Mammoth Lakes is a mountain town that draws people from all over California. Isn’t it amazing how places draw us in and wrap around our hearts? Memories are often tied to places; it’s why we feel that tug of nostalgia when we return to a place from childhood. I believe place is important, which is why so many people who visit Mammoth want to document their lives in the place they love. After years of exploring the Eastern Sierra, I compiled this ultimate location guide to help you create the best engagement photos in Mammoth Lakes. Considering how popular the area is, it’s still easy to find remote and isolated spots that will feel simultaneously epic and intimate. Weather will sometimes limit our access to these magical places, but there are always back up options.
Why is Mammoth Lakes so Special?
The Eastern Sierra is exactly what it sounds like– the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The endless variety of features makes it one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world. From rugged mountain ranges to desert landscapes scattered with sage brush, from smooth sand dunes to textured granite boulders, and from luscious green forests to alpine lakes — there’s no shortage of options.
The Owens Valley is the deepest valley in the United States. The floor sits at 4,000 feet, surrounded by the Sierra crest to the west, and the White Mountains to the east, with peaks ranging from 12,000 to 14,000 feet (including Mt Whitney!) Read more about the Owens Valley here. Within a 20 minute drive from Bishop or Mammoth Lakes, you could be at 8,000 feet ready to hike into the backcountry and even hop on the John Muir Trail for a day hike.
A Guide to Choosing the Best Location for Engagement Photos near Mammoth Lakes
Here are some of my favorite locations for engagement photos near to Mammoth Lakes. The last few on the list are a bit farther than the first few.
Near Mammoth
- Hot Creek Geological Site
- Convict Lake
- The Owen’s River
- Twin Lakes
- Minaret Vista
Near Bishop
- Buttermilk Boulders
- The Owens River
- Lake Sabrina
- North Lake Trailhead
- Rock Creek
- McGee Creek
Some locations farther south, but truly epic if you want to drive
- Alabama Hills – 2 hours from Mammoth Lakes, 1 hour from Bishop
- Eureka Sand Dunes – 3 hours from Mammoth Lakes, 2 hours from Bishop
- Death Valley National Park – 4 hours from Mammoth Lakes, 3 hours from Bishop
Mammoth Lakes Locations
#1. Hot Creek Geological Site
Access and Best Season: Hot Creek Geological site is accessible by road for about half of the year, whenever the snow has melted off of the road. It is totally unpredictable outside of Summer and Fall. You can access it year round if you’re willing to snow shoe or have a heavy duty 4×4 vehicle.
What makes it so special:
Hot Creek is one of the most easily accessible and epic views. The view above the Owen’s River within a sweeping canyon, with Mount Laurel in the background, is what makes this view so iconic. It’s also a great spot to tag onto another location if you want to explore multiple areas. Find hot springs, Convict Lake, and more in the nearby area.
View full sessions at this location:
Paddle-boarding and Wedding Photos at Hot Creek Geological Site
Engagement Photos at Hot Creek Geological Site
#2. Convict Lake
Access and Best Season: Convict Lake is one of the few ALL SEASON locations, perfect for elopements, weddings, engagements, and proposals.
What makes it so special:
The road to Convict Lake is plowed all winter which makes it accessible year round! The vibe of Convict Lake changes dramatically between seasons. During summer months, you could use Convict Lake as a trailhead to hike into the mountains; you could paddle-board or swim, have a picnic on the shore. As we transition to autumn months, you might be surrounded by fall color (aspens!) and still squeeze a hike in. Winter season is far more limited with the snow, but it is still beautiful. If you’re lucky, you could ice skate on the lake (at your own risk).
View full sessions at this location:
Paddle-boarding on Convict Lake
#3. Owen’s River near Mammoth Lakes
#4. Twin Lakes in Mammoth
#5. Minaret Vista
Bishop Locations
#1. Buttermilk Boulders
Access and Best Season: Ideal in during fall, winter, and spring but accessible all year long. Seasonal, ideal in fall & spring, and winter. Too hot during the summer
What makes it so special:
The Buttermilks are world class boulders. The area is packed with beautiful granite features, a waterfall, and one of the best views of the sierra range.
#2. Owens River in Bishop
Access and Best Season: The Owens River in Bishop is accessible year round. I usually suggest it during the cooler months but would still be ideal at sunrise during the summer.
What makes it so special:
The Owens River snakes back and forth in the most cinematic beautiful way. I love the riverside areas because they have a meadow-vibe, which is not common in the area. I personally adore Bishop and think it is overrated. If you like climbing and hiking, bishop is the spot!
#3. Lake Sabrina
Access and Best Season: Lake Sabrina is best during summer months from June – October depending on the year
What makes it so special:
Lake Sabrina is a beautiful spot all on its own, but provides a number of options including nearby aspen trees, and a trailhead that could be hiked for miles.
#4. North Lake Trailhead
Access and Best Season: North Lake is ideal in summer and fall, completely inaccessible during winter and until the snow melts around May/June, or even July after a big snow year.
What makes it so special:
Northlake is a spectacular trailhead for hiking and vistas. Ideal for fall color!
#5. Rock Creek
Access and Best Season: Best during summer and fall, from June through October. Winter is inaccessible. During fall it has one of the best views of fall color.
What makes it so special:
Rock Creek lake is beautiful and offers an easy walkable spot for photos. If you’re feeling adventurous, and have a lot of time, you can access a few alpine lakes up trail like Ruby Lake, or hike to the top of Mt Starr.
#6. McGee Creek Canyon
Access and Best Season: Best during summer and fall, from June through October. During summer you might encounter wildflower season, and fall you might be lucky enough to see the aspen fall color
What makes it so special:
McGee Creek Canyon is easy to drive to during summer and fall, and you can hike as little or as much as you want. This area is usually a quieter spot than some of others.
Locations Farther South
#1. The Alabama Hills
Access and Best Season: Year Round Location – ideal in fall, spring, and winter. Pretty hot during the summer.
What makes it so special:
How do you like the idea of celebrating your love within view of the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states? The Alabama Hills are iconic and have been the set for many films over the years. While it has become a bit over-populated and busy in the last few years, you can till avoid the crowds with sunrise.
View full sessions at this location:
Engagement Session in the Alabama Hills
Elopement in the Alabama Hills
#2. Eureka Sand Dunes
Access and Best Season: Seasonal, best during cooler months from November – March, depending on the year
What makes it so special:
Desert sand dunes are one of the most stunning natural landscapes. Dunes offer a stark contrast of light and shadow with their curvilinear lines, creating the perfect opportunity to play with dramatic light and composition. Did you know that there are sand dunes less than 2 hours from Bishop? On the edge of Death Valley, these dunes are some of the tallest dunes in the lower 48 states. I’m obsessed with the dramatic light & shadow created by sand dunes.
View full sessions at this location:
Engagement Session in the Eureka Sand Dunes
Styled Elopement in the Eureka Sand Dunes
#3. Death Valley National Park
Access and Best Season: Seasonal, best during cooler months from November – March, depending on the year
What makes it so special:
Death Valley is the farthest from being local on this list, but I added it because it is one of my favorite places to photograph! Death valley requires the most logistics and planning but is sooooo worth it in my opinion. You’ll need to think about the time it takes to travel to and from the park, avoiding crowds, camping logistics, and more.
View full session here:
That’s it! Use this location guide to engagement photos near Mammoth Lakes next time you’re planning a photo session.
If you’d like to keep reading about this incredible area, check out the related blog posts below.
