Pet-friendly is the keyword in this neck of the Sierra, and if you and your pup are looking for liquid refreshment, there’s almost no end to the places the two of you can splash around (they don’t call it Mammoth Lakes for nothing). Make a base camp at dog-friendly lodging in or near town or in nearby June Lake. Travel the 16-mile June Lake Loop and check out four road-accessible lakes—June, Gull Silver and Grant—and others that are hike-in only.
Don’t hesitate to take the Panoramic Gondola to the 11,053-foot summit of Mammoth Mountain (it opens for the summer on June 17). The views are stupendous, but you’ll have to hike down, as the lift operates primarily for the resort’s mountain bike park. Kids 12 and under ride free with a paying adult, while adult tickets are in the $30-$40 range, depending on date.
You and your pup have several choices for the hike down, but if you want to end up in a splash spot, take the fairly strenuous 3-mile Twin Lakes/Dragon’s Back Trail, which ends at dog-friendly Tamarack Lodge. Take a dip and a break, then board the free shuttle back to the village (note that your dog must be muzzled).
Horseshoe Lake is another popular doggy splash spot. A 1.7-mile trail loops around it, and you’ll likely be accompanied by many other dogs and their people (mountain bikers too, so watch out!) Many other lakes in the Lakes Basin are dog-friendly, although most require leashes.
Check out Lake Mary, Parker Lake and beautiful Convict Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the state and for good reason as it’s surrounded by cliffs that glow like magic at sunrise and sunset.
You might also like: Hiking California’s “Little Switzerland” or Dog-friendly Mammoth Lakes.
