Located within Mammoth Mountain Ski Area but open to the public with no fee required, the Dragon's Back Hiking Trail, starting from the trailhead at the far end of the Twin Lakes Campground, is a steep and strenuous uphill hike with increasingly dramatic views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin the higher you get. Near the top of the ridge, peer back down toward Twin Lakes through a natural lava tube dubbed the "Bottomless Pit" or "Hole in the Wall." Take the Seven Lakes Point Trail to the end and see if you can name all seven lakes! Follow the Dragon's Back Hiking Trail up to the interpretive center at the top of Mammoth Mountain. Return the way you came or ride the scenic gondola to Main Lodge and catch a shuttle.
Vista Viewing from the Dragon's Back Trail
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Experience Checklist
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Day pack
- Energy bars/electrolyte replacement
- Hiking boots
- Map or GPS device
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen/lip protector
- Telephoto lens
- Windbreaker/shell
Public Services
Experience Information
- Trail Length
- 6.3 miles
- Trail Surface
- Soil
- Duration
- Half day
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This experience is accessed from the back of the Twin Lakes Campground or for a fee via the gondola at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main Lodge.
- Get driving directions to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main Lodge
- Get driving directions to Twin Lakes Campground
- Get public-transit options*
*Note that not all facilities are accessible via public transit.
Related Trails
Dragon's Back Trail
3.0 mi
- Surface: Soil
Mammoth Pass Trail
4.1 mi
- Surface: Soil
Related Trails
Trail | Length (mi) | Surface | Activities and Services |
---|---|---|---|
Dragon's Back Trail | 3.0 | Soil | |
Mammoth Pass Trail | 4.1 | Soil |
Related Destinations
Mammoth Mountain
- Hours/Season: All day | Year Round
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main Lodge
- Hours/Season: Call for hours | Year Round
Related Destinations
Destination | Activities and Services |
---|---|
Mammoth Mountain | |
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main Lodge |