Wind, Snow, and a Million-Dollar View — I Simply Fell in Love: Mammoth Lakes, CA
It is a cold night, somewhere in the low 30’s, and at times, the gusts of wind feel like my van is about to take off the ground. I manage to stay warm under my blankets and two layers of warm clothes.
I am planning to take the day and get to know the area of Mammoth Lakes. Since I am arriving on a Saturday morning, I know it might be a challenge to find a campsite, so I take care of that first. I already have a few options on my map. Since I am passing near the Crowley Lake BLM Campground, I am stopping to check it out. The campground is first-come, first-served, and surprisingly, it's only $10 a night with a view worth $1 million. I don't need to think much, this will be my spot for tonight.
I have also planned to hike the Crowley Lake Columns that are nearby. Next, I stop at the information center to get my bearings and real-time information on which hikes and roads are open. With still so much snow around, many of the options I saved to my AllTrails folder are not accessible. I also learn, to my disappointment, that they just raised the lake's water level, and the Columns are now mostly submerged. Next time...
It is a beautiful sunny day, but very windy. My first stop is Twin Lakes, which leaves me in absolute awe! What a stunning view! In the distance, a massive waterfall roars, melting slowly with the sun's rays. It's hard to hear its flowing sounds with the blowing wind. I look for a way to get closer. I do need to find my way walking through the snow. I never thought I would find myself walking on snow with my sandals. :) However, I am determined to get closer.
I am back at my campsite to enjoy an early evening. Life is tough when my only decision is what kind of view I want to face while I am eating my dinner. The Eastern Sierra Mountains or Crowley Lake with its beautiful blue water? As a mountain girl, the Sierra Mountains win without a doubt.
Interesting—today I learned that in California, you need to have a permit to use your propane stove or make a fire. It is free to obtain the permit. You just need to watch a video and answer a few questions. I am glad to have it now.
What a gift tonight as the moon is full. I love when the skies are lit by the moon and reveal the mountains in magical light.
Good morning, beautiful sunrise! I purposely don't cover the window facing the sunrise, which means I am waking up quite early. It is so worth it!
I have a few hikes on my list today. After a few days of relaxing my calf and stretching it gently, I am no longer in pain. I take the extra step and tape my calf for additional support.
As I get to Convict Lake, the wind picks up again, but nothing can chill this incredible, breathtaking view. Right away, the combination of colors of the mountain rising above the lake gets my complete admiration. This lake is a must-visit! The hike (about 2.5 miles) around the lake is easy, and I recommend taking the trail counterclockwise.
My next stop is the Hot Creek Geologic Site. A short hike will take you down to walk along the hot stream. I don't stay long, as I dislike the smell of hot springs.
Now that the days are longer, I still have plenty of time for another hike. Sherwin Lakes is an in-and-out hike (about 5 miles), rated moderate. The first two miles are uphill, but the switchbacks soften the climb. You gain only 885 feet of elevation, but you are already starting at over 7,500 feet. As I climb higher, there are still some snow patches to cross, but nothing that requires any spikes.
It is not the high altitude that takes my breath away, but the view at the lake is another miraculous beauty of Mother Nature and a pure gift from the universe. I love it when a huge smile takes over my tiny face as I experience a majestic view.
The blasting wind is not letting go, and if anything, it is getting stronger. It's time to find my corner for tonight. I learned that there are BLM spots along the Mammoth Scenic Loop. Free is always my preferred way to camp. :)
I know there is no way I can cook a hot meal for dinner—the wind is just out of control. My avocado is ripe, and I have some shredded chicken, which will be a fantastic dinner. Yummy!
It is a cold night, somewhere in the low 30’s, and at times, the gusts of wind feel like my van is about to take off the ground. I manage to stay warm under my blankets and two layers of warm clothes.
The weather for the next two days is calling for strong winds and snow, which is a good reason to sit in a library and catch up on my writing.
I wonder if I made a wrong calculation? I am back at my BLM camp spot. The wind is not letting go, and on top of it, a light sound on my roof wakes me up in the middle of the night. Oh no, it's snowing. I am parked on a dirt road. The last thing I would like to happen is to be stuck in a place with little reception. At this point, I go back to sleep. I will deal with this tomorrow morning. It might not be a big deal, and I have a tire rating for snow.
I woke up around 5:30 in the morning to find a thin layer covering the ground. I turn on my car to run the heat. My pillow and my nose are freezing cold.
That will be interesting. The only shoes that I have access to are my sandals...
I hope Starbucks is open at 6:30 in the morning. :)
So that is where I am now—staying warm while it's still snowing and windy (5/13/25).
It's time to treat myself to a warmer night and a shower. Motel 6 will be my home tonight.
