In Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, the Inyo Craters Trail takes you through a landscape shaped by a volcanic explosion roughly 600 years ago. Three distinct craters dot the area, each holding striking emerald green pools fed by snowmelt and rain. It’s genuinely striking terrain—the kind of place where you can see exactly how the mountain built itself.

The trail itself is moderately paced, winding through lodgepole pine forest before opening up to views of the craters and those pools. The elevation here sits around 8,600 feet, so even if you’re coming from the valley floor, plan to take it easy for the first day or two. Your dog will handle the altitude just fine, but the thinner air affects dogs too.

Dogs are actively welcome on this hike. While some sections may allow off-leash hiking, you’ll want to check the current posted regulations when you arrive—they can shift seasonally. The trail gets decent traffic, especially on weekends, so keeping your dog close near other hikers just makes sense. The terrain is rocky in patches, so paw pads that aren’t used to granite scrambling might get tender. The pools themselves look tempting on a hot day, but the water stays cold year-round thanks to the elevation.

The trail is roughly three miles round trip, manageable for most dogs in decent shape. Parking is at the Inyo Craters Trailhead off Highway 395, and it fills up on busy days. Starting early gives you a better shot at a space and fewer crowds on the trail. Bring plenty of water for both of you—there’s no reliable water source along the way, despite those pools being visible. The Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center has current details on conditions and any access updates.