Are dogs allowed on Inyo Craters Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Inyo Craters Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Inyo Craters Trail?

No, Inyo Craters Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Inyo Craters Trail?

Inyo Craters Trail is rated easy. It is 1.6 miles long with 371 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Inyo Craters Trail suitable for kids?

Yes, Inyo Craters Trail is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

EasyLoop

California

Inyo Craters Trail

Mammoth Lakes, California

1.6 mi

Distance

371 ft

Elev. Gain

Loop

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Note: Roads in the forest are subject to closure due to weather. Check the Stanislaus Forest website for information on current conditions. Short hike to two impressive craters filled with water in Inyo National Forest Mammoth Lakes Ranger district. The hike to the first two craters is a short scenic trail heavily shaded by a steady canopy of trees. The trail skirts the perimeter of the first crater, where you can step down to an observation area to take in the intense views of the turquoise water set against the backdrop of Mammoth Mountain. Continue following the trail as it makes a slight climb up to the second crater, which holds a smaller darker lake and is more obstructed by trees. Retrace your steps to return to the parking lot. These craters are the most recently active eruptive centers of the Long Valley Caldera, dating from about 500 to 600 years ago. There are three main craters-North, South, and the crater at the summit of Deer Mountain.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,480 ft

Max:2,557 ft

113 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context