Great views of both the Minaret Vista and Mammoth Mountain on the other side. No hike required; parking's right there at the lookout point. We went at sunset two days in a row as it was just down the street from our hotel. On both days the parking lot was filled to capacity and a lot of people were there. It's freezing due to the high elevation, so bring a jacket. read more

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We came here early in the morning. Nobody was here yet so we were able to enjoy the sights in peace. There was snow on tree logs, benches, and the trash bins. It is a very nice spot to take in the views. read more

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A viewpoint with views of Mamoth Mountain. If you drive past the miles of parked car of people skiing Mammoth Mountain, you'll eventually make your way to the Minaret Vista. This is a nice place to visit when you're in the area but not here to ski. Even as late as June, there still might be patches of snow around here. In 2023, the mountain was still covered in snow. read more

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There is nothing better than the view of natures beauty. This is a wonderful lookout for travelers visiting. You really get a view of how much history is within the area as well as a break for hikers/bikers enjoying the summers in the mountains. This look out not only is rich in history it has restrooms for a pit stop. *** PLEASE CLOSE THE TOLIET LID nobody wants to smell your butt juice** thanks!! Get your cameras out as it's a wonderful spot to capture or if being in the moment is more your speed breath in the fresh air! read more

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I was awestruck when visited for the first time few years back. The peaks were still snow capped. We had little picnic after completing devil's postpile and rainbow falls hike. The parking lot for the view point is literally 18 minutes drive from any hotel/ Airbnb in mammoth lakes. That's the biggest plus. There are two view points if you don't get parking on the upper lot. This place tends to get full near sunset as sun sets behind the minarets. I personally preferred it with little clouds and before sunset. It's also famous for night sky viewing. We unexpectedly saw folks relaxing in chairs on Labor Day weekend enjoying moonlit skies. Even with moonlight we could make out some part of Milky Way. It's a must stop if you are in the area read more

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What a beautiful spot. If you are in mammoth you should definitely get up there to check out the view, especially at sunrise. read more

Minaret Vista - Sunrise - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

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This scenic vista has beautiful views, picnic tables, restrooms, and parking. I'm sure this would be great in the summer. read more

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This is an absolutely breathtaking viewpoint! It's located on a very short side road just before the entrance to Devils Postpile National Monument on the way up from Mammoth Mountain. You will be at an elevation of 9265 ft and get a spectacular view of the various mountain ranges off in the distance located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and Yosemite National Park. There is a nice parking lot and the Forest Service has numerous story boards at the viewpoints which help you identify everything you will be seeing off in the distance. This view point is definitely worth a stop if you are anywhere in the area. read more

Minaret Vista - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

Great view at sunset. More parking than you would expect. Has a small bathroom, some trails. There is one main outlook vista where you can see out, some stuff to read. also there is a dmall trial below, not sure where it leads, but there is a nice bench to sleep on. also tried to see shooting stars, but the moon was too strong. 15 min drive from mammoth lakes train! read more

Minaret Vista - the sunset view - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

How strange indeed to review a vista, as if the title itself needs any more explanation!? My chance encounter with Minaret Vista was not by design. I ended up here by luck, not knowing where I was headed. The also unexpected zoo that is Mammoth Mountain Resort had reduced me to fight or flight mode. Minaret Vista was the path of least reistance in my attempted flight away from Mammoth. If Mammoth had a theme song, it would be Kurt Cobain famousy singing on a loop, "Here we are now, entertain us". This place is nothing short of a nightmare for lovers of peace and quiet. The only reason Mammoth even matters in this story, is for the fact that had it not disquieted me so suddenly, I may never have found myself at Minaret Vista? The vista itself is indescribably beautiful with all of the qualities I prefer in road-accessible high country- quiet, uncrowded, and unpretentious. While the area immediately surrounding the small parking lot is the busiest, several trails lead away from the crowds to other quiet viewing vantage points- spots close enough to lug a cooler or lunch pale for a meal or snack. I'm not sure Minaret Vista would ever be a destination in and of itself, but it is highly recommend to those who like me, accidently stray into the crowded chaos of unsatiable outdoor entertainment junkies looking to REI-ify another sliver of heaven. For a few moments at least, the excessive eco-consumption you most likely just passed through can be forgotten in favor of the slower marvels of sublimity. read more

Beautiful sunset viewing spot. It gets chilly, so bundle up. We all enjoyed this amazing scenery and took great pics. read more

Minaret Vista - Sunset - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

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HOLY HELL BATMAN! Look at this view. Its beyond compare with few equivalents anywhere in the world IMHO... If you want to see natural beauty, dont check out a woman without make up on, that is an iffy proposition. Instead, drag your butt out here and take a look at stunning gorgeous beauty that you cant find hardly anywhere else. You have it all here; the jagged crags of the minarets, several towering peaks, a deep wooded forest valley floor, Mammoth Mountain towering at over 13,000', a volcanic caldera (the whole valley is one I have heard), mountains made of rock... and many more things. This vista is definitely one of my most favorite views in the whole world. I think it would likely compete with being on top of one of the Andes looking down on Machu Pichu, perhaps on top of one of the Himalaya's looking down on the entire world, and any other special high point holding a very special view. It is only accessible by vehicle or person during the summer/late spring/early fall. If you are lucky in the winter you would be able to find a dogsled or snowmobile ride to this point. Regardless it is absolutely stunning. I hope that the photos that I posted relay that to you. They have a picnic table, restrooms, and a few items to read concerning the valley and mountains surrounding it. Definitely a worthwhile spot to go if you are ever in Mammoth and can get there. On top of that, as you can see in my photos, you get some outstanding cloud formations too! Rarely is such an easily accessible place so uncrowded, but it is never crowded here. So pack a lunch or hit it after you have hiked down on the valley floor so you can better appreciate what outstanding sights that this vista truly holds. To me it is awe inspiring and I cant wait till I go back next time! read more

This is the easiest accessible vista point for a sunset and sunrise. Wear multiple layers to stay warm. It gets chilly. Stay for at least thirty minutes before and after to see the landscape change. At night best place to go for star gazing. Again keep yourself warm. read more

Just letting people know that you can use your National Parks Pass to get into Devil's Post Pile it will save you $10. read more

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There are too few opportunities in this life to do something unique. This is one of times where you need to jump in with both feet. This snowcat tour is a once in a lifetime chance at once in a lifetime views. It's an experience that you should share with someone you love or take advantage of on your own. The Mulled wine is PERFECTION! From the guide to our fellow tourists, this is a must do!!!!!!!!!!! I highly recommend having dinner and drinks in the bar upstairs when you're done with your tour. Ask for Tyler to hook you up with some of that amazing wine from the tour, he's pretty great! read more

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Spectacular scenery! Visited before sunrise to watch the stars fade and peaks appear. We saw a herd of deer crossing the hillside below the picnic area. read more

Minaret Vista - Looking east at Minaret Vista before sunrise. The sparkle on the tip of the branch of the pine snag is Venus. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California