Twin Lakes sit at the base of Mammoth Mountain, connected by a short channel of Mammoth Creek and backed by a dramatic cliff face. They are the starting point for some of the area's most popular hikes and also a fine destination on their own — the lakes are stocked with trout, and fishing from the shore or from a rented rowboat is a summer staple. Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Area on Twin Lakes Road offers groomed track skiing through the forest in winter.
The Coldwater Canyon trailhead at the Twin Lakes parking area opens access to several backcountry destinations including Emerald Lake, Sky Meadows, and the longer routes into the Mammoth Lakes Basin. The lakes are also the departure point for the John Muir Wilderness beyond. The road to Twin Lakes is one of the first to clear after winter and among the last to close in autumn, making the lakes accessible for a longer season than some higher destinations.