I have been visiting Mammoth Lakes since I was a little kid. Honestly, it was probably my first vacation ever. My family used to load up the car for long weekends of camping in the great Sierra Nevada mountains, and looking back, those trips are exactly what made me fall in love with nature and hiking in the first place.
These days I live in Barcelona, but whenever I’m back in California during the summer, I like to sneak off to these mountains. During my most recent trip home, I was able to escape to Mammoth for a few days, and it was every bit as good as I remembered. The pines still smell the same. The lakes are still that crystal clear shade of blue. And it still reminds me why this area is one of my favorite corners of California.
So if you’re planning a trip and searching for the best things to do in Mammoth Lakes, you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything from summer adventuring to where to stay, so you can get the most of your trip to the mountains.
Key Takeaways
- Mammoth Lakes sits in the Eastern Sierra, about a 5 to 6 hour drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco, and just 3 hours from Reno.
- The Mammoth Lakes Basin is packed with alpine lakes worth exploring, including Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Horseshoe Lake, and Lake George.
- Summer is best for hiking, biking, and lake days, while winter turns Mammoth Mountain into one of California’s top ski and snowboard destinations.
- The village is the most convenient home base, with condos, hotels, restaurants, and a community pool all within walking distance.
- Mammoth Yosemite Airport gets you there fastest, though most people still drive up Highway 395.
Where Is Mammoth Lakes, California?
Mammoth Lakes sits in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, tucked into Mono County near the border of Yosemite National Park. It’s a small mountain town, but don’t let the size fool you. It’s surrounded by more natural beauty than you’ll know what to do with, from volcanic craters to glacier-carved lakes to one of the tallest ski mountains in the state. The town itself sits at over 7,800 feet, so give yourself a day to adjust to the altitude if you’re coming from sea level (I always get a headache for a day or two).
Top Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes in Summer
The snow melts, the wildflowers show up, and suddenly there are a dozen lakes inviting you to jump in. While Mammoth definitely has its die-hard fans in winter, I personally prefer the summer time when you can spend your entire trip outdoors. Here’s how I’d spend a few days there.
Explore the Lakes of the Mammoth Lakes Basin
If you only do one thing in Mammoth, you have to see the lakes. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or alpine cold plunging, these lakes are the perfect base for all the best outdoor summer activities. Mammoth Lakes Basin is a cluster of alpine lakes just a short drive from town, and each one has its own personality.
- Lake Mary is the largest lake in the basin and a great spot for a picnic, a paddle, or an easy stroll along the shoreline.
- Twin Lakes is where I always start. There’s a paved path connecting Twin Lakes to Lake Mary, and it’s an easy, scenic walk that doesn’t require any real hiking gear.
- Horseshoe Lake sits at the far end of the basin and has a quieter, almost eerie beauty to it, thanks to an old volcanic event that killed off some of the surrounding trees.
- Lake George is smaller and tucked back a bit, which makes it feel more secluded, even in peak season.
If you want to see all the lakes quickly in a day, I highly recommend renting ebikes and exploring the basin that way. We rented eBikes at Footloose Sports and went from North Village all the way to Horseshoe Lake along the Lakes Basin Trail. Honestly this was one of my favorite days we had while exploring the Mammoth Lakes area.
Hike the Sierras
Mammoth is a hiker’s dream, and there’s a trail for pretty much every fitness level. No matter how many times you come to this area, you will always find a new hike to explore.
- Rainbow Falls and Devils Postpile is a must. Devils Postpile National Monument has these strange, symmetrical basalt columns that look almost man-made, and the trail continues on to Rainbow Falls, a 101-foot waterfall that catches a literal rainbow in its mist on sunny afternoons. This is by far the most famous hike in the area, and it definitely is worth its reputation.
- TJ Lake and Barney Lake is a shorter hike that pays off big with alpine scenery and a good chance of solitude, since it’s a bit less crowded than the basin’s bigger names. This is a great option for little kids or if you’re looking to hike to a more secluded lake.
- Convict Lake has one of the most photogenic hikes around, with a loop trail that hugs the shoreline and delivers those postcard views of jagged peaks reflected in the water. It’s also a popular fishing spot as well. Me and my family always do this hike whenever we come to Mammoth in summer.
Pack layers, bring more water than you think you need, and start early. The Sierra Nevada mountains can throw an afternoon thunderstorm at you out of nowhere, especially in July and August.
Soak at Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
After a long day on the trail, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a natural hot spring. Wild Willy’s is one of the more accessible ones near Mammoth, with a boardwalk leading right up to the pools. While I wouldn’t consider it a hidden gem because people definitely know about it, it’ s still a great experience.
Visit Hot Creek Geologic Site
Hot Creek Geological Site is another one worth the short drive. You can’t swim here anymore (the water temperature and geothermal activity make it dangerous), but watching the steam rise off the creek against the mountain backdrop is definitely worth the stop.
Take the Scenic Gondola Ride
Even in summer, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area keeps the gondola running, and it’s one of the best ways to get sweeping views without breaking a sweat. Ride up to the summit and you’ll see the whole Sierra Nevada spread out in front of you, including Yosemite National Park in the distance on a clear day.
Drive Out to Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow
If you haven’t had your fill of Devils Postpile, keep going out to Reds Meadow. This valley on the west side of Mammoth Mountain has waterfalls, meadows, and some genuinely peaceful hiking that feels a world away from the busier parts of town. Just know that during peak summer, you’ll likely need to take the shuttle in, since private vehicles aren’t always allowed.
Day Trip to Mono Lake and the June Lake Loop
Mono Lake is otherworldly, with its salt-crusted tufa towers rising straight out of the water. It’s about a 40-minute drive north of town, and I’d pair it with a drive along the June Lake Loop, a scenic byway that swings past Gull Lake, Silver Lake, Grant Lake, and June Lake itself. It’s one of the prettiest drives in the entire Eastern Sierra.
Top Things to Do in Mammoth in Winter
Come winter, Mammoth transforms completely. The lakes freeze, the basin goes quiet, and Mammoth Mountain Ski Area takes center stage.
- Skiing and snowboarding. Mammoth Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in California, with terrain for beginners all the way up to experts who want to hit the double blacks. The season often runs well into spring, sometimes even through June in a good snow year.
- Snowshoeing. If skiing isn’t your thing, snowshoeing through the quiet, snow-draped forest is a completely different way to experience the same mountains, and it’s a lot more accessible if you’re traveling with a mixed group of skill levels.
- Woolly’s Adventure Summit. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the spot. It’s a dedicated area with tubing, a mini snowmobile experience, and other activities built specifically for younger visitors, so everyone in the family gets their own kind of fun.
How to Get to Mammoth Lakes
Getting to Mammoth is part of the adventure. Highway 395 runs right along the base of the Sierra Nevada, and it’s one of the most scenic drives in California.
Here’s how far you’re looking at from the closest major cities:
- Los Angeles: About 300 to 325 miles, roughly a 5 to 6 hour drive via Highway 14 and US-395.
- San Francisco / Bay Area: Around 6 to 7 hours, typically via I-580, I-5, and US-395 (or over Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park when it’s open, generally late May through October).
- Reno, Nevada: The closest major city, at about 160 miles and roughly a 3-hour drive straight down US-395.
- Las Vegas: Around 5 to 6 hours, via US-95 and US-6 connecting to US-395.
If you’d rather fly, Mammoth Yosemite Airport is only about 8 miles from town and offers seasonal flights from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver. A lot of visitors also fly into Reno and rent a car for the scenic 3-hour drive down, which is honestly a great way if you’re coming from out of state, since you get the full Eastern Sierra experience without the longer haul from LA or SF.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mammoth Lakes?
The best time to visit Mammoth really comes down to what you’re after.
If hiking, biking, and lake days are the goal, aim for June through September, once the snow has cleared from the higher trails and the Mammoth Lakes Basin has fully opened up. July and August are peak seasons, so expect more crowds, but also the best weather and fully accessible trails.
If skiing or snowboarding is the plan, December through April is your window, with Mammoth Mountain Ski Area sometimes staying open even later depending on snowfall. Just know that shoulder seasons (May and November) can be a bit of a toss-up weather-wise. However, I will also say that Mammoth is beautiful all year round. In fact, one of my favorite trips here was when we came in early November to see the fall foliage.
Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes, CA
There are a few different areas to stay in Mammoth. The most popular areas include the Village, Juniper Springs, and Old Mammoth. Whenever I’m there with my family in summer, we almost always stay in the village. There are tons of restaurants within walking distance, a community pool for lazy afternoons, and it’s genuinely comfortable for a few-day stay without needing a car for everything.
When it comes to accommodations, Mammoth offers a nice mix of hotels and condo rentals. Here are a few of the most popular places to rent in the area:
- Juniper Springs Resort: A great pick if you want something a little quieter and outside the village hustle.
- Alpenhof Lodge: I’ve stayed here a few times on quick trips to Mammoth. It’s right across the street from the village, and it never disappoints.
- The Village Lodge: This was my most recent stay, and I loved it. You genuinely can’t beat being right in the heart of the village.
Check out my full guide on The Best Hotels in Mammoth Lakes, CA for my full list of recommended accomodations.
Camping in Mammoth Lakes
If you’d rather sleep under the stars, Mammoth has no shortage of campgrounds, though I’d strongly recommend reserving well in advance, especially in July and August.
- Twin Lakes Campground: The largest in the region, with lakeside sites, a general store, and easy access to the paved bike path.
- Lake Mary Campground: Right on the water, with boating, fishing, and hiking trails just steps away.
- Coldwater Campground: Sits at the south end of Lake Mary, with trails leading to Arrowhead, Skelton, and Emerald Lakes.
- Sherwin Creek Campground: A bit further from the lakes, but forested and peaceful, with 85 shaded sites.
- Convict Lake Campground: A beautiful campground with excellent fishing and postcard views right from your tent.
- Old Shady Rest Campground: Close to town and the visitor center, with an easy shuttle connection to the lakes basin.
Whichever one you pick, store your food properly. Bear activity is real up there, and every campground provides bear boxes.
FAQ: Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes
What is Mammoth Lakes best known for?
Mammoth Lakes is best known for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, one of California’s largest ski resorts, along with its cluster of alpine lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. It’s a year-round destination, drawing skiers in winter and hikers, bikers, and lake lovers in summer.
How many days do you need in Mammoth Lakes?
Three to four days is a solid amount of time to hit the highlights, explore the lake basin, hike a trail or two, and take a day trip out to Mono Lake or the June Lake Loop. If you’re also planning to ski or spend serious time in Yosemite National Park nearby, I’d stretch it to five or six.
Is Mammoth Lakes worth visiting in summer?
Absolutely. A lot of people only think of Mammoth as a winter ski town, but summer might actually be my favorite season there. The lakes are fully accessible, the hiking is incredible, and it’s noticeably less crowded than winter weekends.
Can you swim in the lakes in Mammoth Lakes Basin?
Yes, most of the lakes in the basin, including Lake Mary and Twin Lakes, are open for swimming, though the water stays cold even in the middle of summer. Hot Creek is the exception. It’s not safe for swimming due to its geothermal activity.
Is Mammoth Lakes close to Yosemite National Park?
It’s close, but not quite next door. The eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass is roughly an hour’s drive from Mammoth, and it’s only open seasonally, typically late spring through fall. However, if you have the time, I highly recommend doing a day trip to Yosemite.
Do I need a car in Mammoth Lakes?
I’d highly recommend renting a car if you’re traveling to Mammoth Lakes. A car allows you to access all trail heads on your own schedule and explore the region more freely.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes, CA
I’ve been coming here since before I could walk, and every single trip still surprises me in some small way, whether it’s a lake I hadn’t explored yet or a trail that somehow feels new even though I’ve hiked it a dozen times. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls at Devils Postpile, soaking in a hot spring after a long hike, or just riding bikes lazily between lakes in the basin, this little mountain town has a rhythm that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Planning a trip to Mammoth Mountain? Here are some additional resources:
Best Hotels in Mammoth Lakes: Where to Stay in All Seasons
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