Inyo Craters Trail 0.8 mi

  • There are two primary trails that leave from the parking area and connect to the summit rims of the three volcanic craters. The parking area, located 3 miles north of the Mammoth Scenic Loop on a graded dirt road through old-growth Jeffrey pine forest, includes a restroom and interpretive information. The craters were formed by a series of small but violent steam-blast eruptions about six hundred years ago. The two southernmost craters are approximately 200 feet deep and contain small lakes. Views stretch from San Joaquin Ridge to the Mono Craters to the White Mountains. Access in winter is by snowshoes, skis or snowmobile.

  • There are two primary trails that leave from the parking area and connect to the summit rims of the three volcanic craters. The parking area, located 3 miles north of the Mammoth Scenic Loop on a graded dirt road through old-growth Jeffrey pine forest, includes a restroom and interpretive information. The craters were formed by a series of small but violent steam-blast eruptions about six hundred years ago. The two southernmost craters are approximately 200 feet deep and contain small lakes. Views stretch from San Joaquin Ridge to the Mono Craters to the White Mountains. Access in winter is by snowshoes, skis or snowmobile.

  • Trail Activities

    • Birding
    • Hiking
    • Interpretive
    • Mountain Biking

    Public Services

    Trail Information

    • Typical grade 7% - (Maximum 21% for 9 feet)
    • Typical cross slope 1% - (Maximum 5% for 50 feet)
    • Typical width at trail surface 3 feet
    • Soil
    • 14 Stairs exist on this trail
    • A standard ramp is 8%. Conditions subject to change.

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Related Destinations

Inyo Craters

  • Hours/Season: All day | Summer Fall 

  • Hiking  Interpretive  Photography  Vista Viewing 

Related Destinations

Destination Activities and Services
Inyo Craters Hiking Interpretive Photography Vista Viewing

Related Experiences

Related Experiences

Experience Rating Length (mi) Surface Duration
Birding at Inyo Craters 0.8 Soil Less than 4 hours
Motorized Trail Riding Crater Flat Loop 10.8 Soil Less than 4 hours
Mountain Biking the Inyo Craters Loop 10.3 Soil Less than 4 hours
Snowshoeing to the Inyo Craters 3.1 Snow Less than 4 hours
How to get involved Local recreation resources Experiences and ratings Finding your way around the MLTS Trail System Projects