The Eastern Sierra Mountains, stretching from Lake Tahoe in the north to Death Valley in the south, are some of the most magnificent adventure grounds I’ve ever seen. This May we took two weeks to explore the region, hike, camp and visit some of the amazing hot springs we’ve heard so much about.

What we weren’t expecting was how much snow blanketed the region. Many hikes were inaccessible, even roads to trailheads still hidden under 3-5 feet of snow! But that didn’t stop us from finding some amazing places to visit.

Family Adventures in the Eastern Sierras

Camping in the Alabama Hills Area

The Alabama Hills Recreational Area is a massive desert landscape, littered with sharp granite boulders and formations great for camping, scrambling, hiking and climbing. If you have not stayed near Lone Pine, CA in one of the many campgrounds, stick this high on your list! Whitney Portal is 10 minutes up the road, allowing easy access to high alpine terrain as well.

Within the Alabama Hills Recreation Area are a variety of hikes and climbs, but Mobius Arch Loop is a perfect stop for families. Follow the loop for .5 miles to Mobius Arch while scrambling to your heart’s content.

If, like us, you have an Ironman fan in the family, stop by the Visitor Center and pick up a map that shows you the location of the filming site on Movie Rd. Sure, it left ALOT to the imagination when we found it, but my son loved it anyways. Click here for a PDF with more information on the area.

Hike to the Ashram near Lone Pine Lake

Located just south of Lone Pine and tucked in among the towering peaks, the Ashram is hard to see at first, even when you get close! Constructed in the late 1920s by a couple looking to build their own educational and spiritual sanctuary, the Ashram is made out of the same granite found in the surrounding areas and was carted up from below by mule.

Now a historic sight in the John Muir Wilderness, the hike (if you walk from the lower trailhead) is 4 miles and 1,600 vertical feet of gain. 4×4 vehicles and brave drivers can usually make it up to the upper trailhead, however it was closed while we were there.

A gorgeous hike, with a worthy destination, I’d highly suggest visiting. Inside you’ll find this inscription:

Father, Into thy eternal wisdom, all creative love, and infinite power
I direct my thoughts, give my devotion and manifest my energy
That I may know, love, and serve thee.

Hike Lone Pine Lake

Starting from Whitney Portal, the hike to Lone Pine Lake is roughly 6 miles and 1,800 vertical feet of gain. While Mount Whitney is the main attraction, it is out of reach for many families with young kids. Lone Pine Lake is an excellent option for big mountain views, alpine wildlife, all without needing a permit. Lone Pine Lake is the last destination before you enter the Whitney Zone and then need to get a permit for hiking there.

We were there in May, with snowline only a mile up the standard trail. Trekking poles were super helpful, additional traction such as yaktrax would have been nice.

Hike around Convict Lake near Mammoth Lakes, CA

After spending a week in the Lone Pine Area, we moved north of Bishop to the Mammoth Lakes Area.

We stumbled upon this lake just 10 minutes from where we were camped. Clocking in at just under 3 miles in length, the hike around Convict Lake is breathtaking the entire way. We stumbled upon it and returned twice so the whole family could enjoy it! The hike goes entirely around the lake. There is camping, fishing, and swimming in the area as well.

Soak in Wild Willy’s Hot Springs

Located south of Mammoth Lakes is a geothermal marvel resulting in multiple hot springs sprinkling the Owen Valley. The largest of these and hense the most “large group friendly” is Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. With two larger pools of varying temperature and a small inlet to explore, this was a fun evening adventure for our family.

We can’t wait to return to the Eastern Sierras, especially when more trailheads are open and less snow blankets the area. Let us know what your favorite hikes are and we will stick them on our list!