Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To reach the site, turn off Hwy 395 about 5 miles south of town and follow signs to the
Hot Creek Fish Hatchery. From here, it's another 2 miles on gravel road to the parking
area, and a short hike down into the canyon and creek.
For a soak that
won't
cook your goose, take Hwy 395 about 9 miles south of Mammoth
to Benton Crossing Rd, which accesses a trove of primitive
hot spring pools
. Locals call
this 'Green Church Rd,' because of the road's unmistakable marker. For detailed directions
and maps, pick up the bible - Matt Bischoff's excellent
Touring California & Nevada Hot
Springs
. And keep in mind these three golden rules: no glass, no additives to the water
and, if you can, no bathing suit.
Convict Lake
Located just southeast of Mammoth, Convict Lake is one of the area's prettiest lakes, with
emerald water embraced by massive peaks. A hike along the gentle trail skirting the lake,
through aspen and cottonwood trees, is great if you're still adjusting to the altitude. A trail-
head on the southeastern shore gives access to Genevieve, Edith, Dorothy and Mildred
Lakes in the John Muir Wilderness. To reach the lake, turn south from Hwy 395 on Con-
vict Lake Rd (across from the Mammoth airport) and go 2 miles.
In 1871 Convict Lake was the site of a bloody shoot-out between a band of escaped
convicts and a posse that had given chase. Posse leader, Sheriff Robert Morrison, was
killed during the gunfight and the taller peak, Mt Morrison (12,268ft), was later named in
his honor. The bad guys got away only to be apprehended later near Bishop.
has flush toilets and nicely terraced sites. Otherwise your only option is
Convict Lake
Resort
( 800-992-2260, 760-934-3800;
www.convictlake.com
; 2000 Convict Lake Rd; cabins
from $189; )
, whose three houses and 28 cabins with kitchens sleep from two to 34
and range from rustic to ritzy. Foodies with deep pockets flock to the elegant
restaurant
(
760-934-3803; lunch $10-15, dinner $24-38; 5:30-9pm daily, plus 11am-2:30pm Jul & Aug)
,
which many consider the best within a 100-mile radius.
McGee Creek
Eight miles south of Mammoth Lakes, off Hwy 395, McGee Creek Rd rises into the moun-
tains and dead-ends in a dramatic aspen-lined canyon, a particularly beautiful spot for au-
tumn foliage. From here, the McGee Pass Trail enters the John Muir Wilderness, with day
