good hikes for the family (right now)...

[Jbaysurfer]

So I've done plenty of backcountry exploration over snow, but not a bunch in the mammoth area on the trails. I understand the current situation is snow above 9k or so, but my family, and another family (friends) are coming up for the weekend of the 4th.

2mile rt hikes are just about ideal for this group, having 2 7 year olds, and an almost 5 year old (who's a gamer, she can probably outhike the other two). I've considered Panorama dome, but don't know the snow situation up there. I've also considered Rainbow falls, but fear that might be a bit long for family friendly purposes. Would also consider McCloud lake, but that's like 9400' and probably snow covered?

Any feedback, suggestions or ideas are welcomed. Other than ziplining and the climbing wall, which the kids will do, any other can't miss stuff for the little ones? Tks for your help!

...Also, any fishing suggestions? We aren't so concerned with actually catching anything, but a place for the little ones to cast a line into that isn't too dangerous or off the beaten path would be ideal!

One more edit: Hows the skiing situation for beginners? I've done the July 4th thing before, but pretty much just ran laps on Sign-line. Lessons? Rentals?

It's funny how you think you're a virtual tour guide for a place then realize that looking at it from a 7 year olds perspective adds a whole new list of questions

[windyscotty]

Well then, I would take them on the old family Sherwin Lakes Trail. The Valentine Trail down the road is even better.

[Sierra Lady]

You are correct in assuming that trails above 9K will still be snow-covered. (nix the Panorama Dome or McLeod trails) You could still take them down on the shuttle to Devils Postpile as that is a very short an easy hike from the parking lot, but Rainbow Falls might be too strenuous and hot for them since there is little shade.

While Mr. & Mrs. Biker395 were here the last 3 days, I directed them to the trail around Convict Lake and they did that one day then the Sherwin Lake trail the next day which were both snow-free.

You need to get input from the fishing experts like OGT and Skipunk, but there used to be a cool little pond down at the McGee turnoff (south of Mammoth) called the "U-Catch-Em" pond. I don't know if it's still there, but worth checking out on your way up maybe. The streams are running VERY high and fast right now so if you do take them around those watch them very closely so they don't fall in and get swept away.

According to the Daily Snow Report there is no beginner terrain at this time of year, although I saw many families with their kids on Broadway the last two days and an adult male teaching his adult male friend how to snowboard. However with the uneven snow in places, it wouldn't be ideal learning conditions. There are private lessons available, but no groups and the rental office is open.

All our 4th of July Celebration activities are loads of fun with plenty for little kids to do. Check out the list!

You could call the M.L. Welcome Center for more info at (760) 924-5500, daily, 8-5 and when you hear the menu press "0" for a ranger.

Have fun!

[Grumpy]

Bodie and do the mill tour.
Mono Lake
June Lake Loop
Yosemite day trip
Hike Lundy Canyon
Fish Lundy Lake
Hike up Green Creek
Fish Virginia Lakes, if you can get to Blue Lake fish there, guaranteed brookies on a parachute adams or mosquito, fly and bubble method. The kids will love watching the fish hit their fly.
Sherwin Lakes sucks now that the fire ripped through there, the kids will hate the uphill, and it's too crowded.
Parker Lake
Hot Creek
Convict lake


That should keep you busy.

[windyscotty]

Stay home!

[Jbaysurfer]

Tks for the suggestions everybody. Windyscotty, I liked your first one better then your second . Grumpy, you suggested a bunch of things we've done before, but several things we haven't done, thanks! I'm excited about your fishing suggestions, also tks for the honest assesment of Sherwin Lakes. We live in Santa Barbara, so hiking through fire damage is not a novelty to us

SL, we will indeed keep a close eye on the kids around the running water. I think we'll skip the Lundy Canyon hike for that reason, as we did it last year at this time and with 1 kid it's fine, but with 3, and likely far more water, it might require a bit too much supervision. I'd never done the Rainbow falls hike, so tks for that info as well. I'm off to peruse the 4th of July link you gave me, though I'm pretty sure my well organized better half is a step ahead of me!