Generally: We will explore, hike, and possibly fish the Mammoth Lakes basin (including the volcanic features there and in the larger Long Valley Caldera encompassing Mammoth and the adjacent region), and will visit the fascinating Devil's Postpile National Monument nearby. Time permitting, we will fish on the shore of Lake Mary, and explore the nearby Inyo Craters, Mono Craters, June Lake Loop, and Mono Lake Scenic Area.. On the way home, we may stop at the Manzanar National Historic Site, and / or the Eastern California Museum.
Campground details: We have reserved four (4) campsites at the Lake Mary Campground, which is the most developed of the Mammoth Lakes. Located in the Mammoth Basin to the west of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, the Lake Mary Campground is a US Forest Service campground with water and flush toilets. Our reservations allow for six (6) people per site, and 1 vehicle per site (with 1 additional vehicle per site paying an additional fee), for a total of 24 people in our party and 8 vehicles. Two (2) dogs are allowed per site; dogs must be on 6-foot leash.
Travel details: On Sunday, June 1, at 7:00 AM we will meet at the McDonald's off of Interstate 15 (Silverwood Lake / Highway 138 exit (Exit 131); McDonald's and Chevron directly overlook the freeway from the frontage road at 3230 Wagon Train Road, Phalan, CA 92371). We will gather and caucus; those who wish to caravan up to the Eastern Sierra with me may do so; others may wish to drive individually and meet at the Lake Mary Campground. We will set up camp in the afternoon, begin exploring the area, eat dinner together, and share a campfire.
Activity details: On Monday, June 2, we will breakfast together and then hike to Emerald Lake and / or Barrett and TJ Lakes. In the afternoon we will tour the Mammoth Lakes Basin, including volcanic features such as the Inyo Craters and hot springs at Hot Creek.
On Tuesday, June 3, we will breakfast together and take the shuttle to the Devil's Postpile National Monument. (Note: dogs allowed on shuttle and on trails in the Monument.). We will hike in the national monumentIn the afternoon, we will fish at Lake Mary or tour the Mono Craters and Mono Lake Scenic Area. We will dine together and share a campfire. On Wednesday, June 4, we will break camp and stop at Manzanar and / or the Eastern California Museum on the way home.
To bring: 10 essentials, daypack, layered clothing, hiking boots, tent, sleeping bag, camp chair, lantern / headlamp, stove, cooking / eating utensils, and your individual food for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (with extra to share with the party). Bring fishing tackle if you want to fish on the shore of Lake Mary.
Level: Easy
Signup Instructions: RSVP online.
Additional Directions: Will meet on June 1, 2025 at 7:00 AM at the McDonald's immediately off of I-15 (Interstate 15 at Silverwood Lake exit (Exit 131). (McDonald's overlooks the freeway and is on frontage road with Chevron; address: 3230 Wagon Trail Road, Phelan, CA 92371.)
Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather