Highlight • Lake
Lake Mamie
Cycling
5.0
(3)
Lake Mamie is a picturesque 19-acre alpine lake nestled within the scenic Mammoth Lakes Basin in California's Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2724 meters, it lies between the larger Lake Mary and Horseshoe Lake, offering a tranquil escape. Known for its clear waters and impressive backdrop of Crystal Crag and the Sierra Crest, Lake Mamie is a highlight for anyone exploring this stunning region.
Visitors consistently praise Lake Mamie for its serene and quiet atmosphere, largely due to the restriction on motorboats. The stunning views, particularly of the rugged Sierra landscape and the prominent Crystal Crag, are a major draw, making it a favorite spot for photography and peaceful reflection. Many consider it one of the most beautiful drive-to fishing lakes, offering a sense of solitude despite its accessibility.
To reach Lake Mamie, travelers can access it via Lake Mary Road, just outside the town of Mammoth Lakes. While the lake itself is relatively small, its half-mile shoreline provides ample space for enjoyment. Anglers should note that it's a popular spot for brown and Alpers trout, which are regularly stocked, and fishing can be done from the shore or using float tubes, canoes, or rented rowboats. In winter, access shifts to ski or snowshoe, transforming the area into a snowy wonderland.
The best time to visit Lake Mamie for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the views is typically during the warmer months when Lake Mary Road is open. Numerous picnic areas are available, offering fantastic vantage points of the water, Mammoth Mountain, and the spillway leading to Twin Lakes. The inlet, fed by Lake Mary, is also a frequent spot for wildlife sightings, including coyotes, deer, and bears, adding to the natural appeal.
Hikers and nature enthusiasts often find the area around Lake Mamie to be a peaceful retreat. The lake is a popular fishing spot, and its numerous picnic areas provide ideal settings for a relaxing break amidst the stunning scenery. Visitors frequently mention the clear views of Mammoth Mountain and the dramatic spillway to Twin Lakes as standout moments during their visit. The opportunity to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat further enhances the experience.
Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to fish, a scenic picnic location, or simply to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Sierra Nevada, Lake Mamie offers a memorable experience. You can explore various walking paths around the lake or discover other nearby trails within the Mammoth Lakes Basin. To plan your adventure and find routes that suit your interests, check out the options available on komoot, or learn more about the area at visitmammoth.com.
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Tips
February 19, 2024
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Lake Mamie
5.0
(1)
27
riders
17.4km
01:15
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
18
riders
27.0km
02:08
460m
460m
The Horseshoe Lake – Lake Mary loop from Mammoth Lakes offers a varied touring cycling experience, transitioning from sustained climbs through pine forests to flatter, winding sections around alpine lakes. You'll pass stunning granite peaks and enjoy views of Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, and Lake Mary, which is dramatically set against a red basalt cliff. The route provides a mix of paved and multi-use paths, with the Horseshoe Lake segment being particularly scenic and family-friendly.
Planning your ride means accounting for the high altitude; Mammoth Lakes sits at 7,800 feet, and the route climbs to around 8,900 feet, making the 1496 feet (456 metres) of elevation gain over 16.8 miles (27.0 km) feel more challenging. The estimated duration is 2 hours and 7 minutes, making it a good half-day outing. While the full loop is rated difficult, the car-free sections of the Lakes Basin Path enhance the experience, and the Horseshoe Lake area is unique for its swimming opportunities.
This loop is notable for its car-free sections and the opportunity to swim in Horseshoe Lake, the only lake in the basin where it's permitted. The area around Horseshoe Lake also features a geological anomaly with naturally seeping carbon dioxide, monitored by the USGS. The route offers numerous interpretive signs and spectacular viewpoints, culminating in an enjoyable downhill stretch back to the Village, making it one of the best cycling trails in Mammoth Lakes for those seeking both challenge and natural beauty.
10
riders
29.1km
02:11
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,720 m
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Tuesday 16 June
28°C
9°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hiking options directly around Lake Mamie, and what is their difficulty?
Lake Mamie itself is relatively small, with a half-mile shoreline, making for a pleasant, easy stroll. For more extensive hiking, the area connects to a network of trails within the Mammoth Lakes Basin. You can find paths that lead to nearby lakes like Lake Mary or Horseshoe Lake, offering varying lengths and difficulties. Many hikers enjoy combining a visit to Lake Mamie with a longer route that explores the surrounding basin.
Is Lake Mamie suitable for beginner hikers or families with young children?
Yes, Lake Mamie is an excellent spot for beginner hikers and families. The immediate area around the lake offers easy, flat terrain perfect for a leisurely walk or picnicking. The serene atmosphere and beautiful views make it a pleasant outdoor experience without requiring strenuous effort. Many of the picnic areas are easily accessible, providing a comfortable base for families.
Where can I park when visiting Lake Mamie, and is there a fee or permit required?
Lake Mamie is easily accessible via Lake Mary Road, and there are numerous picnic areas with parking available. While parking is generally free, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. No specific permits are typically required for day-use access to Lake Mamie itself, but always check for any updated regulations from the U.S. Forest Service or local authorities, especially for backcountry camping or specific activities.
How does Lake Mamie compare to Lake George for hiking and scenery?
Lake Mamie is known for its quiet, serene atmosphere and stunning views of Crystal Crag and the Sierra Crest, often described as one of the most beautiful drive-to fishing lakes. It's smaller and generally less crowded than some other lakes. Lake George, also in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, offers different hiking opportunities and views, often serving as a trailhead for more challenging routes into the high country. Both offer unique scenic beauty, but Lake Mamie provides a more tranquil and easily accessible experience.
What are the best viewpoints or natural features to look out for at Lake Mamie?
Lake Mamie offers impressive views of the Crystal Crag and the majestic Sierra Crest. From various picnic areas, you can also get clear views of Mammoth Mountain and the dramatic spillway that leads down to Twin Lakes. The inlet, fed by Lake Mary, is a notable spot for wildlife viewing, where coyotes, deer, and bears are sometimes seen drinking.
Are there any specific considerations for visiting Lake Mamie during the winter months?
During winter, Lake Mary Road typically closes, limiting vehicle access to Lake Mamie. Access then shifts to ski or snowshoe, transforming the area into a snowy wonderland. While beautiful, winter visits require appropriate gear and awareness of snow conditions and potential avalanche hazards. Always check local conditions and road closures before planning a winter trip.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around Lake Mamie?
Lake Mamie's inlet, fed by Lake Mary, is a frequent spot for local wildlife. Visitors often report sightings of coyotes, deer, and bears. The clear waters also support a variety of birdlife. Remember to observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals to ensure their safety and yours.
Are there any cafes, pubs, or accommodation options directly near Lake Mamie?
Lake Mamie itself is a natural area with picnic facilities but no commercial establishments directly on its shores. However, the lake is located just outside the town of Mammoth Lakes, which offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants, pubs, and accommodation options, from hotels to vacation rentals. These amenities are just a short drive away via Lake Mary Road.
Is Lake Mamie a good spot for fishing, and what types of fish can be found?
Yes, Lake Mamie is a highly popular fishing spot. It is regularly stocked with brown and Alpers trout. Anglers can fish from the shore or use float tubes, canoes, or rented rowboats. Motorboats are not permitted, which contributes to the lake's peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for a quiet fishing experience.
What is the historical significance or origin of Lake Mamie's name?
There are two main theories regarding Lake Mamie's name. One suggests it was named after Mamie, a common nickname for Mary, following the naming of the larger upstream Lake Mary after Queen Mary of England. A contrasting theory, rooted in the region's mining history, posits that Mamie and Mary were named after local dancehall girls during the area's boom-and-bust mining era and the last great gold rush in the Eastern Sierra in the 1920s.