Mammoth Lakes, California
Looking for the best photography in Mammoth Lakes? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mammoth Lakes. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Photography Spots in and near Mammoth Lakes
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Mariposa County, California
May Lake Trail
4.02.34 mi / 489 ft gainMay Lake is a stunning, serene subalpine lake that rests at the base of Mt. Hoffmann. The May Lake turnoff is located four miles past Tenaya Lake. From the turnoff, it's 1.8 miles to the trailhead parking lot. During summer time, I will recommend getting to the parking area early to get a spot ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Mt. Hoffman via May Lake Trailhead
5.55 mi / 1978 ft gainThe May Lake trailhead is at the end of a 2-mile unpaved road leading north from Tioga Road. The trailhead has pit toilets and bear lockers. (Please be sure to store any food, garbage, scented items, and empty coolers in these lockers while hiking!) After hiking an easy 1.3 miles, you'll arrive ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike Mt. Hoffmann via the East Chute
6 mi / 3000 ft gainThis is a solid, day long trip. It is a great hike with a bit of a scramble on the way up to the summit massif and then again at the nearly 11,000-foot peak of Mount Hoffmann. You will have what John Muir described as his favorite view of Yosemite. You can look down onto Half Dome and across the ...Read more -
Bass Lake, California
Climb and Camp at Shuteye Ridge
5.0The Journey to your final destination can get a little tricky once you get on the dirt roads. From the Bay Area it will take you about 3 hours to get into Oakhurst, then another hour to get to the Wilderness Area simply because of the windy and not maintained roads. On that note I would suggest t...Read more -
Bishop, California
Photography in the ButterMilks
5.0The Eastern Sierras have some of the most spectacular views in the world. This area in particular is known for its rock climbing. It also has amazing opportunities for photographers.The nights during a new moon are incredibly dark and create great astro photography shots. During the day, the l...Read more -
Bishop, California
Bouldering In The Buttermilks
5.0The Buttermilks is a historical climbing area that is home to some of the worlds most famous rock climbs. It is located at the base of the Eastern Sierras near Bishop, CA. In this region there are 3 main bouldering areas: The Happies, The Sads, and The Buttermilks.The Buttermilks are massive gr...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Backpack Virginia Lakes to Green Creek
10.5 mi / 1234 ft gainKeep in mind that this is a point to point hike, so you will need to park a vehicle at Green Creek trailhead in Bridgeport as well as your start point at Virginia Lakes Resort.Starting at 9,886' at The Virginia Lakes Trailhead, you will begin by heading Northwest towards Virginia Pass. During yo...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Snowshoe to Cooney Lake
3.5 miWhen it's winter time, one of the best things you can do is experience the snow in the Eastern Sierra! If you've ever been hiking and/or backpacking in the Sierra, you know it's one of the most beautiful mountainous ranges in the US. Driving up the Hwy 395 North past Conway Summit, turn left on ...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Virginia Lakes Trail
4.09.22 mi / 2464 ft gainIf you are looking for a hike with a view every half mile or so, then Virginia Lakes Trail is one to mark on your must-see list. You start at the parking lot near the first lake where bathrooms are available onsite. Try to hike right before the first snow in November so you can see the fall col...Read more -
37.732842,-119.557782
Panorama Trail
4.816.87 mi / 5184 ft gainThe Panorama Trail is an outstanding hike that takes you from the Yosemite Valley floor up to Glacier Point. Or you can hike it downhill going from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley. You can camp and make it an overnight trip or do it as a day trip by leaving a car at one end and taking a park sh...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Little Yosemite Valley Campsite and Half Dome
4.613.88 mi / 4934 ft gainFirst things first. You will need to get a wilderness pass by entering the lottery for Half Dome access. If you don't get a pass via lottery just go to the Yosemite Valley visitor center, tell the clerk you are backpacking to Little Yosemite Valley and that you would like to hike up Half Dome. Th...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Hike to Hidden Falls (aka Tenaya Creek Falls)
4.2Also known as Tenaya Creek Falls or Three Chutes Falls, this spot is loved by locals and is definitely worth the hidden trail and scramble over rocks. The hike takes you along Tenaya Creek, Mirror Lake, and a boulder-filled canyon. Great for photos or for relaxing by some secluded falls. To get t...Read more -
37.739698,-119.564018
Snow Creek Trail
5.020.43 mi / 5367 ft gainThis is truly a beautiful hike. Although it’s not the easiest, you are rewarded by the views. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. Once you reach the top, you...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Mirror Lake
4.62.56 mi / 190 ft gainMirror Lake is a very popular spot in the Yosemite Valley and definitely a must see to check off your explore list. Crowds are much smaller if you go during the winter, but some parts of the water might be iced over. The trailhead you take to get there is well marked and can be found at the far ...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Vernal & Nevada Falls via Happy Isles
4.67.23 mi / 2815 ft gainThis popular hike starts near Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. The first mile of the trail is paved and almost entirely uphill. You will come to the footbridge which tends to be very crowded. About 0.2 miles beyond the footbridge, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. Follow the Mist Tra...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Half Dome via the Mist Trail
4.815.94 mi / 6437 ft gainBe sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground - make sure to check out the details in that adventure and obtain a wilderness permit. Even if you are just da...Read more