Travel Diaries: Roadtrip to Mammoth
A couple weeks ago, Patrick's parents invited us to join them on a spontaneous trip to Mammoth! It was my first time going so I was super excited to explore a new place and just be surrounded by nature. Hiking is one of my favorite stress relievers and after a crazy busy month, all I wanted to do was get lost in the great outdoors. There's nothing that gives me peace and wonderment like being in the mountains, wouldn't you agree? With winter fast approaching, we wanted to see all the colorful leaves before they withered away. We were only there for a weekend so we took full advantage of it by hiking the Devil's Postpile, Convict Lake and Parker Lake.
On the first day, we hiked the Devils Postpile, which is only about a half mile in and a mile roundtrip. Because it was a rather short hike, we took our time to explore the area and enjoy the scenery. When we actually got to the postpile, I was amazed by the geometric rock formations! I learned that the postpile first began as a lake of lava that spewed over and when the molten lava cooled, it became a solid rock. During the process of solidifying, the rocks begin to contract and release internal stress, creating the postpile formations. I can't even imagine what that whole process would look like but I'm always blown away the beauty produced by nature.
Later that day, Pat and I were still full of energy so we drove over to the Convict Lake. It ended up being my favorite spot out of the three with the most stunning colors! The trail that circles around the lake is about 3 miles and is more of a walk than a hike. It's really beautiful and you're constantly taking in new scenery as you walk along the shoreline. When you get to the far end of the loop, there's a cool bridge that's covered in a cave of yellow colored trees. Towards the end, we even ran into a couple walking a Cavalier King Charles puppy! I freaked out a bit because they're my favorite and not very common. The owners were really sweet and insisted we take a photo with him. I was a very happy gal :)
He was even wearing a candy corn bib, too cute for words
On our last day there, Eric, Kelly, Patrick and I woke up bright and early for a morning hike. Parker Lake, located near June Lake, was the longest hike of the trip with a 4-mile trail. It wasn't a crazy difficult hike by any means but there were some areas that were a bit steep. I thought this trail had best hike of the three with the most versatile scenery. When we arrived at the actual lake though, it felt like the temperature suddenly dropped and it was freezing. Even with three layers and a scarf, I was still shivering from the cold wind blasting on my face. If you decide to go, be sure to dress warm!
Hike to Parker Lake
Take One: Eric tossed a pinecone to troll our photo // Take Two: This is our I-Saw-A-Bear face (we're weirdos, I know)
Going through these pictures again makes me itch for another adventure! If you have any recommendations for great hikes (preferably around the OC or LA area), feel free to send them my way :) —xo