Sierra Nevada
Mammoth Lakes Basin Guide: Hiking, Fishing and Kayaking
Plan a summer day in the Mammoth Lakes Basin: which lakes to paddle and fish, hikes like Duck Pass and Crystal Lake, boat rentals and the free trolley.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
The Mammoth Lakes Basin is a group of alpine lakes at about 9,000 feet, 10 minutes above town. Twin Lakes, Mamie, Mary, George and Horseshoe are on my Highway 395 lake list.
This guide covers each lake, boat rentals, hikes, fishing and parking.
In This Guide
Getting to the Mammoth Lakes Basin
Lake Mary Road usually opens to cars in late May or June. In winter it’s part of the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center trails.
In summer, the free Lakes Basin trolley runs from town to the lakes and trailheads. Check Eastern Sierra Transit for times.
Twin Lakes and Twin Falls
Twin Lakes is the first lake, with Twin Falls at the upper end. Tamarack Lodge on the shore rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards in summer and has a restaurant.
The lake is stocked with trout.
Lake Mary, Lake Mamie and Lake George
Lake Mary is the largest lake and the boating and fishing hub. Lake Mary Marina, Pokonobe Resort and Crystal Crag Lodge rent motorboats, kayaks and canoes.
Lake Mamie, just downhill, has Wildyrie Lodge. Lake George sits under Crystal Crag with rentals at Woods Lodge and is the trailhead for Crystal Lake and Mammoth Crest.
- Lake Mary: largest, full rentals, busy on weekends
- Lake Mamie: small, good for a quick paddle
- Lake George: quieter, under Crystal Crag
Horseshoe Lake: Swimming and Paddling
Horseshoe Lake, at the end of Lake Mary Road, is the only basin lake that allows swimming. It has a sandy beach and allows dogs.
The nearby dead trees were killed by volcanic carbon dioxide. It’s the trailhead for McLeod Lake and Mammoth Pass.
Best Hikes in the Lakes Basin
Take it easy on your first day at altitude and watch for afternoon storms.
- McLeod Lake: about 1 mile round trip from Horseshoe Lake, easy
- TJ Lake and Lake Barrett: short loop from Lake George, easy
- Crystal Lake: about 3 miles round trip from Lake George, moderate
- Panorama Dome: short climb near Twin Lakes
- Duck Pass to Duck Lake: about 10 miles round trip, strenuous, past Arrowhead, Skelton and Barney lakes
Fishing in the Mammoth Lakes Basin
The lakes are stocked with rainbow trout and hold brown and brook trout. Anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license.
Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for seasons and limits, which changed recently.
Where to Stay Near the Lakes Basin
Basin resorts: Tamarack Lodge, Crystal Crag Lodge, Woods Lodge, Wildyrie Lodge and Pokonobe Resort. Campgrounds book months ahead.
The Westin Mammoth in The Village has pools and a spa, about 10 minutes from Twin Lakes. See my Mammoth and June Lake cabin guide and summer in Mammoth Lakes.
Bear Safety in the Lakes Basin
Black bears are active in the basin. Use bear boxes, never leave food or scented items in your car, and pack out trash and fishing line.
See my California bear safety guide for storage rules and encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Lake Mary Road open?
Usually late May or June, depending on snow. Check the Town of Mammoth Lakes or Inyo National Forest.
Can you swim in the Mammoth Lakes Basin?
Only at Horseshoe Lake. The other lakes supply drinking water.
Where can I rent a kayak in the Mammoth Lakes Basin?
Tamarack Lodge on Twin Lakes, Lake Mary Marina, Pokonobe Resort, Crystal Crag Lodge and Woods Lodge on Lake George rent boats in summer.
Is there a shuttle to the Lakes Basin?
Yes, the free Lakes Basin trolley runs in summer. Check Eastern Sierra Transit for the schedule.
How far is the Lakes Basin from Mammoth Lakes town?
Twin Lakes is about 10 minutes by car and Horseshoe Lake about 15 minutes.
Destination guide
My Mammoth hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
