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Mammoth Lakes is a hidden gem in Northern California that has much to offer visitors all year round. Located in Mono County in the majestic Eastern Sierra region of California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this township boasts breathtaking scenery, including a mountain that’s over 11,000 feet in elevation, waterfalls, and lakes.
About 5 hours from Los Angeles and 6 hours from San Francisco, the town of Mammoth Lakes is a popular city getaway for California locals and people visiting from all over the country. Anyone visiting will be left in awe with the crystal lakes and epic mountain peaks.
Mammoth Lakes is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Still, it is an equally perfect destination for anyone looking for a more relaxed vacation to take in the picturesque views and fresh air.
In the summer months, you can find yourself kayaking at the Mammoth Lakes Basin or fishing in Twin Lakes. During winter, skiing and snowboarding on Mammoth Mountain and near the lakes are popular choices. As spring and fall set in, Rainbow Falls provides a pot of gold at the end of an easy hike.
Mammoth Lakes is a 365-day vacation gem with something for everybody. Let’s take a closer look at the attractions on offer!
Take advantage of all the nooks and crannies of this special vacation destination. Whether you’re visiting in the summer, winter, or any time of the year, these are the must-see highlights.
Mammoth Mountain
Mammoth Mountain is situated east of Mammoth Lakes and is an absolute must-see. In fact, thanks to an elevation of 11,000 feet, it is an attraction that is impossible to miss!
Mammoth Mountain provides year-round activities, though some of them vary according to the season in which you visit. In winter, Mammoth Mountain provides some of the best skiing in the country. Relative to other mountains in California, Mammoth Mountain has a greater abundance of snowfall than usual, attracting skiers from all over the country.
Mammoth Mountain has 3500 acres of white, powdered canvas for all sorts of winter activities. Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and winter tubing are all enjoyed during the winter months.
Once summer hits, there are plenty of fun things to try out. I’d start by taking a gondola ride to head up into the mountain. Once on the mountain, visitors can enjoy ripping down the summit on mountain bikes or hiking for the scenic views of the Long Valley Caldera. The gondola itself provides beautiful scenic views of the surrounding area which those that are less adrenaline-inclined can enjoy.
Mammoth Mountain has a little something for everybody. Adrenaline junkies can find year-round enjoyment bombing the hills via ski or mountain bike. Others can drink in the atmosphere by riding the gondola and walking along the paths that provide 360-degree views.
Devil’s Postpile
Devil’s Postpile National Monument protects a unique rock formation. It has an interesting history extending back centuries. Approximately 100,000 years ago, a river of lava caused by a volcanic eruption flowed down the rock formation. A natural dam blocked the flow, resulting in what was essentially a lake of lava 400 feet deep. As the lava cooled, it formed into rock and, over centuries, began to crack. The result of this is the unusual signature formation of Devil’s Postpile.
The monument itself is the spectacle – it’s a geological wonder. There are around nine hiking and running trails that are focused around the Devil’s Postpile. It’s one of a few places in the country that has rock formations as unique, and one of a handful on Earth. There are trails of varying difficulty that you can use to see the monument, so no one in your family or group will miss out.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is yet another great reason to visit Mammoth. As a 101-foot waterfall, it’s the tallest in the area. It is yet another result of a lava eruption. Here, the eruption caused both horizontal and vertical fractures. Water rushing from the San Joaquin River causes the falls.
These falls go hand-in-hand with Devil’s Postpile. The Devil’s Postpile trail is a 7.9 kilometer (4.9 miles) hiking path that takes you right to the Rainbow Falls. The path is heavily tracked and is accessible for people of all ages. Even your canine companions will have fun as you discover this geological wonder.
When the sun is shining the brightest, the falls create beautiful rays of color, which is where the namesake comes from. It’s another natural wonder that you can tie in with an afternoon hike to see the Devil’s Postpile.
Convict Lake
Convict Lake is a picturesque body of water boasting alpine scenery and turquoise water.
Only the history of the lake can best its natural beauty. It got its name after a prison breakout in 1871. Escaped convicts from a prison in Carson City fled from Nevada and eventually made camp around the lake. Although they were eventually subdued one way or another, the name of the lake and a nearby creek preserve their wild tale.
The lake is a family-friendly destination that offers varied summer-centric activities. In particular, Convict Lake is a hotspot for trout fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. It’s also conveniently located on a gentle hiking trail that’s perfect for taking in the atmosphere and, perhaps, a lunch.
You would be hard-pressed to find a more unique lake than Convict. If you’re a history or film buff, the area is worth experiencing as the history itself makes it a must-see: it has been the subject of several movies. And aside from the history, you can simply enjoy the wonderful view, take a boat ride, go paddleboarding, and even go fishing.
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is another location by Mammoth Lakes that everyone needs to visit. It is a set of two connected lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Twin Lakes takes the prize of the lowest alpine lake in the area, which makes it easily accessible by car. Like most of the lakes in the area, scenic mountains surround these bodies of water, and since the site is accessible year-round, it is a unique experience every season.
During the warmer periods of the year, Twin Lakes is a popular location for both overnight and day camping, as it is home to extensive campgrounds. Similar to Convict Lake, Twin Lakes has a bounty of trout, which makes fishing another welcome activity. The serene, calm waters invite visitors to take a swim or boat around the lakes. Of course, there are also hiking trails accessible to all, ranging from easy to challenging.
In winter, Twin Lakes is a favored cross-country skiing area. Ski rentals are available at its ski center, and the friendly and experienced staff can coach you if you’re trying skiing for the first time.
Duck Pass and Pika Lake Trail
The ultimate hiking trail in Mammoth Lakes is this combined trail of 15km (9.3 miles) that offers a variety of scenescapes. It’s at a perfect distance from Mammoth Lakes to provide a sense of isolation but still be accessible enough for hikers wanting to enjoy a day trip. Taking this trail will allow you to visit lesser-known yet beautiful lakes, such as Arrowhead Lake, Skeleton Lake, and Barney Lake.
Hiking and backpacking are the attractions for this combined trail. It’s a moderate-to-difficult trail that is dog-friendly. The path will take you past many smaller lakes – grab the opportunity to take a dip and go for a swim! Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic in a variety of enchanting landscapes.
The Duck Pass and Pika Lake trails provide everything beautiful about Mammoth Lakes. It’s a completely doable hike that provides travelers with breathtaking mountain views, pristine water, and a genuine workout you can be proud of completing. Head back to Mammoth Lakes, have a drink, and enjoy all the pictures you’ll have afterward.
Mammoth Scenic Loop
A nice break from all that hiking, the Mammoth Scenic Loop is for cruisers. Whether by car or bicycle, this 18-mile loop will provide a pleasant ride to take in what the area offers.
For those that just want to kick their feet up, listen to a playlist, and enjoy the great outdoors, the Scenic Loop provides an easygoing road trip. And for the cyclists that want to cruise along a winding, bending road instead of bombing down a bumpy, jagged mountain, the Scenic Loop is an inviting attraction as well.
There are places to stop off along the way, like the Inyo Craters and Lookout Mountain if you are in the mood for a hike.
The Mammoth Scenic Loop is a pleasant change of pace from many of the more active attractions at Mammoth Lakes. It provides the essential beauty of the place while giving you an easygoing route for both car and bike.
Hot Creek Geological Site
Another geological wonder just a few miles from Mammoth Lakes, Hot Creek is a vast gorge with mystifying views of boiling blue water. These natural hot springs are truly a sight to behold.
A simple drive and a quick hike will bring you right to the path near the creek. This site is not for swimming as the temperatures are too volatile, but the views alone make it worth the visit. Piercing blue water pools in a vast gorge, and if you’re lucky, you can witness a geyser eruption.
The Hot Creek Geological Site is one of the most special visits in the Mammoth Lakes area. It’s a rare geological marvel that provides gorgeous views and an opportunity to get up close to a striking natural phenomenon.
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs
Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, also known as Crowley Hot Springs, is a set of natural soaking pools near Mammoth Lakes. The hot springs sit in a wide valley at the end of a seemingly out-of-place boardwalk, and they are free!
Unlike Hot Creek Geological Site, swimming in these pools of water is welcome and not at all dangerous. Although both pools are small, they are quaint and offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding plains and mountain ranges. The pools are both open for a dip, with one of them noted as hotter than the other.
Any time you have the opportunity to relax in a natural hot tub in the middle of a plain with views of mountains, you should probably do it. Wild Willy’s hot springs are so close to Mammoth Lakes that you can come and go in under two hours, which makes it a great place for a quick trip to paradise.
Sierra Star Golf Course
Sierra Star is a beautiful 18-hole par-70 public course and golf club immersed in the Eastern Sierra mountains. Sierra Star takes advantage of all Mammoth Lakes has to offer. Tall trees create fairway boundaries, bodies of water guard the greens, and the 8,000-foot elevation carries the ball pro distance.
Pack your clubs and take a break from a different kind of hike. Get there after 5 pm to enjoy a game at a special price while the sun sets.
Yosemite National Park
Just a short drive from Mammoth Lakes is the world-class Yosemite National Park. In winter, this park can be tough to access directly from Mammoth Lakes due to the high snow fall and tough driving conditions, but in the summer, and sometimes in the shoulder seasons, it’s only a scenic 45-minute drive.
At Yosemite, you can opt to simply drive through the park, taking in the sights from your car or by stopping at scenic viewpoints. Otherwise, it’s a great place for hiking and mountain climbing.
Book Your Trip Today
Have I convinced you yet that you need to visit Mammoth Lakes? A getaway to Mammoth Lakes really has something for everybody. There is no shortage of beautiful landscapes, and the only downside is that it’s impossible to see it all in one trip. Luckily, Mammoth Lakes is a year-round haven that provides attractions for all seasons.
The best time to book your Mammoth Lakes vacation was a year ago; the second-best time is today.
Featured Image Credit: Patricia Elaine Thomas
