1. The Unforgettable June Lake Loop Scenic Byway

Alright, so first up is the June Lake Loop, which is arguably the most famous scenic drive in this whole area. To be honest, it’s popular for a really good reason. You sort of take a detour off Highway 395 and you’re almost instantly in this different world. The loop itself is about 16 miles long, so it’s not a huge time commitment, you know? It’s basically perfect for a lazy afternoon. This road typically winds its way past four stunning lakes: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. Each one really has its own kind of personality.

What’s amazing, you know, is how the scenery changes with the seasons. In the fall, it’s honestly just an explosion of gold and orange from the aspen trees, and photographers pretty much flock here. Then, in the summer, everything is just incredibly green and the water looks so inviting. I mean, you can stop at any point to fish, have a picnic, or just sort of dip your toes in the water. One of my favorite spots is definitely the viewpoint overlooking Silver Lake, with Carson Peak rising dramatically in the background; it’s like a postcard, seriously. So, this drive is more or less a must-do, at the end of the day.

I mean, you could spend a whole day just on this loop, maybe stopping at the little town of June Lake for lunch at the Tiger Bar or grabbing some snacks at the general store. It just feels very classic Sierra Nevada.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([June Lake Loop Details])

2. The Mammoth Scenic Loop to the Minaret Vista

Okay, so if you’re looking for those really big, expansive mountain views, the Mammoth Scenic Loop is basically the one for you. This drive, honestly, is all about the huge scale of the Sierra Nevada. You start right from Mammoth Lakes and the road gently climbs up through a pretty forest of Jeffrey pines. As you get higher, you can, like, literally feel the air getting thinner and a little cooler, right? The road itself is in great shape, so it’s a very relaxing drive with some really nice curves.

The main event, of course, is the Minaret Vista viewpoint at the end of the loop. Seriously, when you park your car and walk over to the overlook, it’s just one of those moments that kind of takes your breath away. You’re greeted with this absolutely massive panoramic view of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. And stuff like the jagged peaks of the Minarets and the iconic shapes of Mount Ritter and Banner Peak are right there in front of you. At the end of the day, it’s a humbling sight. It’s a great spot for sunset, too; you get to see the last light hit those granite peaks, which is honestly magical. From here, the road continues down to Reds Meadow in the summer, but just driving to the vista and back is a perfect little car tour in itself, you know?

Read our full review: [Mammoth Scenic Loop Full Review and Details]

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Mammoth Scenic Loop Reservations])

3. A Drive Back in Time to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Frankly, this next one is a bit more of a day trip, but it’s so unique that I absolutely had to include it. The drive to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is just a little different from the others. You head south from Mammoth on 395 and then east into the White Mountains, which, by the way, are a whole different mountain range. The road climbs up, and up, and you sort of feel like you’re heading to the top of the world. At over 10,000 feet, you’ll find Schulman Grove, home to some of the oldest living things on Earth, you know?

I mean, seriously, these gnarled and weathered Bristlecone Pine trees are thousands of years old. Walking among them is a pretty profound experience. The air is really thin and crisp, and the silence is just incredible. The drive itself gives you these amazing views looking back west across the Owens Valley towards the Sierra Nevada. In a way, it’s like you’re seeing the entire Sierra range from a distance. The landscape is sort of stark and otherworldly, pretty much unlike anything else you’ll find in California. So, you should definitely plan to spend a few hours here, walking the trails and just taking it all in. Obviously, you’ll want to bring water and snacks, as there aren’t many services up there.

Read our full review: [Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Drive Full Review and Details]

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Bristlecone Forest Tour Availability])

4. Hot Creek Geological Site & The Dramatic Convict Lake Detour

Now, this tour is kind of a two-for-one deal, focusing on some of the more dramatic and geologically interesting spots just south of town. First, you’ll head out to Hot Creek Geological Site, which is literally a river that boils and steams. So, you park and take a short walk down a paved path to see these pools of bubbling, turquoise water and steam vents. It’s pretty wild, almost like a little piece of Yellowstone right here in California. It’s a very cool reminder of the volcanic forces that basically shaped this entire region.

After that, you’ll double back and take the very short drive to Convict Lake. I mean, the entrance to the lake canyon is just stunning. You drive between these sheer, colorful mountains that just sort of rise up out of the ground. The lake itself is incredibly clear and deep, set in a tight canyon that gives it a really dramatic feeling. In fact, it gets its name from a wild story about a group of escaped convicts back in the 1870s, which kind of adds to the atmosphere. You can actually drive all the way around the lake on a dirt road, which is a fun little adventure. Or you can just park, walk along the shore, and soak in the views. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light really makes the colors of the mountains pop, you know?

Basically, this is the perfect drive if you like a little bit of weird nature mixed with some classic, stunning Sierra scenery and a bit of wild west history.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Hot Creek & Convict Lake Tour])

5. The Easy and Accessible Lakes Basin Path Adventure

Alright, finally, if you’re looking for something that’s super close to town and really easy to do, the drive up to the Mammoth Lakes Basin is honestly perfect. This is basically the go-to drive for locals and visitors who just want to get a quick dose of alpine beauty without committing to a long trip. You just take Lake Mary Road right from the center of Mammoth Lakes and it climbs up past a chain of really beautiful lakes. First, you see Twin Lakes, with its famous little waterfall, and then you continue up past Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, and Horseshoe Lake.

Each lake is sort of unique and has its own designated parking areas, viewpoints, and picnic spots. So you can literally just cruise along and stop wherever it looks pretty. In the summer, the area is just bustling with people fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. As a matter of fact, it’s the heart of summer recreation in Mammoth. The road ends at Horseshoe Lake, which has a kind of eerie but cool vibe because of the carbon dioxide seeping from the ground, which has caused the trees around the lake to die off. It’s a very interesting natural phenomenon. Anyway, this drive is more or less the easiest way to feel like you’re deep in the mountains, even though you’re just a ten-minute drive from town. It’s definitely a favorite for a reason.

Read our full review: [Mammoth Lakes Basin Path Full Review and Details]

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Lakes Basin Adventure Reservations])