Wherever you are in and around Mammoth Lakes, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most stunning mountain views in California. But what are the names of those eye-catching peaks?
Let’s take a look at the mountains that make up Mammoth’s beautiful skyline!
First of all, which mountains made the list?
If you’re familiar with the Eastern Sierra, you’ll know that this list could easily include tens of famous peaks in our area! But, for this blog, we’re focusing on the mountains that are easily visible and recognizable from the town of Mammoth Lakes.
Don’t worry, this is just the beginning! So, stay tuned for more blog posts on mountains around Mammoth!
Mammoth Mountain
Highest point: 11,059 ft (3,371 m)
First on our list is the mountain we all know and love: Mammoth Mountain. No matter where you go around the town of Mammoth or the Lakes Basin, Mammoth Mountain will usually be in view.
What makes this peak so special? Well, Mammoth is actually a lava dome, which is why it can be easily identified not only by the ski runs but also by its rounded shape. This iconic mound of hardened lava is still considered an active volcano, but according to the Smithosian, it hasn’t erupted since sometime around 1260CE
Mammoth Crest
Highest point: 11,400 ft (3,475 m)
Mammoth Crest is a long ridge of granite rock, technically called an escarpment, that runs along the perimeter of the Lakes Basin.
You can get an excellent view of this sheer cliff wall from Horseshoe and McLeod Lakes. Or, you can hike along the top of it! The Mammoth Crest Trail and the Rim Trail are two popular hiking options that give you the chance to see Mammoth Crest up close.
Crystal Crag
Highest point: 10,364 ft (3,163 m)
Crystal Crag is a stand-alone granite monolith located in the Lakes Basin Area. This summit is beautiful from all angles, whether you’re seeing it from Twin Lakes, Lake George, Lake Mary or up close at Crystal Lake.
It can even be climbed and has a Class 3 option when approaching from the west. There are some experienced climbers to summit Crystal Crag, but it’s certainly not for beginners.
Mammoth Rock
Highest point: 9,144 ft (2,787 m)
When you first get to Mammoth Lakes, you might think you’ve seen Crystal Crag, but what you’re actually looking at is Mammoth Rock! The two summits are similar in appearance, but with a few key differences.
First, of course, is location. Mammoth Rock is located on the edge of Sherwin Meadows in the Old Mammoth area. So, it’s most easily seen from Old Mammoth Road and Lake Mary Road on the way up to the Lakes Basin. Crystal Crag, on the other hand, can only be seen when you’re already up in the Lakes Basin area.
The other difference is the rock material. While Crystal Crag features our region’s characteristic granite, Mammoth Rock is made up of marble and white limestone. In fact, this unique crag may have been one of the reasons Mammoth was originally seen as a mining opportunity in the 19th century. There’s even an old mine entrance at the base of the rock!
To get a good view of Mammoth Rock, take a couple of hours to enjoy the Mammoth Rock Trail, which can be accessed from upper Old Mammoth Road. Not only will you get amazing views of Mammoth Rock, but you’ll also get a gorgeous vista of the town of Mammoth and the valley.
The Minarets
Highest point: Clyde Minaret at 12,270 ft (3,740 m)
If you’ve seen a picture of a sunset in Mammoth, chances are, it was also a picture of the stunning Minarets. This cluster of sharp peaks make for the perfect contrast to our beautiful wispy-clouded Sierra sunsets. So, it makes sense that they’ve become so iconic in Eastern Sierra photography.
The name comes from the tall, piercing towers characteristic of mosques, and each Mammoth Minaret is named after mountaineers from the late 1800s. The tallest, Clyde Minaret, gets its name from Normal Clyde who made it his life’s mission to be the first to ascend many of the peaks in the Sierra Nevada.
If you want to get a good view of the Minarets, make sure to take a trip to Minaret Vista during the summer, located up Minaret Road about two miles past Main Lodge.
Mount Ritter
Highest point: 13,149 ft (4,008 m)
As you’re gandering lovingly at the Minarets, take a moment to shift your gaze a little to the right. There, you’ll see another cluster of peaks that make up Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak.
Mt. Ritter is obviously beautiful from afar, but if you’re looking to get up-close-and-personal, you’ll definitely want to plan a hike to Garnet Lake. There, you can enjoy a truly spectacular view of the highest mountain in Madera County.
Bloody Mountain
Highest point: 12,558 ft (3,828 m)
When you drive up to Mammoth Lakes from the south on the 395, you’ll pass Bloody Mountain on your left just before taking the exit to town. Or, if you’re coming from the north, Bloody Mountain will be in the center of your view just before you turn right onto the Scenic Loop.
Now, where did this slightly spooky name come from? It depends on who you ask. Some think that the name derives from this mountain’s reddish hue. But, those who are more drawn to the dramatic history of our area say it was named after the bloody stand-off at nearby Convict Lake between Sheriff George Hightower and a band of prison escapees in 1871.
Laurel Mountain
Highest point: 11,818 ft (3,602 m)
Located just south of Bloody Mountain is the iconic Laurel Mountain. Its base sits right on the edge of Convict Lake, making for one of the most gorgeous reflections in the Eastern Sierra.
One thing that makes Laurel so special is its coloring. This mountain is made up of metamorphic rock, giving it bands of deep red, orangey gold, dark purple and light granite. Of course, many of these stunning colors are covered up by snow in the wintertime, so you’ll want to check it out during the summer. This is also a popular spot for leaf peeping in the fall. You simply can’t beat the view of yellow aspens under this beautiful geological marvel.
Which Mammoth Lakes mountain is your favorite?
Now that you know some of the peaks that make up the Mammoth Lakes skyline, what are your favorites?
And when you’re ready to book your next trip up to Mammoth Lakes, give us a call at Mammoth Mountain Reservations. No matter which condo you book, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most gorgeous mountain views in California!