🌄 Sunrise & Sunset Spots to Capture This Summer in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a photographer’s paradise—and summer is the prime season for golden hour magic. With high-alpine lakes, rugged Sierra peaks, and panoramic overlooks, this area offers countless opportunities to witness jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets. Whether you're an early riser or a golden hour chaser, you’ll find no shortage of spots to pause, breathe, and snap that perfect shot.
Here are the top sunrise and sunset spots in Mammoth Lakes to explore this summer:
🌞 Best Sunrise Spots in Mammoth Lakes
1. Minaret Vista
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Location: Off Minaret Road (near Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge)
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Why It’s Great: One of the most iconic sunrise spots, with sweeping views of the Minarets, Ritter Range, and even Mount Banner.
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Pro Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise to catch the sky changing colors over the jagged skyline.
2. Convict Lake
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Location: About 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes
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Why It’s Great: Calm waters, dramatic mountain reflections, and alpenglow on Mount Morrison.
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Photography Tip: Use a tripod for long exposures, especially if you're capturing the lake’s glassy surface in the low morning light.
3. Hot Creek Geological Site
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Location: Near the Mammoth Airport, off US 395
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Why It’s Great: Steam rising from the creek in the cool morning air creates a surreal sunrise scene.
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Bonus: Views of the Eastern Sierra and geothermal activity make this a unique landscape to photograph.
🌇 Best Sunset Spots in Mammoth Lakes
1. Lake Mary
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Location: Heart of the Mammoth Lakes Basin
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Why It’s Great: Catch the sun dipping behind the mountains with reflections on the lake’s surface.
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Perfect For: Kayakers, paddleboarders, and sunset picnics.
2. Twin Lakes Overlook
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Location: Above Twin Lakes, accessible via Lake Mary Road
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Why It’s Great: Elevated views of the shimmering lakes and Mammoth Crest make this a sunset hotspot.
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Tip: Bring a light jacket—it cools down fast after the sun sets.
3. Sherwin Lakes Trailhead Ridge
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Location: Old Mammoth Road
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Why It’s Great: A short uphill walk rewards you with sunset views over Mammoth Meadow and the town below.
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For Hikers: Start about 60–90 minutes before sunset and bring a headlamp for the hike back.
📸 Summer Photography Tips in Mammoth
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Use a Polarizer Filter: It helps manage lake glare and enhances the sky’s natural gradient.
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Golden Hour Timing: Sunrise begins around 5:45 AM and sunset hits around 8:15 PM in July—adjust accordingly.
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Scout Ahead: Visit locations in the afternoon to check compositions and angles.
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Respect Nature: Stay on trails, don’t trample wildflowers, and pack out all trash.
🏡 Stay Near the Views with Mammoth Village Property
https://mammothvillageproperties.com/contact-us
📞 Contact us today to learn more about vacation rentals or properties near Mammoth’s most photogenic viewpoints.
🌅 Final Thoughts: Capture the Magic of Summer Light
Mammoth Lakes is a place where nature performs twice daily—and summer is your VIP pass. Whether you're setting up a sunrise time-lapse at Convict Lake or toasting the day’s end at Lake Mary, these golden hour moments are what summer memories are made of.
📍Visit us in The Village if you’d like a personal guide to these magical locations—we're always happy to share local insight!
