I can't believe nobody has reviewed this awesome hike yet! The hike begins at Mono Village…read moreCampground which can be found by turning onto Twin Lakes road in Bridgeport and taking said road all the way to end, which is the Campground. You can park in the day use area if you're just doing a day hike but if you plan on doing backcountry camping, you'll need to pay them the $10 bucks to leave your car overnight. That $10 will buy you up to 7 days of parking. Follow the road between the maze of tents and motor homes until you reach the sign that marks the official beginning of the trail to Barney Lake. Take that trail roughly 4 miles up and you'll find it. It's simply gorgeous and an amazing view up there. From here, you can turn around and head back or continue up the trail to Robinson Lakes, Crown Lake, Snow Lake, and eventually, Yosemite National Park. The trail is very easy to follow and is mostly on an even level. There's switchbacks towards the end as you near the lake, but they're not bad incline wise. From car to lake and back to the car, it's just a hair over 9 miles. This is one of my favorite hikes in the area and I do it at least once or twice every season. Just please be respectful and leave no trace. Also, this area is known to be popular with Bears. I've personally never seen one here, but a lot of others have. That being said, you have nothing to be fearful of. If you do come across one, give it plenty of room and respect and you'll be fine and for god's sake DON'T FEED THEM! Or any wildlife for that matter. You have no idea how many moronic tourist I yell at for feeding squirrels and deer. Lol.

**As with all my hot spring reviews, I'm starting this out with a plea/admonition: I get a lot of…read moreguff from hot springs regulars for my "irresponsible" compulsion to share hot springs info with the world -- I guess the old-timers are afraid that the more people know about these places, the worse condition they will end up in. I steadfastly maintain that sharing is caring, and that to hoard these locations is greedy and selfish...so I'm sharing this info here with the request that, if you visit these springs, PLEASE be respectful and PACK OUT YOUR TRASH!!! I've see so many hot springs strewn with gross litter (including human and pet waste) that it really turns my stomach.** Spectacularly gorgeous, ultra remote little warm spring, sort of near the ghost town of Bodie, about 37 miles outside Hawthorne, NV in the eastern Sierra. I used the directions at this site to find it: http://www.communitywalk.com/location/walker_hot_springs/info/15719. The roads in are pretty burly, so even with 4WD my sis and I ended up parking and hiking down the last 3 miles into the canyon. If you have a Jeep or other hardcore rig with a short wheel base, you might could make it all the way down. Otherwise, just hike -- it's easy. Pass the old mine and the rusted out schoolbus, then follow the river to the left a ways, and the spring is off to the left. I'm docking a star because the water wasn't warm enough to soak in at the time of my visit, in late February. The source water was piping hot, but by the time it filled the pool (which is small and made of stone -- would fit maybe 5 people max) it wasn't warm enough to soak in comfortably. This is probably an amazing place in summertime -- I'll have to come back. The area is probably AMAZINGLY gorgeous then!

Sarah. You are pet waste. Stay away from hot springs bro, nobody likes people like you.read more

One of the most beautiful places in the area and that's saying a lot. Amazing trail starting a Big…read moreVirginia Lake and climbing to above 10000 ft and passing several more. It's like something you would see in the movies. As far as trails go they are good and well kept. Starting at Virginia which is seemingly the only one around and before you know it You've passed several lakes, Big Valley, Blue Lake, Green Lake, Trumbull Lake and Moat Lake a far piece up the trail. This particular trail is about 10miles out and back but you can push on or go back at any time. If you only walked 1 mile you would enjoy. Amazing views. Two bald eagles near the 10ft level as well as other wildlife. Even an old miners cabin that is said to be from the 1800s. My first time on this hike but not my last. Highly highly recommended.

HAD I KNOWN THIS WAS THE LAST TIME…read more.. Those who know me, know that I'm not much of a backpacker. The whole idea of sleeping in a bag, on air, in the cold, without a morning shower just doesn't appeal to me. All the years I've been hiking, decades, I only recently started backpacking. Goes back to the words of dad, "how can you say you don't like it if you don't try it?" Of course, he was referring to food, I'm the one that applies it to everything else. Hiking SisTa researched and planned to lead this trip for 10 crew members. Why only 10? Cuz she was able to obtain a permit for 10 people. Yes, a permit is required. Our first night was spent at Trumbull campground, half mile from the Virginia Lakes Trailhead, in the Hoover Wilderness, where she reserved a group campsite, for a reasonable fee. As the sun rose, so did we. With coffee brewin', oatmeal stewin', we prepped our gear for a seven mile trek with a gain/loss elevation of 1,500 ft. Trailhead sits at 9,805ft, with the highest point being Summit Pass at 11,100 ft. With the sun glowing in the bluest of blue skis, the brisk air was a sure sign it was going to be perfect weather for this heavy duty hike. The first lake we came across, but didn't cross, was Blue Lake. This lake separates two mountains & runs longer than it does wide. Just above the lake is an old dilapidated miner's cabin. Miner's sure were short & thin, the entrance was barely big enough for me to fit through, let alone full grown men. The interior is decorated with all things left behind; old furniture, including a table which still has items sitting on it. Did ya pack your fishing pole? At 10,240ft, big boulder create a frame for Cooney Lake. The first fishing hole since the trailhead. About another 100ft of elevation gain from Cooney, is Frog Lake. Rightfully named, we could hear the frog choir, ribbiting songs of the frog. Ok, enough stunning views of amazing lakes, we found ourselves in a green meadow. Smh, This trek is so amazing, can't believe it's real, but it is, & it's spectacular. Till we hit the switchbacks up the summit. Ugh!!! Visions of the 99 switchbacks hiking up to the summit of Mt. Whitney filled my mind. Pinch me, I can't believe my eyes, I'm so on top of the world. At 11,000 ft. the top of the summit Mother Nature is spread out, all virgin like, virtually untouched by man, she is so astonishingly beautiful. Trekking down the switchbacks heading toward a green meadow & super tall pine trees, was entirely the reward we needed after a strenuous ascent up the other side, to keep calm & hike on. Ok, well, we didn't really keep calm. Gasps, ooooh's, aha's, & all things expression, comprehensive sentences were just not. Hiking along a lake, we took a sharp right, just a few feet in, we were "home". We got really lucky, having met & chatted up a ranger on the way in, she told us where the estate sized campsite was, we found it, and it was unoccupied. Woo hoo!!! Perfect!! Not a minute to breath, we set up camp and prepped for dinner. As the sun set, the air turned crisp & shadows danced across the arid mountains creating dramatic performance by nature. Sitting around the campfire, in such peaceful surroundings, set the scene for reflection, appreciation, and memories that will last a lifetime. Bonds between all of us got even greater. This trip, especially, will never be forgotten, for it was the last time I would see & spend time with Beloved Mark, Linda, and Muku. I'm so glad I set my distaste for backpacking aside, otherwise I would have lived a day with regret. Had I known this would be the last time I see Mark, Linda, and Muku, I wouldn't have done anything different. Well, maybe I would have taken a swig of Fireball from Muku's flask, MAYBE. The following day was a slow and cold start. After a splash of frigid lake water on the face, a hot, hearty breakfast, we packed our day packs and headed to Green Lake, West Lake and Bergona Lake. The saying, once you've seen one lake, you've seen them all, does not apply here. Each lake offers distinct perspectives. From its location, to its surroundings, each lake seemed to get more & more stunning. IN A LOOP: While this trek is not a loop, it is a remarkably breathtaking backpacking trip. One I will never forget. The views, the experience, the quality time spent without the hustle and bustle of city life is simply invaluable. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing.

Have you ever gone somewhere that reminded you just how big the world truly is? Twin Lakes did that…read morefor me and I'd rank it as my most spectacular Eastern discovery to date! It starts on the drive in. The panoramic views of the valley are breathtaking and the mountains so impressive that their scale is felt on first sight. That feeling only grows as you get closer until they surround and you realize how truly massive they are. The lakes are equally beautiful and breathtaking. Clear and cold water flows from the mountain into the two lakes. The local conservation organizations make sure this area stays clean and filled with fish, making this a fantastic angling destination. We enjoyed the shores of Upper Twin Lakes this Memorial Day weekend and found plenty of places to set up for the afternoon. Parking was a little tricky, so just prepare for that and a walk from the car with your things to ensure a fantastic time. The water in May was quite cold and shallow a ways out, so waders are recommended for anyone who wants to fish from shore, though there were many who were successful without them. All in all, this is a rad area to explore with lots of camping options around. I'm looking forward to another visit soon.

Loved this place! Beautiful scenery. Friendly folks. Great sites! WiFi works great when campground…read moreisn't full

The most challenging part of Boundary Peak was the 4x4 road leading to the trailhead. You will…read moredefinitely need a high-clearance vehicle if you plan on reaching it without a lot of scraping! (I did it in a Jeep Patriot) The GPS coordinates for the Queen Mine, where most folks start, are: 37.889317, -118.317599 You can drive about another 0.5-1 mile past these coordinates and save yourself some hiking but I wouldn't do it unless you have a vehicle that is both High Clearance AND 4WD, the more clearance the better. (stuff like: Wrangler, Tacoma, 4runner, etc) I was too scared to do it with a Jeep Patriot. Anyway, Boundary Peak is the tallest mountain in Nevada and it's right next to the California border, but you probably already knew that. It's a fun and scenic hike. It's not really technical and the trail is surprisingly well-graded. I wish I had more time to traverse the ridge over to Montgomery Peak in California (which is slightly taller). I had to rush back to the airport though, and had to turn around. Views from the summit were great, dry desert all around and bluebird skies in all directions. Great little off-the-beaten-path activity Mid-Eastern California/Mid-Western Nevada. Just make sure you've got a gnarly set of wheels!

Parker lake is a little trail that's a hidden gem just off the side of June Lake. It's an easy high…read morewith just a few hundred elevation gain. It has lots of shaded area on trail, a small creek stream, once to the lake it's a beautiful site to take in. Great for a beginner overnight backpacking trip. Great fishing and a dog friendly trail.

I hiked almost 4 miles on Parker lake trail with 640 feet elevation gain and it was a beautiful…read morehike! You have to drive a few miles on a dirt road to get to the trailhead but it's passable for a sedan. No fees or recreation passes needed. The hike starts uphill for a bit with great views of the mountains, then you hike along a creek amongst apsen trees, and at the end you get to Parker lake where it was super windy.

Rainbow Falls is a must do if you're in the area! We also stopped at Devils Postpile, and it was…read moredefinitely worth seeing while you're there :) Make sure to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for the hike down to the actual waterfall once you get to the top, you'll go down to the actual water. The hike back up is a bit of a workout, but it's 100% worth it. The views are beautiful! The water is chilly, but we got getting in. Such a fun experience, and one of our favorite stops on the trip!

Pro tip: Take the shuttle (approximately $15 per person round-trip). You take it from the Main…read moreLodge and they run every 20-30mins from 7amish to 730pmish (as of Aug 2025). You want to get off at Red's Meadow and hike to the falls. It's easy-easy/moderate and is the shortest distance to the falls. Do not take it from Devil's Postpile because it will add 1.5 miles of open sun hike to the falls. Once there, reward yourself with glass of wine and lunch. The water is cool to cold (depending on the time of year) and refreshing. Highly recommended

+ Fun, easy hike. 3.5mi took 1.5hr. + Beautiful scenery…read more Pristine lake. Just like in the photo. + Whoa, the ants are huge here! - Lotta mosquitos around Mammoth Lakes hikes. - Very crowded albeit large parking. + Free parking. . 2 restrooms by the trailhead.

This review is for Crystal Lake Trail which was a ~3.2 miles round trip that took ~2 hour to…read morecomplete. This was one of the more strenuous hikes in Mammoth Lake due to the continuous incline to the top with an overlooking view of Lake George and Lake Mary! Trail can be difficult to follow in some areas. Best view of Crystal Lake would be on the right before you follow the trail to the left. Crowded with limited parking available. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/aHW-s-pHAIw

Superb little picnic and frolic spot near Wawona - ideal for young families…read more Visited a couple of times when we were staying at the Redwoods (vacation rental) nearby. The walk from the parking lot is an easy half-mile through the trees, and then you have to make your way to the swinging bridge and down to the water and the rocks. Walking across the swinging bridge (which we did one at a time) was my favorite experience, followed by swimming in the water below. The early am visit was much more pleasant, later in the day it gets hot and there isn't much shade down near the water. We all had a blast, and will surely return!

Parking is free was lots of empty spot .Hike is like a mile depends on your speed was fun we get…read moreto see the river water flow, bird chipping, butterflies and also lizards the swinging bridge was nice took lots of pictures .Fun for all ages. Must visit place!!