by Amber Oliver

Created on: May 15, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Mammoth Lakes, surrounded by mountains, lakes, soda springs and forests, is the idealistic area for photographers and hikers alike. Ansel Adams, being named for the renowned landscape photographer, sparkles with the lakes, glacially sculpted gorges, and towering peaks and spires.

When looking for a long hike with a true, photogenic view, consider the Gem Lake Trail. The lake, settled on a granite bench with towering peaks surrounding it, also has quite a bit of foliage to it. Hikers can see Carson Peak to the east, and Mount Lyell to the west. The trail is about seven miles round-trip, but well worth the scenery.

Known for it's world-class trout fishing, with more than one hundred lakes and streams, Mammoth Lakes are sure to not disappoint. Sierra National forest is one of the many that offer this, when the season is right, that is. Hunting and fishing are permitted during seasons regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game. State hunting or fishing licenses are required, of course.

For campers, Sierra National Forest is an idealistic area to stay in. Reservations are advised for most campgrounds during Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. However, reservations aren't needed after September 15, and most campgrounds close for the season at the end of September.

For those visiting the Sierra National Forest, East of the Sierra Crest, Panorama Dome is just a short jog away. From the top you have a view of Owens Valley, Crowley Lake, and the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Great for the family, the trail is only half a mile away from the trailhead, which is just past the turnoff to Twin Lakes on Lake Mary Road.

For those west of the sierra crest, the Devils Postpile Trail leads into quite a few beautiful photogenic scenes. Despite the trail's name, when you follow the Devils Postpile Trail it leads you to the heavenly scene that the Upper Rainbow Fall presents. Here, the San Joaquin River plunges one hundred and one feet into a gorge, giving a wonderful view of the rainbow colors in the spray, best seen at noon. From here, there's a smaller lower fall downstream. From the trailhead it's two and a half miles one way, but well worth the hike.

But don't stop at this trail. The Mammoth Lakes provide a variety of sites to see. It's impossible to fully experience the beauty of Mammoth Lakes in one visit!

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