Getting together with some friends for a hiking vacation seemed like a good idea, so I sent out some emails and soon there were six of us - me, Chuck, Eric, Jim, John and Ramone - signed on for a week of hiking in the eastern Sierras. The plan was to rent a place in Mammoth and then every day select another day hike. In the evening we would tell stories about the heydays.
This website rates a bunch of hikes in the Eastern Sierras. I looked at its ratings when trying to select the best hikes in the Eastern Sierras. Lake Ediza is the top hike on the list, so I am glad that we did indeed do that hike - and it was spectacular. The original plan was to do five days of hiking and have one day of leisure, but we ended up visiting Devils Postpile National Monument and hiking a leisurely 11 miles on that "non-hiking" day!
We rented a condo in Mammoth West, which had ample space for the six of us. Plus, it had an outdoor grill so Ramone could work his BBQ wizardry. The condo complex had a jacuzzi, so we walked down there one evening to soak in the hot water.
Saturday July 23, 2022Drive to Mammoth Lakes Everyone arrived safely at our Mammoth VRBO. Ramone cooked up giant cheeseburgers. |
Sunday July 24, 2022Distance: 9.1 mile (loop) Elevation Gain: 275 feet around the loop. Difficulty: easy-moderate Ramone grilled filet mignon. |
Monday July 25, 20227.7 miles (round trip) to Gem Lakes 730-ft. to Gem Lakes Difficulty: easy-moderate Ramone grilled Coke-can chicken. |
Tuesday July 26, 2022Hike to Duck Lake Scenic Overlook 7.2 miles (round trip) to Duck Lake Viewpoint 1680-ft. to Duck Pass Difficulty:moderate Ramone grilled tri-tip steaks. |
Wednesday July 27, 20223.1 miles (round trip) to Crystal Lake 833-ft. to Crystal Lake Difficulty:moderate Ramone grilled baby back ribs. |
Thursday July 28, 2022Visit Devils Postpile (Leisure Day) We finished off the left overs from all previous nights BBQs. |
Friday July 29, 202213.4 miles (round trip) to Ediza Lake 1,225-ft. to Ediza Lake Difficulty: strenuous Dinner at Mammoth Brewing Company |
Saturday July 30, 2022Drive home |
These are the hikes we did each day
| Item | Mileage | Elevation Gain |
| Hiking Day 1 - 20 Lakes Basin | 9.1 miles | 275 feet |
| Hiking Day 2 - Little Lakes Basin | 7.7 miles | 730 feet |
| Hiking Day 3 - Duck Pass | 7.2 miles | 1680 feet |
| Hiking Day 4 - Crystal Lake | 3.1 miles | 833 feet |
| Visit Devils Postpile | 11 miles | 500 feet? |
| Hiking Day 5 - Ediza Lake | 13.4 miles | 1225 feet |
| Grand Total | 51.5 miles | 5243 feet |
This map shows the location of the selected trailheads with respect to Mammoth Lakes, which is where we would presumably rent a condo.
