumeroles to prevent burns.
Crowley Lake Stone Columns
Our final destination was a highly recommended spot on Instagram. However, I was disappointed to find that online hype doesn't always match reality. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is ideal for reaching the stone columns, but since our car didn't qualify, we parked and hiked 2 miles downhill to the shore.
Upon arrival, we were met with an unpleasant odor, likely from vegetation or stagnant water. This was a stark contrast to the other lakes I've visited in California. The stone columns were submerged, limiting exploration. After a brief 10-15 minute visit, the strong smell made me eager to leave.
The hike is moderate, with a steep descent at the end. While it's not a must-see destination in Mammoth, it's a good option for those who are determined to visit. However, I recommend prioritizing other, more beautiful spots in the area.
Concluding Remarks:
Our Mammoth Lakes and Tuolumne Meadows adventure provided a memorable blend of natural beauty and outdoor exploration. From the unique geological formations at Devil's Postpile to the breathtaking vistas of Tuolumne Meadows, the region offers diverse experiences for nature enthusiasts. While some destinations, like the submerged stone columns, may not meet expectations, the overall trip is well worth the journey. For those planning a similar trip, consider visiting during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and experience more favorable weather conditions.
