This day tour is about a 20-minute drive away, one way, from Mammoth Lakes. Head out of town on Main Street (HWY 203), turn onto the freeway and then south on U.S. 395 about 8 miles to the Convict Lake turnoff. Turn right and follow the road up to Convict Lake Resort and Pack Station. 1/4 mile past the resort and restaurant, which has very good food, you will come upon Convict Lake, set amidst an ancient, glacial basin surrounded by rugged, 13,000-ft. peaks. Boats and fishing are allowed on the lake.

Return to U.S. 395 and turn left, then continue north to the airport exit and turn right. Follow the signs to Hot Creek Fish Hatchery to view trout in outdoor rearing ponds. From the hatchery, continue east two miles to see the bubbling hot springs and steaming fumaroles. You can go into the water at Hot Creek so bring your swimsuits and towels, but be careful. Follow all the posted signs.

To tour the Mammoth Lakes Basin, From Hot Creek, retrace your route back to U.S. 395 to Mammoth Lakes and continue through town along Hwy. 203. Go straight through the Minaret Road intersection and enter Lake Mary Road, which takes you to the Lakes Basin, with its 13 alpine lakes. From the road you'll see the basin's five major lakes: Twin, Mary, Mamie, George and Horseshoe. Follow the loop road around Lake Mary and head up Coldwater Canyon to visit the historic site of the Mammoth Consolidated Mine. A short hike from the parking area will lead you along Coldwater Creek to gorgeous Emerald Lake.

On your return to town, turn right onto Old Mammoth Road just below Lake Mary, and continue down this winding road past the area's first mining site and historic Mill City. Mammoth Museum is just past the meadow and golf course, along Mammoth Creek.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mammoth Ranger Station and Visitors Center
Highway 203, PO Box 148 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
760-924-5500