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We just got back from a short 3 day/ 2-night backpacking trip to Anona and Superior Lakes in the Ansel Adams Wilderness outside of Mammoth Lakes, CA. It is so beautiful, and there are a ton of easily accessible trails within minutes of Mammoth Lakes so we wanted to share with you some of our favorites. Easy Hikes Devils Postpile Loop 1.4 Miles (Out & Back) 215 Elevation Gain Devils Postpile Trailhead This 1.4 mile out and back hike features a unique rock formation made of Columnar Basalt that towers 60 feet above the ground. 82,000 years ago, a particular type of lava that was ideal for making column flowed in the area. As the lava slowly cooled, it contracted and split into vertical columns that are symmetrical and have a hexagon shape (so cool!). Then between 12,000-20,000 years ago a glacier flowed down the river next to the monument and the ice carved away the West side of the postpile and exposed the sheer wall of columns we see today. From the trailhead, it is a 1 mile out and back hike to the base of the monument with 40 feet of elevation change and you add in an additional .4 mile with 75 extra feet of elevation gain by hiking to the top of the monument. Get maps, shuttle times, park fees and more here: https://www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm  Photo: Yolanda Nowicki Rainbow Falls and Red’s Meadow via Devils Postpile National Monument 6 Miles (w/Shuttle Back) or 10 Miles Out & Back 550 feet Elevation Gain Devils Postpile Trailhead After seeing the Devils Postpile, head down the trail that descends the postpile to the South. You will see a trail junction with a sign- follow the trail that is marked Rainbow Falls. After a couple miles, you will reach another junction at the John Muir Wilderness boundary and follow the sign again to Rainbow Falls. Pretty soon you will hear the falls and when they come into view, they are magnificent. Spend some time exploring this area including lower falls. When you’re ready to head out, take the trail to Minaret Rd. and out to Red’s Meadow to enjoy lunch. Catch the shuttle back to Devils Postpile trailhead. Casey over at Modern Hiker has an awesome and detailed write up here: https://modernhiker.com/hike/hiking-the-devils-postpile/ Moderate Hikes Mammoth Rock Trail 6.2 Miles (Loop) 800 Elevation Gain Mammoth Creek Park Trailhead This fun hike is part of an amazing trail system in Mammoth Lakes that starts in the valley and travels through a flat section where you will see some gorgeous Aspens. Once you reach the rockslide area, the trail heads up to the base of the iconic Mammoth Rock, a notable landmark for the Mammoth area. Its composition of marble and limestone give it a beautiful white glow in stark contrast to the dark lava formations surrounding it. Over the years, the rock attracted miners who mined areas near the rock. Remnants of the mines can still be seen today, including a stamp mill that is near the trailhead on Old Mammoth Road. For directions, maps, and more information, visit: https://www.mammothtrails.org/experience/3/trail-running-the-mammoth-rock-trail/#directionsTab  Barney Lake Trail 5.4 Miles (Out & Back) 1,200 Elevation Gain Duck Pass Trailhead A beautiful hike that has amazing views, lots of trees and water. It is a perfect trail if you want the feeling of getting out there but without a ton of miles or elevation gain. You can extend this hike and go up Duck Pass for an extra thrill (see description below). For directions, maps, and more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20496 Strenuous Hikes:Duck Lake via Duck Pass 10.2 Miles (Out & Back) 3,300 Elevation Gain Duck Pass Trailhead We love everything about this trail! Trees, emerald green lakes, rugged pass that feels so high Sierra, and just enough mileage and elevation gain to feel like you got a terrific workout! And the views 😊 It is definitely a hike to plan when you’re in the area. For directions, maps, and more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20496 Or check out Shawnté Salabert’s write up at Modern Hiker! https://modernhiker.com/hike/hike-duck-lake/  Photo: Paul Jansak Devils Postpile to Fern Lake to Anona Lake
12 Miles (Out & Back) 2,700 Elevation Gain Devils Postpile Trailhead Visit Anona Lake at just under 9,300’. Framed by Iron Mountain, the Southern most section of Ritter Range, make for a dramatic and gorgeous background for the lake. Test your route-finding skills, as the trail from Fern Lake up to Anona Lake is hardly used and becomes hard to follow in places. After passing Fern Lake, you probably won’t see too many other hikers so if you’re looking for some solitude in a beautiful setting Anona Lake is a perfect option for a long day hike. For directions, maps, and more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20544
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