Inyo Craters Day Hike

Mammoth Lakes

Inyo craters is a pair of volcanic steam-explosion craters formed in the mid-14th century. The craters are about 660 feet in diameter and 200 feet deep. At the bottom of both craters are small lakes.

A smaller, third crater is to the north on the summit of Deer Mountain, but is not included in the day hike. All three craters were believed to have been formed within days or even hours of one another. Today visitors can follow a short trail and stand at the rims of the two southern craters.

Inyo Craters Trailhead

The Inyo Craters trailhead is located at the end of a 1.2-mile gravel and dirt road which leads off the Mammoth Scenic Loop, 2.8 miles from Minaret Road, the main highway leading from Mammoth Lakes to Reds Meadow and the Devils Postpile. The dirt road is bumpy, but can be navigated by most vehicles.

At the trailhead is a spacious parking lot, a vault toilet, and a trailhead sign. While the sign declares that the hike to the craters is ¼-mile, the uphill trail is actually ½-mile. Near the craters, the trail forms a loop. Either direction works. At the southern-most crater is a large viewing area with a protective railing.

Inyo Craters Trail

The trail up to the Inyo Craters climbs steadily from the parking lot at a moderate incline. At 8,000 feet in elevation, some may appreciate some rest stops along the way. There is no water available, so hikers are advised to carry their own.

As the trail nears the craters it divides to form a loop. The right-hand trail leads to the rim of the northern-most of the two craters. A less-spectacular view than its southern neighbor, it is still interesting. From there the trail leads down to the southern crater and a wide viewing area. A safety railing keeps visitors at a safe distance from the crumbling crater rim. Following the downhill trail from the southern crater soon connects hikers with the main trail leading back to the parking lot.