Twin Lakes (Mammoth)
Trailhead · 8,580 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Twin Lakes sits at 8580 feet in the Mammoth Lakes corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. This high-elevation trailhead accesses glacier-carved basins and alpine water. Typically calmer than exposed ridgelines but windier than sheltered valleys.
Wind funnels off the water by mid-afternoon, particularly in spring and early summer. The 30-day average wind runs 12 mph, with gusts reaching 31 mph. Morning visits yield flatter conditions. Exposed shoreline amplifies afternoon thermal buildup.
Over the past 30 days, the average NoGo Score has held at 44, with temperature averaging 31°F and wind averaging 12 mph. The week ahead will likely track the seasonal pattern of calm mornings deteriorating to strong afternoon wind. Watch for variable crowding tied to road access and parking saturation during weekends.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Twin Lakes (Mammoth)
Twin Lakes (Mammoth) sits in the eastern Sierra at 8580 feet elevation, accessed via Highway 395 south of Mammoth Lakes town. The trailhead anchors a drainage system with two glacier-fed lakes separated by a low saddle. Parking is tight on weekends; arrive by 8 a.m. or use mid-week visits to secure a spot. The primary approach follows the northwest shore before splitting to the upper basin. Winter approach requires avalanche awareness; the drainage has a history of slab activity in spring. Summer snow can linger into early July at the highest passes.
Spring and early summer bring consistent afternoon wind; the 30-day average of 12 mph understates the mid-afternoon peak that regularly exceeds 15 mph by 3 p.m. Winter temperatures average 31°F across the rolling 30-day window, with historic lows near 17°F. Crowding averages 8 out of 10 on weekends from late spring through early fall, dropping to 2 to 3 on weekdays. Late September offers the sweetest window: temperatures climb into the 40s, wind subsides, and labor-day crowds clear. By October, snow often caps higher peaks by mid-month.
This trailhead works best for hikers and backpackers seeking alpine lakes without extreme technical difficulty. Scramble routes to nearby peaks draw experienced parties. Fishing draws water-focused visitors in summer. The exposed shoreline and afternoon wind make it unsuitable for early-season paddlers or anyone sensitive to cold gusts. Experienced winter parties use it as a staging point for avalanche-safe approach routes. Parking pressure often forces visitors to nearby Horseshoe Lake or the Mammoth Lakes Basin alternatives on peak weekends.
Nearby Horseshoe Lake sits lower and slightly more sheltered, drawing overflow parking crowds. Lake Mary and Mamie Lake are closer to town and fill faster on weekends. The Twin Lakes basin itself offers better water quality and fewer crowds than the Mammoth Crest access points. Day hikers and overnighters both use this trailhead; the upper lake campsites fill first on weekends. High avalanche potential in spring dictates route choice and timing for winter and early-season parties.