A visit to Mammoth Lakes in summer or fall would not be complete without taking the short hike to Crystal Lake. While it is an excellent first hike of the season in this case it was my last on this trip. While only a mile and a half long the hike seems longer because the trail is rather steep and also the views from every second of it are memorable.

Begin by driving from Mammoth Lakes on highway 203 which becomes Lake Mary Road. You'll pass Twin Lakes, bear left to Lake Mary, then follow signs to Lake George and Woods Lodge. The trail begins from the lower parking lot, or you can walk up to the top of Woods Lodge and join the trail there, saving some climbing.

The entire trail is wooded, well-marked, and easy on a dog's feet. It winds around quite a bit, since the elevation gain is significant in the short length of the trail. Even on the warmest of days the shade provided by the lush fir and pine forest makes the hike always enjoyable. It is also one that is frequently possible to take early in the season when other of Mammoth's hiking trails are not yet open. We have actually been on the trail when it was almost entirely snow covered, but yet accessible.

During at least half of the climb you are overlooking magnificent Lake George. There are many opportunities to photograph, and if your dog likes posing, several excellent rock outcroppings, such as this one.

In fact, I have photographed Genevieve so many times here that she seems to know how to find a stance on our favorite rock. One such image even graces my credit card which benefits the Humane Society.

We met quite a few other dogs on this hike, including Mattie and Miles who were quite memorable because of Mattie's sunglasses. Mattie, an Australian Shepherd is wearing sunglasses because she has one permanently dilated pupil. Miles, her companion, is a Corgy/Black Labrador mix. These two dogs were on lead, since I'm told by the owners, who also happen to be from Santa Barbara, that they would otherwise be chasing every gopher in sight. (I removed their leashes in Adobe Photoshop). The terrain seen in this image is typical of the upper portion of the trail.

There is one fork in the trail just before the descent to Crystal Lake. It is possible to take this one mile additional section all the way up to Mammoth Crest, which provides a panoramic view of the entire Lakes area. Having taken this extra walk before we did not on this visit, and went straight for the lake and a refreshing swim for Genevieve.

Crystal Lake is a much smaller lake than the others of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, but it is particularly attractive in its setting surrounded by mountain peaks, including Crystal Crag, which dominates the scene. Since the area is quite sheltered from wind it is not uncommon to find the mountains beautifully reflected in the lake.

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