California · Hiking · John Muir Wilderness · Near Mammoth Lakes

Mott Lake

3.8 mi
round trip
1,095 ft
climb
10,064 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Sep
best months

Caution today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is marginal · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 7 h ago

Is Mott Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name Mott Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Sierra National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Mott Lake is a moderate out-and-back hike in California's John Muir Wilderness, within the High Sierra Ranger District of Sierra National Forest. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and runs about 3.8 miles, with a one-way elevation gain of 1,095 feet from a low point of 8,949 feet to a high of 10,064 feet. The route is natural-surface and allows horses, and it is not an accessible trail. Bikes are not permitted. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Tuolumne Meadows, which sits about 1,370 feet lower, show July highs around 71°F and lows near 38°F. That station's figures are not directly comparable to the higher trail, so expect cooler temperatures on the route. The John Muir Trail passes about 2.2 miles away, and Mono Creek Trail is about 1.1 miles off. Paddlers can reach Mono Creek, about 2.7 miles away, and climbers will find the Sierra Eastside area about 4.8 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Edison Ferry Pickup

    Campground

    Campground · 2.9 mi from the trail
  • If it rains

    Iva Bell Hot Springs

    Hot spring

    On your way back · 9 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Mammoth Lakes

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Sep

    Best time to visit Mott Lake

    Best months: June–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 13°

    2. Feb

      38° / 12°

    3. Mar

      42° / 15°

    4. Apr

      45° / 22°

    5. May

      54° / 27°

    6. Jun

      65° / 33°

    7. Jul

      71° / 38°

    8. Aug

      70° / 36°

    9. Sep

      65° / 32°

    10. Oct

      57° / 26°

    11. Nov

      47° / 20°

    12. Dec

      40° / 12°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Tuolumne Meadows Rs, CA, 38.5 mi away at 8,694 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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HIKE

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