Twin Lakes Mammoth California is a set of connected lakes nestled at the base of the southeastern slope of Mammoth Mountain, in Mono County, eastern California. Situated within the Inyo National Forest, these picturesque lakes offer a breathtaking natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The Captivating Twin Lakes
The Twin Lakes are the lowest lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, surrounded by stunning natural features. On one side, you’ll find lava cliffs formed by the eruptions of Mammoth Mountain, while the other side is home to the Inyo National Forest’s Twin Lakes Campground and the Tamarack Lodge of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.
Exploring the Twin Lakes Campground
The Twin Lakes Campground is a popular destination for campers, offering lakeside camping with incredible scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities. The campground is divided into three sections, with Sections 1 and 2 located closer to the shore and Section 3 situated on a hill. Campers can enjoy amenities such as picnic tables, campfire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water.
Facilities and Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Campfire rings
- Flush toilets
- Drinking water
- General store for boat rentals, camping supplies, and showers
- Limit of 2 pets per site
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather conditions
Outdoor Activities
The Twin Lakes area offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy:
- Fishing for rainbow, brook, and brown trout
- Boating and canoeing on the calm waters
- Hiking on nearby trails, including a 4-mile trail on Mammoth Mountain and two shorter nature trails along the lakes
- Attending educational programs scheduled throughout the summer
Abundant Wildlife and Nearby Attractions
The mountains surrounding the Twin Lakes are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, pine martens, and pikas. The Mammoth Lakes Basin also contains several additional popular lakes for exploration, and the nearby John Muir Wilderness offers a vast expanse of glacially-carved terrain for hikers and horseback riders to discover.
Accessing the Twin Lakes
The Twin Lakes Mammoth California are located approximately 320 miles north of Los Angeles and 180 miles south of Reno, Nevada. Visitors can access the area by following U.S. Highway 395 to the junction of State Highway 203, turning west, and then continuing on Lake Mary Road to the Twin Lakes cutoff.
For more information or to make campground inquiries, please call 760-934-5795.
References:
– Recreation.gov – Twin Lakes Campground
– Mono County – Twin Lakes
– Wikipedia – Twin Lakes (Mammoth Lakes, California)
– Visit Mammoth – Twin Lakes Campground
– USDA Forest Service – Twin Lakes Recreation Area