Best of California: Yosemite & Mammoth Lakes – Part 2

An unforgettable journey through California’s high-country landscapes, Mammoth Lakes, and mountain towns along Tioga Pass, Highway 395 and Highway 108. 

Leaving the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite Valley to Mammoth Lakes felt bittersweet. We’d spent days surrounded by towering granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient forests, and saying goodbye wasn’t easy. But the excitement of continuing our adventure toward Mammoth Lakes via the legendary Tioga Pass quickly took over. As it turned out, the journey itself would become one of the highlights of the trip.

A Spectacular Drive Along Tioga Pass and Highway 395 to Mammoth Lakes

Our first stop was Olmsted Point, where Yosemite revealed itself from an entirely different perspective. Half Dome stood proudly, while Clouds Rest and the dramatic depths of Tenaya Canyon stretched out before us. Next, we arrived at the jewel-like waters of Tenaya Lake. We set off on the easy 2.7-mile loop trail circling the shoreline, taking our time to soak in the scenery. Surrounded by soaring granite peaks, the crystal-clear alpine lake was perfectly still, creating mirror-like reflections of the mountains above. Continuing east, we reached Tuolumne Meadows, one of Yosemite’s most spectacular high-country landscapes, sitting at an elevation of 8,600 feet. The meadow changes with dramatically with the seasons, from a snow-covered wilderness to a vibrant sea of wildflowers.

As we approached Tioga Pass and descended toward Lee Vining, the landscape transformed yet again. Dense alpine forests gave way to the stark beauty of the Great Basin. The contrast was striking. Mono Lake, where bizarre tufa towers rise from mineral-rich waters, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

The scenery changed once more as we neared Mammoth Lakes. Desert vistas gradually softened into pine-covered slopes and the vast expanse of Long Valley Caldera. It was the perfect finale to what is undoubtedly one of California’s most scenic drives. In a single day, we had journeyed through some of the state’s most diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Discovering Mammoth Lakes

By late afternoon, it was time to check into The Village Lodge, our home for the next two nights. Nestled at the base of Mammoth Mountain, the lodge provided the perfect base for exploring the area. Located within The Village, a lively hub packed with restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities, it offered everything we needed for a comfortable mountain getaway.

Our spacious one-bedroom condo was well-equipped and extra comfortable. But perhaps the biggest surprise was the noticeable drop in temperature compared to Yosemite Valley. At nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, Mammoth Lakes was considerably cooler, and we quickly found ourselves shopping for an extra fleece.

The area is packed with outdoor attractions, from Devils Postpile National Monument to Rainbow Falls, and it’s easy to imagine how vibrant and energetic the village becomes during ski season. After a relaxing afternoon around the property and a soak in one of the hot tubs, we headed to Casa Gomez, where sizzling fajitas made for the perfect end to the day.

From Convict Lake to Mammoth Lakes Basin

The next morning, we drove about 20 minutes to Convict Lake, often considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Eastern Sierra. The easy 2.5-mile loop trail offered stunning views of turquoise-blue water framed by the dramatic cliffs of Mt. Morrison. There was something incredibly peaceful about being surrounded by such pristine nature, breathing crisp mountain air and enjoying the quiet rhythm of the trail.

Unfortunately, the weather had other plans for the afternoon. Intermittent rain forced us to cancel our hike to Crystal Lake, so we embraced Plan B and embarked on what could best be described as a classic Griswold-style driving tour of Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Our first stop was Lake Mary, the largest and most popular lake in the basin. As we admired the scenery, we were treated to an unexpected wildlife encounter. A black bear casually foraged near the shoreline, completely unconcerned by the small crowd watching from a safe distance. It was one of those magical moments that makes a trip truly memorable.

We continued to Twin Falls Overlook and Horseshoe Lake, enjoying sweeping mountain views before returning to The Village Lodge. The remainder of the afternoon was dedicated to relaxation, with another welcome visit to the hot tubs.

For dinner, we headed to the ever-popular Mammoth Brewing Company, a lively local favourite serving hearty pub classics and craft beers. It was the perfect place to reflect on our adventures so far.

June Lake and the Journey Home via the Sonora Pass

With a 4.5-hour drive ahead of us, we planned several scenic stops to break up the journey back to the  Central Valley.

Our first detour was the beautiful June Lake Loop, where we visited both June Lake and Gull Lake. These picturesque alpine lakes, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, are popular spots for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water. To stretch our legs, we completed the easy 1.9-mile loop around Gull Lake, enjoying flower-filled meadows and spectacular mountain views along the way.

Back on Highway 395, we continued north toward Bridgeport before making another worthwhile detour to Twin Lakes. Often referred to as the “Switzerland of California,” the area is framed by the rugged peaks of Sawtooth Ridge and Matterhorn Peak, creating some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Sierra Nevada.

Eventually, it was time for the long drive home via the Sonora Pass (Highway 108). The winding mountain road carried us through Pinecrest and Mi-Wuk Village, places filled with cherished memories from past trips with friends. As we descended through the foothills, dense forests gradually gave way to rolling farmlands and the broad landscapes of the Central Valley.

By the time we arrived home, we weren’t just returning with photographs. We carried a bucket full of memories from an incredible journey across some of California’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. Another destination check off of our Golden State bucket list. 

Until next time, California. Thank you for the memories.