Inyo Craters - Historical landmark in Mammoth Lakes - Mammoth Scenic Loop, USA

Moderate hike with some cool spots to take pics. The dirt road is not super challenging but make sure you pick the right lane if you have a small suv or a car. There are a few trails that take you here from the parking lot. There is a restroom here btw. The hike is about 10 to 15 min depending on your pace with some moderate elevation. There are 2 craters and you can walk around the top to check them both. You will also get some nice views of the mountains around the area.

The Inyo Craters are a cool natural feature to see near Mammoth Lakes. The hike to the craters is only about a half mile from the parking area. Both craters are easily accessible, however one is larger and clear of trees inside of the crater allowing ng for better visibility of the pond that has formed inside from rain and snow making for a uniquely colored blue pond. A cool sight to stop and see.

Do not try to drive through the parts of road with high humps of snow! One vehicle was stuck just before we got there and on the same area, we helped tow out another vehicle on our way out. Be smart and find the best angles to go through. Use Google maps to assure yourself that you're on the right course. The very short and fairly easy hike to the crater is worth the pictures. The only reason I give 4 stars is poor signage at actual parking lot. You'll know you're there when you see the bathroom building. (One bathroom was locked, [nobody inside] and the other looked like a horror gas station bathroom. Super gross and unusable. We had to go, but still held off). Yes I would recommend going the the Inyo Crater but don't let little kids run ahead of you because there are no guard rails at the crater and the edge is loose gravel. We didn't venture down to the left where I believe I did see some sort of railing.

Located just over one mile down a dirt road that is pretty easy for passenger cars to navigate. There is plenty of parking (and free firewood collecting). There are pit toilets but no services. The hike is an easy half mile each way that is almost completely shaded with a slight incline that is easy to manage. The craters are something to see and are situated in a pretty scenic spot

A trail approximately a 1/2 mile walk to Craters and 1/2 mile back..but there are more places on top to explore if your willing to walk up a hill and other parts. The Craters were pretty cool to see, but should have good shoes will be in dirt and some hills are a little steep.. its easy to slip a little .. just take your time. I saw a lot of people with wood sticks. Great history

Pretty cool! The first crater (if you’re hiking clockwise) is definitely prettier (mineral blue) than the second crater. About 1.7 miles if you do a big loop around both craters.

As of June 5, 2023, all of Dry Creek Road is snowed in, although there is not any signage saying so. We parked at the start of where the road would be and hiked through the snow, only to find the trail entrance was inaccessible due to fallen and chopped trees. Would have appreciated some road signage or info on the website letting people know the craters are not accessible from Dry Creek Rd. The parking lot is also completely flooded with about a foot of snow melt and surrounded by fallen trees/branches.

Being a flat lander ,I took my fair share of rest stops on the way up the trail to the craters guessing due to the elevation. Still not sure why the cutting of all the trees up the trail?