Quickie: Mammoth Lakes
Mini staycation for the
unadventurous- adventurer
Mammoth Lakes is a wonderland of beauty. Whether you are taking the drive from NorCal or SoCal, the change of topography as you are driving is INSANE! One moment you are driving though baren land that looks like the moon and the next you are in a lush green forest. It’s like a Jurassic mirage that appears out of nothing!
It is the perfect place for a staycation that is close to home and it has something for everyone! If you want an alternative to Yosemite without the massive crowds, Mammoth Lakes is the place! I will show you some awesome activities and breathtaking places to see in Mammoth Lakes.
This place is so serene that you will leave in a few days feeling completely re-charged. I am getting the chills just thinking about it.
I will rate these locations by adventurous score so that you can pick the right one for you. Honestly, all of these activities are pretty chill and are perfect for the not-too-adventurous adventurer, like me.
Adventurous Score Scale
Even a wimp can do it: 🔥
See that wasn't even bad, right?: 🔥🔥
Okay, I see you getting your adventure on: 🔥🔥🔥
They should call you Dora la exploradora: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Take a dirty dip in Wild Willy’s Hot Spring-
Adventurous score 🔥🔥🔥
It's a short 10 min walk along a boardwalk to the hot springs. This is a natural hot spring, meaning…. it’s gonna smell like a Sulphur pond rather than a eucalyptus bubble bath but that’s what makes it part of the adventure! You might see some cows and wonder if their cow pies make it to the water, I'm not sure but it sure does smell like it haha! Don’t be surprised when you notice that the water is also a little murky too. Once you get in, just close your eyes to relax and forget you are in brown water in the middle of nowhere.
I personally loved it and even brought the robe from my hotel. After the relaxing soak, I walked away in a robe as if I had just been at the spa! Como la muy muy.
Catch the sunrise at Convict Lake-
Adventurous score 🔥
If you're like me, waking up before sunrise is an adventure in and of itself. It's super difficult to wake up while it's still dark especially on a vacation, but once you do get up you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views of Convict Lake. In the morning the sun rises on the East and reflects onto the mountainside and it makes for some beautiful photography. If you're not willing to compromise your sleep, check it out at sunset!
Adventurous score 🔥🔥🔥🔥
You will need sturdy shoes for this 1.8mile hike, leave your chanclas at home. The first 1/3 of this hike is a STEEP uphill incline. You will feel like you want to give up and you will tell yourself you've had enough views for the day. Do not listen to that voice telling you to quit and girl just keep going! Once you get to the top you will enjoy beautiful sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and you will come upon a beautiful serene lake. If it's hot while you are here, there is no doubt that you will want to jump in as soon as you come up that steep hill and see the water. Bring shorts, if you are feeling a little extra adventurous and want to jump in. If you want something challenging go on this hike, it will be so worth it at the end.
Breathtaking sunset at Mono Lake-
Adventurous score 🔥🔥
Mono Lake is what I imagine the moon to look like. Those crazy rock formations that you see, used to be completely underwater. So what you're seeing was once at the bottom of the lake, it's crazy! I went in late summer when the flowers were in full bloom. Driving up you can smell a strong fragrance of sweet honey and then you realize the smell is coming from the yellow flowers growing all around Mono Lake. This place is super unique and is an easy flat stroll where you can curiously explore.
Mono and the moon have the same letters, maybe this is a glitch in the simulation? Hmm..
Relax with a beer at Twin Lakes-
Adventurous score 🔥
Twin lakes is made up of 3 lakes?! Who the hell named these lakes? I headed towards the upper lake, which is closest to the waterfall. There are a few bridges you can walk over and take some cute pics for insta. Plop down on a log or on a big rock and pop open a beer or some wine and just relax and listen to the sounds of nature. Feel the slight breeze on your face and watch the duckies swim by. This place is pure perfection. For real, for real.
Remember to always be safe and aware of your surroundings.
Let’s keep earth beautiful by not littering and leaving no trace.