Where to Travel in Eastern Sierra California
Last Updated on September 23, 2023
Mammoth Lakes
There is so much to explore in Mammoth Lakes but I have some favorite points of interest that you must check out if you are in the Eastern Sierra California region.
Convict Lake and Lake Mamie Vista Point are stunning locations that don’t require you to hike or go too far from the beaten path to enjoy.
Make sure to take a gondola to the top of the mountain for the stunning views from above.
Mammoth Lakes is made up of tons of lakes but my favorites to visit are Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mamie, McLeod Lake, Heart Lake, Convict Lake, Lake Mary, and Twin Lakes.
Check out my reels showcasing Mammoth Lakes points of interest
Easily accessible views in Mammoth Lakes
Lakes worth visiting in Mammoth Lakes
Heart Lake Trail
I love this trail in Mammoth Lakes! It is 2.4 miles and a moderate trail. Surround yourself in nature with lush trees, mountains, and stunning Heart Lake and Lake Mary. My favorite view is seen from walking a bit longer to the top of the hill once you reach Heart Lake. This is where you will be able to see Lake Mary from above.
Commonly called the California Yellowstone, Hot Creek is streaming hot water that has geysers bubbling up from below. If you think you’ve already seen enough photos or videos of this ecological phenomenon, the temperature and appearance of the springs and geysers can vary from day to day so it is worth visiting and seeing for yourself.
The best spots to view Hot Creek are at Brees Lookout, the most iconic view, or Hot Creek Interpretive Trail. This is an easy trail less than half a mile down to where you can view the bubbling water.
This ancient saline lake is surrounded by tufa towers that give the illusion of being on another planet. It is over one million years old and one of the most unique places you can visit in the Eastern Sierra California area. While here you can also explore the Mono Lake County Park, which is a great area to picnic and take photos. Note: flying drones and climbing the Tufa towers is strictly prohibited.
Due to a supervolcano eruption from nearby that resulted in an explosion of lava and ash, Crowley Lake was created. It is known for crystal-clear waters that are perfect for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding or just escaping to somewhere peaceful.
Fall and winter is the best time to visit Crowley Lake because spring floods cause it to disappear. This is a lake that is harder to reach because the road is very bumpy and requires 4-wheel drive, I would only recommend this for experienced drivers. You can hike the 4 miles on the road instead and I think this would be my preferred route since I was not a fan of the tilt and jolts in the car.
Bodie is one of the original gold mining towns from the late 1800s that has been preserved in a state of decay. It has become a historical park as it represents the rich history that flooded the area during the gold rush from 1877 to 1882. The structures that remain are locked but you can peek into the windows of the saloon, church, barbershop, and other buildings that this town of over 8,000 people formerly thrived.
Warning! Don’t take anything from the park, not even a rock. Legend has it that anyone who steals from the park is punished. The park rangers say they get a lot of emails from visitors about it and they always end up returning the items to make amends with the Bodie spirits.Â
This is one of the prettiest hot springs in California but that also makes it one of the most popular. Imagine soaking in the scenery while taking a dip in this beautiful heart-shaped hot spring. Weekdays will typically have fewer people as the weekends tend to get very crowded. I came on a Monday before sunrise and it was so peaceful! I was able to capture pictures and soak in the view.
This is located in a more remote area so if you are flying into California, you will want to rent a car so you are able to get around easily.
Check out my Wild Willy’s Hot Spring reel for a sneak peek
Bristlecone Pines are the oldest trees in the world and this is where you can see some that are nearly 5,000 years old. The forest is located within the Inyo National Forest and features the famous Methuselah tree. To see it, take the 1-mile loop Discovery Trail.
Note: White Mountain Road is closed in the winter and this area is very remote with limited resources to water, fuel, or cell reception. Plan accordingly and come prepared when you visit in the summer or spring.
Check out my Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest reel for a sneak peek
A fascinating geological monument that is made of 100,000-year-old basalt columns, which were formed by cooling lava flows over thousands of years. This is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor lovers who can enjoy the different trails that lead to the iconic Devils Postpile formation. It is free to visit but there is a shuttle fee during peak season.
Check out my Devils Postpile National Monument reel for a sneak peek
The best chance to see a rainbow is midday on a sunny day. During my visit, I didn’t see a rainbow but it was still worth the trip. You can take the stairs to the waterfall for an even better look. The entire trail is five miles round trip but there is a shuttle back from the waterfalls you can take which makes it only 3.5 miles round trip.
