The Panorama Dome Trail in Mammoth Lakes offers one of those hikes where the payoff matches the effort. Starting from Lake Mary Road near the Twin Lakes Road junction, this 1.8-mile trail climbs steadily to the summit of Panorama Dome, and leashed dogs are welcome for the entire route. The trail itself winds through lodgepole pine forest before opening up to reveal exactly what makes this hike worth doing: a full 360-degree view of the Lakes Basin, the jagged ridgeline of Mammoth Crest, and Mammoth Mountain dominating the landscape to the south.

The moderate difficulty works well if your dog is reasonably fit but you don’t want to commit to a full day of hiking. The elevation gain is noticeable but the trail isn’t relentlessly steep. What struck me most was how quiet it felt compared to some of the busier Mammoth lakes trails. You’ll see fewer people up here, which means more space for your dog to move around without getting tangled with other hikers.

The view from the top justifies the hike even on a warm day when you might otherwise skip elevation. From up there you can pick out individual peaks, see how the various lakes reflect the sky, and watch the elevation zones drop away on all sides. Dogs appreciate the open summit too—it’s a natural spot to sit for a while and let them settle before heading back down.

The descent is easier on joints than the way up, which matters if your dog isn’t young anymore. Bring water for both of you since there’s no reliable water source on the trail itself. Most people complete this in two to three hours total, making it a reasonable mid-morning or early afternoon option when you don’t have all day to spend in the mountains. The trailhead has a decent-sized parking area, and you’ll want to arrive early on weekends.