Guide: Inyo Craters Hike in Mammoth Lakes, California

The Mammoth Lakes area and California’s Eastern Sierra are filled with all kinds of fun hikes. Some of these hikes are quite intense, while others are an easy stroll through the woods. The Inyo Craters hike in Mammoth Lakes is the latter – a short, 1 mile round trip hike that nearly anyone can do, that takes you to see two craters filled with teal water, formed by a volcanic steam explosion. This hike is fairly off-the-beaten path, so if you want a break from the crowds, Inyo Craters might be worth checking out. Let’s explore the Inyo Craters hike and I’ll give you everything you need to know about hiking to the Inyo Craters in Mammoth Lakes.

Inyo Craters in Mammoth Lakes – Trailhead Location

The Inyo Craters trailhead is located off of the “Mammoth Scenic Loop” in Mammoth Lakes, California. (Don’t be fooled by this name – “Mammoth Scenic Loop” – you can’t see anything but trees!).

Here is a map showing the location of the trailhead from the city of Mammoth Lakes:

You’ll want to take the Mammoth Scenic Loop until you see the turn off for the Inyo Craters. You’ll have to go down “Dry Creek Road Spur”, which is a dirt road that can be rough in some spots, but most times, vehicle should be able to make it.

Inyo Craters Trail – Quick Stats

Length: 1.6 mile round trip to go around both craters, but you don’t necessarily need to do this.
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Trail surface: Packed dirt
Dogs are allowed on the trail
The trail is open year round, however the dirt road does not get cleared of snow, so if you’re doing this hike in the winter (snowshoes and X-Country skis only), you will need to park along the loop road and hike to the trailhead.

Hiking to Inyo Craters in Mammoth Lakes, California

Signage for the trail can be a little confusing at times but just remember to follow the diamond markers on the trees to stay on the trail. There is a little bit of a steep grade on this trail, but for most people, it shouldn’t be a problem; it’s a pretty simple trail.

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Once you’re at the craters, you’ll find interpretive signs that will give you more information on how and why the craters were formed. The craters will typically have beautiful teal blue water in them – they’re very photogenic – especially if you’re here on a sunny day!

If you are hiking this trail with small children or dogs, keep a close eye on them – there’s only one small area where the rim of the crater is gated off by a fence. It’s a very long, steep drop down into the crater – be careful!

Both craters are nice, but the second crater will be easier to photograph, as there will be no trees blocking your view.

Once you’ve had your fill of the craters, just turn around and head back the way you came.

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Where to stay when visiting the Inyo Craters:

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Mammoth Lakes is the obvious choice – and a fabulous choice at that! Mammoth Lakes has plenty of lodging of all types: campgrounds, RV spots, hotels, motels, fancy resorts, townhome rentals. I’ve been to Mammoth Lakes more times than I can count – and I’ve stayed at every type of lodging, except camping.

I’ve stayed at these places before, some of them multiple times:

The links will give you current availability and pricing:

Emperia High Sierra Hotel: This was my go-to place to stay, however, it’s no longer a Best Western and I haven’t stayed there since they’ve changed the name.
Westin Monache Resort
Quailty Inn
Austria Hof

Or, to get a list of all lodging options and current prices in Mammoth Lakes, click here.

Hiking to Inyo Craters in Mammoth Lakes, California – Final Thoughts

This is a quick, easy hike in the Mammoth Lakes area that’s never very crowded. It’s a nice hike to add to your Mammoth Lakes or Eastern Sierra US-395 road trip itinerary, but I wouldn’t say it’s a must-do in the area, but if you have extra time, this will only take up about 30-45 minutes of your day.

Have you ever hiked to the Inyo Craters in Mammoth Lakes, California? What did you think?