Visiting Mammoth Lakes Things To Do and See

For over 100 years, Mammoth Lakes has drawn thousands of visitors to enjoy the area’s spectacular natural beauty. In addition to the town’s proximity to the stunning Yosemite National Park, the area surrounding Mammoth offers endless hiking, biking, fishing, and camping options for the outdoors enthusiast.

Mammoth Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in the US. It attracts droves of skiers and snowboarders during the winter season with its challenging terrain, gorgeous views, and vast amounts of snow keep the resort open well into the summer.

Things to do in Mammoth Lakes California

The Lakes of Mammoth

The gorgeous five lakes in Mammoth Basin, Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Lake George, and Horseshoe Lake are all a short drive from town. Fishing and sightseeing are the most popular activities at the lakes. The Department of Fish and Game stocks the lakes with 2 to 5-pound trout. Lake Mary and Lake George have marinas that offer fishing boat rentals, although the fishing is pretty good from shore.

Village at Mammoth Lakes

The village features restaurants, shops, and two excellent hotels: Westin Monache Resort and the Village Lodge. Dining options range from pizza to upscale dining. Stores in the village feature clothing and gifts. The Village Gondola Station offers quick access to the slopes of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area

Mammoth Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in the area, with lodges, gondolas, chairlifts, and over 100 trails. With an 11,053-foot summit, 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, and an average of over 400 inches of snowfall a year, Mammoth Mountain can often stay open well into the spring. After the snow melts. Mammoth Mountain’s hiking and biking trails open, making Mammoth a perfect family vacation spot all year round.

Mammoth Mountain Gondola

Take a thrilling ride 11,000 ft. ride to the top of Mammoth Mountain. Enjoy extraordinary 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada Range from this lofty mountain peak. Top off your Gondola adventure with lunch at 11,053 feet high Eleven53 Cafe. Mammoth Mountain Gondola is open in both the summer and winter seasons.

Devils Postpile National Monument

Ten miles past Mammoth Mountain lies the trailhead for a short hike to the unique formations of Devils Post Pile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, so named for the rainbows seen in the mist when the sun is at its highest. Devils Postpile National Monument is open during the summer. Shuttle buses run from Mammoth Mountain Bike Park to Devil’s Postpile and Rainbow Falls trailheads.

Hike to Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a beautiful 100-foot-high waterfall along the San Joaquin River. Access to the falls is via a 2.5-mile trail. Be warned, the path to the falls is all downhill. The return to the shuttle stop (Shuttle Bus Stop 9) is an exhausting uphill climb. Allow plenty of time and water for the return trip.

Hot Creek Fish Hatchery

Hot Creek Fish Hatchery is the primary source for replacing fish stock for Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding area. There is not much to see here except for long-rearing ponds full of trout. They range from small stockers to huge lunkers. After visiting the Hatchery, it’s a short drive to Hot Creek Geological Site.

Hot Creek Geological Site

In this area of Hot Creek, there are numerous bubbling hot springs in and around the stream bed. A trail winds down from the parking area to the creek, where visitors can view this natural wonder. Swimming and bathing in the creek are prohibited as some hot springs here are hot enough to cause severe burns. Hot Creek Geologic Site can be found along Hot Creek Hatchery Road in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs

The area around Mammoth Lakes features numerous natural hot springs. Some are developed many are primitive hot springs that locals maintain. Hot springs can run up to 110 degrees, so always check before dipping into a pool. Clothing optional is the norm for the more primitive hot springs. California Eastern Sierra Hot Springs Guide.

Nearby Mammoth Lake Attractions

June Lake Loop

Much like the nearby Mammoth Lakes, the June Lake Loop is home to incredibly gorgeous vistas and countless opportunities for outdoor activity. From skiing during the winter at June Mountain to fishing in the lakes during the summer, June Lake Loop has plenty to offer the nature enthusiast.

Convict Lake

11. To the south of Mammoth Lakes lies Convict Lake – the scene of an 1871 gunfight and home to some of the oldest rocks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. There is plenty to do at Convict Lake, but fishing is probably the most popular visitor activity. Convict Lake is 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395.

Mono Lake

Mono Lake is one of North America’s oldest lakes, formed over one million years ago. Since it was created, the lake has supported a unique ecosystem that includes algae, brine shrimp, and millions of migratory and nesting birds. Mono Lake is situated 33 miles north of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395.

Bodie Ghost Town

Bodie State Historical Park was one of the wildest mining camps in the area but is now a ghost town that will fascinate the entire family. Bodie is California’s official state gold rush ghost town. There are about 200 buildings in various stages of decay to explore and take photos of. Located in the high desert at 8375 feet, Bodie State Historical Park is 60 miles north of Mammoth Lakes.

Whenever you visit Mammoth Lakes, there are always plenty of things to do and see. Mammoth Lakes is located on Highway 203 off Highway 395, about six hours from Los Angeles, three hours from Lake Tahoe, and five to seven hours from the Bay Area. If you don’t want to drive, Alaska Airlines and United Airlines offer flights from LAX to Mammoth Lakes.

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