Bluesapalooza in Mammoth Lakes, CA: A Weekend Getaway

ByGinger

In early August, we took another quick trip to Mammoth Lakes, CA for Bluesapalooza. This time we went with two other couples who are close friends. We all met at the Dollar General in Inyokern, CA and headed to our first stop: lunch at Copper Top. Some of our friends hadn’t eaten there before, so we wanted to share one of our favorite spots.

Copper Top BBQ in Big Pine for the best tri-tip
Copper Top BBQ

Next, we stopped in Bishop, CA at Schat’s Bakery. For the history of this delicious bakery, see my previous post on our July trip to Mammoth Lakes.

Erik Schat's Bakery in Bishop, CA
Schat’s Bakery
Schat’s Bakery

Accommodations

We arrived in Mammoth Lakes near our 4:00 pm check-in time and got our passcode for the condominium at Obsidian Residences. The condo had:

  • A large master suite on the first floor and another on the third floor
  • A room with bunk beds and another with a pullout sofa on the third floor
  • Three main bathrooms plus a half bath near the kitchen
  • Patios or decks on every floor, including a jacuzzi on the main floor deck

After settling in, we headed to John’s Pizza Works for dinner. Recommended by one of our traveling companions, the food exceeded my expectations. I had a stromboli, something I hadn’t eaten in years, and it was delicious. Unfortunately, we were so hungry we forgot to take photos!

Bluesapalooza Kickoff

After dinner, we gathered blankets and camping chairs and headed to the Bluesapalooza event. At check-in, we received our weekend bracelets and shot glasses for the beer tasting the next day.

Minaret Stage at Bluesapalooza in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Once inside, we explored vendor booths offering dresses, purses, jewelry, and Bluesapalooza-branded apparel. There were two stages with bands playing, and we found a spot to spread out our blanket, alternating between stages and enjoying the music. When we tired, our friends gave us a ride back to the condo, as it was very dark and we hadn’t brought flashlights or headlamps.

Hiking Around Mammoth Lakes

The next morning, we made a big breakfast in the condo. Some friends returned to Bluesapalooza for the beer tasting (12:00 pm–4:00 pm), while we decided to explore George Lake and take the George Lake Loop Trail to Horseshoe Lake.

Trail sign marking the start of the Lake George Path in Mammoth Lakes, California, surrounded by evergreens and mountain scenery on a clear day.
Lake George Path Trailhead
Close-up view of Twin Lakes in Mammoth Lakes, California, featuring the wooden bridge that crosses the lake, surrounded by pine trees and reflected mountain scenery.
Twin Lakes from Twin Falls Overlook
View from Twin Falls Overlook in Mammoth Lakes, California, looking down at Twin Lakes with kayakers paddling across the calm blue water surrounded by pine forests and mountain peaks.
Twin Lakes from Twin Falls Overlook

Along the way, we stopped at the Twin Falls Overlook, enjoying the scenery, cooler temperatures, and a few photos. The paved trail to Horseshoe Lake is easy, roughly 1.5 miles before reaching the loop, with only 78 feet of elevation gain. The trail is shared with mountain bikers but was lightly used during our walk.

Horseshoe Lake Loop Sign
Horseshoe Lake Loop Sign
Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail in Mammoth Lakes, California — a scenic hiking path winding through tall pines with a glimpse of Horseshoe Lake’s clear blue water and mountain views.
Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail
View of Mountains from Horseshoe Lake Loop
View from Horseshoe Lake Loop

Mammoth Lakes is very dog-friendly; many hikers let their dogs off leash near streams and lakes. Horseshoe Lake loop is well-shaded and offers beautiful views — a perfect afternoon hike. After returning to the paved path, we stopped for lunch at Roberto’s Cafe for lunch back in town.

Roberto’s Café in Mammoth Lakes, California — a cozy local Mexican restaurant with rustic mountain charm, outdoor seating, and views of the Eastern Sierra.
Roberto’s Mexican Restaurant
Roberto's Cafe-El Jefe Burrito
El Jefe Burrito

Back at Bluesapalooza

We returned to Bluesapalooza around 3:30 pm. The variety of beer vendors was incredible — even a coffee-flavored beer! We aren’t big beer drinkers, but it was fun to catch up with our friends as they sampled flavors.

Beer tasting at the Bluesapalooza event in Mammoth Lakes, CA
Friends Beer Tasting at Bluesapalooza
Bluesapalooza Beer Tasting Webb's Grainworks Brewery in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
Bluesapalooza Beer Tasting Event

Back at the condo, my husband prepared a classic Italian dinner: Spaghetti Carbonara with Caesar salad and bread with dipping oil. After dinner, some of us returned to the event, while others enjoyed the jacuzzi on the main floor deck.
(Add description of bands and music)

Heading Home

Most of us slept in the next morning, then packed up and headed home, stopping at Tom’s Place for breakfast.

Tom’s Place Menu
Biscuits & Gravy

Gear Recommendations

Here’s what we brought and recommend for a trip like this:

  • Backpacks – Great for carrying water, snacks, and layers
  • Tech gear – Phones, cameras, chargers, or portable power banks
  • Health & Safety – Sunscreen, whistle, first aid items
  • Apparel – Comfortable shoes, jacket for cooler evenings
  • Seating- A blanket and camping chairs for Bluesapalooza

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