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Aug 24, 2024 — After my last trip to the Sierra a couple of weeks ago, my addiction to these peaks only grew stronger. Perhaps I was a little too eager, because today was cold, windy, and there was actual snowfall (yay, summer!), forcing me to change my plans more times than I care to admit, but eventually settled on Mammoth Mountain. This is a short hike at a lower elevation, and I figured I might dodge the worst of the weather. Mammoth Mountain is home to a ski resort just outside the city of Mammoth Lakes. There are plenty of ways to reach the summit, but I chose the Dragon's Back Trail from the southeast. I left my car outside the Twin Lakes Campground at a small lot before a bridge, since day hiker parking is not permitted past here.
I walked through the Twin Lakes Campground, found the trailhead, and started up a few switchbacks that were steep enough to remind my legs what hiking is like again. The switchbacks continued through the forest with some nice views down to Twin Lakes. I reached a junction with a trail that leads to some lava tubes above a feature known as Hole in the Wall, a lava rock formation with an arch-shaped tunnel, but I chose to skip this excursion. The climb up to the southeast ridge of Mammoth Mountain continued along the Dragon's Back Trail, and I was rewarded with gorgeous views of Lake Mary and the surrounding peaks. Well, at least until I entered the fog, where the only thing I could see was more fog. The trail pleasantly made its way up the spine. Significant construction was done to keep the route a simple walk, eliminating what would otherwise certainly include scrambling.
Soon, I was above the treeline and crossed over a ski resort road. The wind had picked up and I was moving quickly, just keen on reaching the summit at this point since I couldn't see anything anyway. I followed the trail up a steep slope, which eventually turned into a manicured dirt road that led me almost to the summit. I had absolutely no views, but I'm sure they would normally be lovely.
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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!
