Heading to CA next week to do a Mt. Whitney summit hike (see previous thread https://texags.com/forums/54/topics/3441300/replies/67159347 regarding my impending death).

We are going to hang out in Mammoth Lakes for a few days to try and acclimate a little.

-Any hike recommendations in the area, preferably at a higher altitude? Nothing too taxing as we don't want to wear ourselves out....but something scenic that gets us above 9-10k for a while would be good. Not sure how much help this kind of acclimation would be - so willing to hear any recommendation.

-Dining recommendations for Mammoth Lakes? Nothing super expensive/fancy, but interested in any recommendations. Both for casual breakfast/lunch eats and dinner. Places that have vegetarian friendly options to accommodate a few in my group are ideal.

-Lone Pine recs? I don't expect much for here. We're getting started on our Whitney ascent at like 1-2am. But maybe any recommendations, assuming our survival, for after we finish which will hopefully be in time for dinner? I imagine just good filling food and beer are requirements here.

Thanks all!

That is such an amazing area! I am nowhere in the shape to hike like that. But Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite are just so beautiful. I want to go back, many times.

Someday, I want to see the backcountry.

If you get back before the store closes, the burgers at the trailhead are pretty solid. Of course maybe they were that good bc we'd just come off the mountain.

The pizza place in town is decent.

Absolutely loved this hike! We are headed back to Mammoth in October for more hiking.

https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/us/california/little-lakes-valley-to-gem-lakes

We liked The Warming Hut for dining.

Thanks for the hike recommendation, we did this and it was beautiful!