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Mammoth Lakes
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Mammoth Lakes Overview
Residing at over 11,000-feet in the eastern Sierras and 5-hours north of Los Angeles, Mammoth Mountain is known by most as a great skiing destination. In addition to downhill skiing and boarding, there are several snowmobile excursions and cross-coutry ski trails to choose from. Many visitors only visit Mammoth in the winter and don't realize the volume of activities and attractions that await in the summer. Mammoth Mountain is an active volcano and with that comes wonderful geological formations and natural wonders. Even the drive into Mammoth, on Interstate 395 from the south, crosses ancient lava flows of now dormant volcanos and hot springs are abundant. Camping, hiking and fishing are popular summer activities throughout the region. Many small lakes are within a short distance of the town of Mammoth Lakes and are plentiful with stocked trout. Mammoth Lakes is not the small mountain community it once was and currently sustains a population near 8,000. Plans are in the works to develop the town even further, turning it into a world-class ski destination that will rival other resorts like Telluride and Whistler.
There are many cool towns surrounding Mammoth that we hope you take the time to investigate. Check out our Cool Towns page for more on the towns of Bishop, June Lake and Bridgeport.
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Devil's Postpile features one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. A wall of black, hexagonal columns rise 60-feet high from the hiking trail. The half-mile hike follows lush meadows and High Sierra river teaming with trout. Fly fisherman hone their skills throughout the area. A few miles further on the same trail will place you at the massive Rainbow Falls. The Devil's Postpile & Rainbow Falls area is only accessible by shuttle from the Main Lodge at the base of Mammoth Mountain and is closed during winter. MORE DETAILS
Rainbow Falls is an enormous 100-foot waterfall accessed by a 2-mile hike from Devil's Postpile. Rainbows are commonly seen during midday through the mist that Rainbow Falls creates. Of course, the size of the falls depends on annual snow levels but we've never been disappointed. The Devil's Postpile & Rainbow Falls area is only accessible by shuttle from the Main Lodge at the base of Mammoth Mountain and is closed during winter. MORE DETAILS
Hot Creek Hot Springs are located only 3-miles south on Interstate 395 from the Highway 203/Mammoth turnoff. From Interstate 395, turn north at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Road and follow the signs. The last 1.5-miles is unpaved but well maintained. Parking is available near public restrooms and picnic areas. Geothermal vents form small, super-heated mineral pools that emit steam on cold days. Under stream vents heat Hot Creek to jacuzzi temperatures and creek-side vents emit scalding hot gas. Although visitors can often be found swimming in the creek, it is highly discouraged due to the instability of the vents. Many people have been burned in Hot Creek. During the winter, the last 1.5-miles is not cleared of snow and makes for a short cross-country ski trail. Steam from the region can be enormous during the winter months.
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TIP: Keough's Hot Springs is a swimming retreat just south of Bishop that captures the hot mineral-rich water in large swimming pools. Visitors are invited to swim in the waters.
Whitmore Pools are public pools located 20-minutes southeast of Mammoth on Interstate 395 that also capture natural hotspring waters.
Hot Creek Fish Hatchery is located only 3-miles south on Interstate 395 from the Highway 203/Mammoth turnoff. From Interstate 395, turn north at Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Road and follow the signs. Long, narrow pools are teaming with trout that are raised by the Department of Fish & Game for anglers throughout the region. The naturally warm waters of Hot Creek provide an ideal spawning environment. Trout from this hatchery are stocked in streams and lakes throughout the Sierras. Sizes range from a half-pound to five-pounds-plus. Pools are open for easy viewing and visitors are welcome at no charge.
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Obsidian Dome & Inyo Craters are located off Highway 203 or Interstate 395 just north of Mammoth along Mammoth Scenic Loop. Both are remnants of Mammoth's volcanic history. Obsidian Dome is a huge mountainous dome of obsidian glass. Obsidian remnants range from small pieces you can hold in your hand to boulder-size chunks. Inyo Craters are two very large craters in the middle of the wilderness located just a short hike from Highway 203. We've found an abundant supply of pumice stones surrounding these craters.
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Downhill Skiing/Boarding
Mammoth Mountain is located off Highway 203. This is a large-scale resort with 150 runs accessed by 28 lifts. A large mountain community offers many options for accommodations, shopping, dining and entertainment. In addition to skiing, other winter activities include snowmobiling, and dog sledding.MORE DETAILS
June Mountain is located off Interstate 395 along Highway 158 in the central Sierras. This is a moderate-size resort with 35 runs accessed by 6 lifts. Just another 30 minutes north of Mammoth, June is a less crowded alternative.MORE DETAILS
X-Country Skiing
Tamarack Lodge offers one of the best trails in the region. Slip your skis into groomed trails and tracks and follow the road that encompases Lake Mary and loops past several other lakes. Rentals, lessons, food and lodging are all available at Tamarack Lodge. MORE DETAILS Rockcreek Lodge is located south of Mammoth near Tom's Place. It is only accessible by snowmobile and offers a more serene experience away from the hubbub of the Mammoth scene. Rustic and semi-rustic cabins are encompassed by groomed trails and untammed wilderness. All meals are provided as well as equipment ranging from snow shoes to telemark skis.
Website Mammoth Region offers multiple choices for x-country skiing on many of the roads branching off Interstate 395. Popular x-country ski turnoffs include Deadman Peak and Mammoth Scenic Loop Roads to the north and Rock Creek Fish Hatchery Road to the south.
Mountain Biking
Mammoth Bike Park makes use of the ski resort slopes during the summer months. The Gondola wisks downhillers to the top of Mammoth Mountain for exilerating rides down the mountain. Choose to decend on gradual, moderate and kamakaze trails. A shuttle is available for transport from town to the Gondola at the Main Lodge.
Website Mammoth Region offers multiple choices for mountain biking on many of the roads branching off Interstate 395. Popular mountain biking trails include Deadman Peak and Mammoth Scenic Loop Roads, both located just north of Mammoth. Or, choose from a plethora of dirt roads that weave and intersect throughout the entire region.
Fishing
Mammoth Lakes is made up of several small lakes including the more accessible Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, Lake Mary, Lake George, and Horseshoe Lake. These lakes are stocked regularly during the warmer months and many lodging, restaurant and camping options are available. Lake Mary is the larger of these lakes and is sometimes stocked with the monster 'Alpers' trout. Boat & canoe rentals are available at Twin Lakes and Lake Mary. Other hike-in lakes are abundant around Mammoth for a quieter more peaceful experience.
Map Owens River flows down from the Sierras, into Lake Crowley and beyond. This river can be easily accessed by heading east on either Owens River Raod to the north of Mammoth or Benton Crossing Road to the south. This section of the river is slow and meanders through open meadows with few to no trees. This is a great place for fly fishing where stocked trout intermingle with wild rainbows, browns and brooks. The Owens River is known for producing a trophy-size trout every now and then.
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Local Creeks include Mammoth Creek southeast of town produces many pan-size trout and is stocked regularly. Hot Creek from Interstate 395 to the Owens River is wild trout habitat and regularly produces large trout. Catch and release with barbless flies only. Mammoth Region June Lake Loop is located 30-minutes north of Mammoth along Interstate 395. The loop passes 4 large lakes, all great for fishing and all offering boat rentals. Convict Lake is located 10-minutes south of Mammoth and is tucked into a crevice in the Sierras. This large lake is deep and monsters can be caught in the summer using downriggers from a boat. Boat rentals are available. Convict Creek flows through a campground then down to Lake Crowley and produces pan-size to monster trout. Lake Crowley is located 15-minutes south of Mammoth and is stocked heavily. Artificial lures with barbless hooks only with an 18-inch minimum on keepers. A boat is necessary which they have plenty of at the marina.
Golfing
Sierra Star Golf Course is located off Minaret Road at the base of Mammoth Mountain. Sierra Star is a public eightein-hole, par 70 golf course. Course features putting and chipping greens, a proshop and a back nine on-course eatery. This is a seasonal course usually opening in May and running through October, weather permitting.
Website Snowcreek Golf Course is located off Old Mammoth Road in the southern end of town. Snowcreek is a public nine-hole, par 35 golf course. Streams, water hazards, bent and well bunkered greens make Snowcreek a challenging course. This is a seasonal course usually opening in May and running through October, weather permitting.
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Off-Roading is abundant to the north and northeast of Mammoth along the many dirt roads that intermingle throughout the forest. The most popular areas include Owens River Road to Hot Creek Fish Hatchery Road northeast of Mammoth, and Deadman Peak Road and Inyo Craters Loop to the north. For the best panoramic views, try the San Joaquin Ridge and the Mountain View Trails that start from Mineret Summit Road. To the southwest of Mammoth is a challenging dirt road to Laurel Lakes.
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Miscellaneous Recommendations
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Horseback Riding & Pack Outfitters
Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit is located off Lake Mary Road between Lake Mary and Twin Lakes. They offer horseback riding by the hour, day or whatever you're in for. Pack trips to the back country often include hikers and riders.
Website Red's Meadow Pack Train is located off Minaret Summit Road at the far western end of Mammoth. This pack station is a part of the Red's Meadow Resort and offers everything from day rides to multi-day horse drives through the Sierras. Day rides include Devil's Postpile National Monument and the Rainbow Falls trails. Longer trips follow the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails. Minaret Summit Road is closed to vehicles other than the Reds Meadow Shuttle departing from the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge, those with overnight reservations at Red's Meadow Resort and the physically disabled.
Website McGee Creek Pack Station is located at the McGee Creek Road turnoff from Interstate 395 south of Mammoth across from Lake Crowley. They offer horseback riding by the hour, day or whatever you're in for. They have several options for secluded lake trips.
Website Rock Creek Pack Station is located at the Rock Creek Road turnoff from Interstate 395 south of Mammoth and Lake Crowley. They offer horseback riding by the hour, day or whatever you're in for. Multi-day horse drives through the Sierras is another option. They have several options for secluded lake trips.
Website Frontier Pack Train is located on the June Lake Loop off Interstate 395, approximately 30-minutes north of Mammoth. The pack station is situated off June Lake Loop (Highway 158) between the Double Eagle Resort and Silver Lake. They offer horseback riding by the hour, day or whatever you're in for. Longer trips include backcountry Yosemite, horse drives, golden trout trips and hiking with a pack train.
Website Convict Lake Resort is located on Convict Lake Road off Interstate 395, approximately 10-minutes south of Mammoth. The pack station offers short rides throughout Convict Canyon. Views of Convict Lake are spectacular.
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Snowmobiling trails are located throughout the Mammoth region. Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures start from the Main Ski Lodge at the top of Minaret Summit Road and venture groomed trails to Lookout Mountain, Inyo Craters and more. Or cruise open meadows and trails through the forest with DJ's Snowmobiles just north of Mammoth off Interstate 395.
Dog Sledding the forests and open meadows throughout the Mammoth region. Sit in the comfort of your sled basket as your musher guides a team of dogs along snow covered trails. There are two dog sled services to choose from in Mammoth; Mammoth Dog Teams at (760) 914-1019 and Mammoth Dog Sled Adventures at (760) 934-6270.
Hot Air Ballooning along the Sierra Nevada range in a seven person wicker basket. Help your crew in getting your balloon to rise with the sun. Float above lakes and streams throughout the Mammoth and Crowley Lake Basin. Share a "balloonist toast" to commemorate your epic adventure. Jeeps carry passengers back from the landing zone. Check out the Mammoth Balloon Adventures web site for more details.
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Camping is fun in Mammoth with so much entertainment and natural wonders to be explored. A plethora of campgrounds exist throughout the area including around the perimeter of town, all around Mammoth's lakes and throughout the back country. Check out our Camping page for more details on all the available campgrounds.
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Mammoth Region
Mammoth Rock Trail is near the end of Old Mammoth Road. Easy 2.5-miles that passes under a huge overhanging granite rock. Sherwin Lakes & Valentine Lake is accessible off Sherwin Creek Road in the southeast portion of Mammoth. Moderate 2-miles to Sherwin Lakes or continue on an additional 3-miles to Valentine Lake. These small high-altitude lakes are a bit less crowded than Mammoth Lakes region. Inyo Craters is located off the Mammoth Scenic Loop on the north side of town. The choice is yours to hike several miles of linking trails from town, or drive the Scenic Loop to the Inyo Craters trailhead and hike the easy 0.25 miles to the craters. Huge volcanic craters in the middle of the forest are a rewarding destination.
Mammoth Lakes Area
Panorama Dome is located off Lake Mary Road just past Twin Lakes. Easy 0.5-mile trail ascends from the trees to a plateau offering panoramic views of the region. T.J. Lake is located off Lake Mary Loop and the trailhead starts at the back of the left-side parking lot for Lake George. Easy 0.5-mile hike through the trees to upper meadows and lake. Crystal Lake & Mammoth Crest is located off Lake Mary Loop and the trailhead starts on the right side of Lake George. This moderate 1.5-mile hike through the trees to Crystal Lake is popular. Or, veer to the right about 1-mile in to head for Mammoth Crest another 2-miles ahead. Mammoth Crest offers expansive views of the Minarets and much more of the Mammoth region. McLeod Lake is located at the end of Lake Mary Road at Horseshoe Lake. This easy 0.5-mile trail goes to beautiful McLeod Lake. Veer to the right for a moderate 3.5-mile hike to Reds Meadow and Mammoth's backcountry. Duck Lake is located at the left side of the Lake Mary Loop. This moderate 5-mile hike ends at a huge high-country lake. Many other lakes and natural wonders are along the trail including Emerald Lake, Shelton Lake, Sky Meadows and Blue Crag. You could easy turn around after only 2-miles and have seen the equivalent of many other area trails.
Mammoth Backcountry
Devil's Postpile & Rainbow Falls is located at the end of Minaret Summit Road on the backside of Mammoth Mountain. Access is by shuttle from Mammoth's Main Lodge unless you have backcountry accommodations pre-arranged. From the shuttle dropoff point, Devil's Postpile is a easy 0.5-mile hike. Continue on the same trail an additional 1.5-miles to Rainbow Falls. Sotcher Lake is located at the end of Minaret Summit Road on the backside of Mammoth Mountain. Access is by shuttle from Mammoth's Main Lodge unless you have backcountry accommodations pre-arranged, or a 6-mile hike from Horseshoe Lake. This small lake is next to Reds Meadow, which offers camping and is a popular hiking and wildflower viewing area. Pacific Crest Trail extends from Canada to Mexico and follows the highest peaks all the way. This trail runs directly through backcountry Mammoth and intermingles with the John Muir Trail. Although the casual day hiker uses the trail to access small lakes and waterfalls, it is not uncommon to run across backpackers that have been on the trail for weeks and even months. Since the Pacific Crest Trail follows the ridgeline, much of the trail is a strenuous hike.
TIP: If you're planning on an extended hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, Red's Meadow Resort offers pre-arranged restocking of supplies. Be sure to obtain a Wilderness Permit from the Forest Service before you begin overnight backpacking treks.
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Lake Mary is the largest of the 5 Mammoth Lakes and offers fishing and boating opportunities. The Pokonobe Resort provides a general store and multiple types of boat rentals. Rentals include party boat pontoons and aluminum fishing boats powered by electric motor, or row boats, pedal boats, canoes and kayaks. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout. Trophy-size Alpers trout weighing 10 pounds plus are stocked during the summer. Lake Mary is the starting point for several of Mammoth's best hikes to backcountry lakes, meadows and more. The Lake Mary Campground has nearly 50 sites and showers are available at the marina.
Twin Lakes is as the name implies, two small lakes connected by a small spillway. Fishing boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented from the general store. The lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout. Fishing is good at the spillway separating the lakes or from a boat. The Twin Lakes Campground has nearly 100 sites and showers are available at the general store.
Lake George is the second largest lake next to Lake Mary. It is regularly stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout. Lake George is the starting point for Mammoth's most popular short hikes to several high-country lakes. The Coldwater and Lake George campgrounds have nearly 100 sites between them.
Lake Mamie is the smallest of the 5 lakes and is regularly stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout.
Horseshoe Lake is the only lake in Mammoth where swimming is allowed. Sandy beaches are located around the lake for comfortable sun bathing and swimming. This lake is not stocked so your chances of catching a fish are slim. Occassionally the lake is closed due to high CO2 levels in the surrounding area - Mammoth is a live volcano and tends to remind us of that once in a while.
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Bodie Ghost Town is located north of Mammoth off Highway 395 between Lee Vining and Bridgeport. What a cool place this is, and definitely California's best ghost town. Tucked in the High Sierra foothills, this town of 20 grew to a thriving city when gold was discovered in 1877. Within a few short years the gold ran out and the town was completely abandoned. The goldmine employed thousands and stories of rampant gun fights follow. Buildings from the original town and mine still exist in a state of decay. Original furniture and stocked shelves were left as they were found. A cemetry exists up on a hill outside of town and tells a tale of the harsh winters miners experienced. If you are anywhere near Bodie, this is a must see. It is about a 12 mile drive from the 395 on Highway 270 to Bodie. The last 3 miles of which are dirt and gravel. Although the park is open year round, winter and early spring are not recommended due to snow and mud hazards. MORE DETAILS
Mono Lake is located north of Mammoth approximately 45-minutes. This large but shallow lake is one of the oldest lakes in North America. Mono tufas are mineral deposits that protrude above the lake's surface. The water is 2.5 times saltier than the ocean, which results in additional bouyancy when swimming. You don't want to get it in your eyes or cuts. A specific species of fly sometimes cover the shoreline of the lake but stay near the surface and are not really a nuisance. Activities include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and cross-country skiing. Contact Caldera Kayaks to pre-arrange a kayak or bring your own. MORE DETAILS
June Lake Loop is located off Highways 395 and 158 approximately 30-minutes north of Mammoth. This is one of our little secrets we're letting out. June has a large ski resort and is a great alternative to the massive Mammoth Mountain Resort. Don't blink as you go through the town of June Lake or you might miss it. June offers quaint country cabins, luxury condos and resorts. Four large lakes line the June Lake Loop and are all great for fishing and swimming. Boat rentals are available at all four lakes. Several hiking options lead to high country lakes and meadows. Fishing, hiking, horseback riding and skiing & boarding are the common activities. June Lake Loop is closed in winter. Occassionally, a winter storm will close the road from Highway 395 to the town of June Lake. Carry chains in the winter.
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Convict Lake is located southeast of Mammoth off Interstate 395. This is a moderate-size lake but very deep. Huge granite walls protrude thousands of feet above the lake making for ominous scenery. It is an undeveloped area but offers many activities. Fishing is fantastic on this lake where we've seen trophy-size trout caught regularly. Boat, canoe and kayak rentals are available at the dock. Resort cabins or campsites are available for stay. The resort features a popular and unbelievably superb restaurant. Camping is along the picturesque Convict Creek which offers meadow creek fishing for trophy trout. Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are other popular activities.
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Tamarack Lodge is located off Lake Mary Road at Twin Lakes. This historic lodge provides rooms within the lodge or detached cabins. In the winter, Tamarack is the starting point for a groomed cross-country ski park and offers rental equipment. In the summer, they rent boats and canoes for the adjacent Twin Lakes that are teaming with trout. Several rooms in the main lodge must share bathrooms. Be sure to verify the type of room you have reserved. Also, none of the rooms have televisions. This is mountain lodging the way it should be.
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Snowcreek Condos are located off Old Mammoth Road in the southern portion of Mammoth. These luxury all-inclusive condos are situated on Snowcreek Golf Course with trout-plentiful Mammoth Creek passing through.
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Alpenhof Lodge is located off Minaret Road near the Mammoth Ski Village. This Alpine-style lodge includes rooms with great views of the slopes, kitchenettes, and fireplaces. Amenities include jacuzzi, pool, rec room, laundry facilities. Petras Cafe & Wine Bar and Clocktower Cellar are on the same premises.
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Red's Meadow Resort is located at the end of Minaret Summit road in the Mammoth backcountry. Facilities include a motel, cabins, general store and cafe. The resort is situated near Reds Meadow, Rainbow Falls, Devil's Postpile and many hiking trails. Many campgrounds are also within the immediate vacinity. Reds Meadow resort offers horseback riding and the general store is stocked with fishing supplies for trout fishing in the San Joaquin River.
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Convict Lake Resort is located off Highway 395 only 15-southeast of Mammoth Mountain. Mountain cabins with fireplaces and full kitchens are comfortably nestled between the mountains that surround the lake. The Convict Lake Resort Restaurant is a local favorite. Fishing for rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout on Convict Lake is world-class. Boat rentals and a bait shop are available. This is a great alternative to staying in the overcrowded town of Mammoth. Being only a few minutes from Mammoth, you can enjoy the activities of the Mammoth Lakes region and still end the day at a true High Sierra cabin at Convict Lake Resort.
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Rock Creek Lodge is located to the south of Mammoth approximately 30-minutes off Interstate 395 and Rock Creek Road.
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Hostel There is one hostel in Mammoth. This is a low cost alternative to hotels and may require dorm-style living. If you're travelling on a low budget and would like to meet other travelers and share information, this is a great way to see explore a region.
Hostel Website
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Whiskey Creek Mountain Bistro is located at the northwest corner of Lake Mary and Minaret Roads. American cuisine includes prime rib, salmon, artichoke cannelloni, steaks, seafood, chicken, salads and desserts. The Mammoth Brewing Company, Mammoth's only micro brewery, is located in the same building.
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Lakanuki is located at 6201 Minaret Road #200. South Pacific cuisine includes sushi, teriyaki dishes, burgers, pizza and vegetarian specialties. This is a popular late-night apre ski location.
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The Stove is located at 644 Old Mammoth Road. American cuisine includes omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, steaks, salads and pies. They're known for their large portions.
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Schat's Bakery is located on Main Street. This well-known bakery offers specialty breads, pastries and desserts. Breakfast and lunch are served from the on-site deli.
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Austria Hof is located at 924 Canyon Boulevard. Alpine cuisine includes steak, chicken, pork chops, sauerkraut, bratwurst and apple struddle.
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Convict Lake Resort Restaurant is located 20 minutes south of Mammoth in Convict Canyon. French continental cuisine includes veal, beef wellington, rack of lamb and fresh seafood including Alpers trout.
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None in this region.
Options to consider would be
Ontario airport, which is a good 5-hours south of Mammoth or Reno airport in Nevada, which is 4-hours north.
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Traffic & Transportation
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Interstate 395 - from the south can be crowded in the winter months with skiers/boarders from the L.A. basin. Both Highway 14 and Interstate 395 are trecherous two-lane roads for a 50-mile stretch south of Inyokern. Snow chains or 4wd with snow tires are sometimes required from Bishop north. Roads are quickly plowed after snow storms.
Interstate 395 - from the north is a less traveled portion of the Interstate. Snow chains or 4wd with snow tires are often required from the Nevada state line to the June Lake Loop. Roads are quickly plowed after snow storms. The high elevation region between state line and Mono Lake can be subject to temporary road closures due to heavy snow.
Public transportation offers a FREE Shuttle that covers the entire Mammoth region. The high milaeage between Mammoth and the nearest major airport should be considered when traveling by rental car. There is no public bus or train service from any of the distant major airports. Eastern Sierra Transit Authority offers transportation options between Carson City, Nevada and Lone Pine.
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Winter brings lows in the 10's and highs in the 50's. Heavy snow is common causing road closures.
Spring brings average lows in the 30's and highs in the 60's. Rain showers are likely and occassional snow storms.
Summer brings average lows in the 60's and highs in the 80's. Occassional thunderstorms with immediate clearing.
Fall brings lows in the 30's and highs in the 60's. Thunderstorms increasing to snow flurries.
NOTE: See our TIPS page for mountain precautions.
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May 24-28, 2011 - Mule Days is the region's largest annual event held every Memorial Day weekend as back country mule and horse packers celebrate the opening of the summer packing season. World's largest non-motorized parade, events include rodeo-style packing competitions, concerts, crafts fair and more. WEBSITE
Mammoth Events are too many to mention. Special events take place every week in Mammoth. Check out the official Mammoth Lakes website for a calendar of events. WEBSITE
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