Near: Mammoth Lakes
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation: 9,000 - 11,300 feet
Vegetation: Mostly pine, some sandy open plateau
Last Visit: November 2019
The ridge line of Mammoth Crest, overlooking Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes area, is one of the most easily accessible high points in the High Sierra. The high-point on this hike is very reachable by fit hikers, but this route is also a great starting point for less experienced hikers or those who want to take in the High Sierra, but are still working on the altitude acclimatization because there are several rewarding shortened versions of the hike.
The first mile or so is a 700 foot climb up a ridge overlooking Lake George. The trail switchbacks into the shade then back out to the ridge for nice views of the lake many times on the way up. Those views are well worth the effort. There is an option to take in Crystal Lake just under the impressive spike of rock called the Crystal Crag with only a 3 mile round trip, and an option for a 4 mile round trip to the shoulder of the main ridge line which affords fantastic views of the Ansel Adams Wilderness and the cluster of peaks known as The Minarets to the northwest. But if you can make it the high point atop the cliffs overlooking Hammil Lake is fantastic.
We didn't have enough daylight on the November day we visited to attempt this, but it's possible to continue along the crest to beautiful
Duck Lake and then loop down to Lake George from there. I can see why that loop is
very highly rated. Though from what we could see and by all reports the section between the crest and Duck Pass can be hard to navigate, so do not attempt it without a good map and route finding experience.
Rules
This hike is enters the
John Muir Wilderness. No permits are required for day trips, but overnights require a wilderness permit and there are strict entry quotas for each day. Dogs are allowed off leash if under effective voice control.
Trailhead
The route starts at the Crystal Lake Trailhead, next the Lake George Campground. No fees to park (I think... I'm writing this post up months after the hike...)
Route Notes
Three main sections to this hike, 1) steady climb mostly in the trees, 2) Emergence onto a sandy ridgeline and plateau with very little tree cover, 3) another steady climb in the trees. There are several local high points along the crest. The one mapped here had the best views in my opinion, so you can skip the earlier ones. There is a slightly higher point farther south on the ridge that actually gets the 'Mammoth Crest' label on most maps, but the trail diverts significantly below that point.
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| Our route in yellow. |
Photos
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| The Crystal Crag reflecting in Lake George at sunset. |
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| One of many fine views of Lake George in the first mile of the hike. |
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| The Crystal Crag looming over Crystal Lake from somewhere around mile 1.5 into the initial climb |
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| Horseshoe Lake from just around mile 2, just before reaching the main ridgeline |
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| A first view of the Minarets from the ridgeline |
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| The middle of the hike passes over a broad sandy plateau |
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| Taking a rest at our high point |
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| The cliffs overlooking the lake basin below |
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| The high point panorama |
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