Are you looking for the best attractions in Mammoth Lakes for your upcoming trip? Touted as “The Real Unreal,” I couldn’t agree more with the slogan after our recent trip to this mountain town. I spent a short three days seeking out every Fall adventure I could. I’m excited to be back behind my computer, so I can put together this comprehensive list of all of the amazing attractions in Mammoth Lakes for you.
One thing is for sure, it’s a destination that grabs your heart and leaves you yearning to come back. So while we visited during the incredible leaf-peeping season that is autumn, I’m already planning additional trips back to explore different seasons! This guide breaks down what attractions there are in Mammoth Lakes in each season, but many can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Spoiler Alert: This list is meant for those who want to get outside and explore, because after all, Mammoth Lakes is known to attract adventure seekers year-round. So let’s dig into 25 Adventures To Explore In 2025 in Mammoth Lakes!
Where Is Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is located on the East side of California state in the Sierra Nevada mountains, only a 45-minute drive to the world-renowned Yosemite National Park. It’s approximately a 6-hour drive from San Francisco or a 5-hour drive from Los Angeles and therefore makes for the perfect California road trip destination.
About Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a first-class mountain community inviting visitors to come and explore its outdoor wonderland. From soft adventure seekers looking for a peaceful view of a pristine lake to outdoor trekkers looking for multi-day unsupported excursions through the Sierra Mountains, Mammoth Lakes has it all.
During our visit we were fortunate to meet with locals, each sharing their story about how they came to call Mammoth Lakes home. Many started coming as children, on annual summer camping trips with their families, ATVing, hiking, and fishing their way through childhood. Some started with ski trips and took a winter job that extended to a full-time transition. The small and strong community is passionate about welcoming visitors and invites you too, to fall in love with Mammoth Lakes.
How To Get To Mammoth Lakes
From San Francisco: leaving from downtown San Francisco takes approximately 6 hours of driving time but I’d allow yourself more as you’ll be traversing through Yosemite National Park and may want to stop to photograph some of the incredible scenery. Tioga Pass is one of the most popular places to stop as the road runs alongside a vast mountain range that is so picture-perfect you feel like you’re standing inside a postcard!
Traveler Tip: You will need to purchase a National Park Pass if you are traveling through the park, and may need to book reservations if you are traveling during peak times.
Attractions in Mammoth Lakes
The name Mammoth Lakes itself indicates that there is more than one lake to be explored, and in the mountains that surround the region they too offer unlimited adventures. I’ve selected my top 25 attractions in Mammoth Lakes, breaking them down into optimal seasons for adventure-seeking. But know that many things, like skiing, for example, can also be done in other seasons, like the Spring. Spring offers warmer temperatures and less busy attractions, so check out the list, cross reference it with your calendar, and start planning!
Things to do in Mammoth Lakes in the Winter
1. Skiing and Snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain
A world-renowned skiing destination, Mammoth Mountain is known for the size of its resort as well as its extended snow season. With an average snowfall of 400 inches, skiers and snowboarders flock to Mammoth as early as November and have been known to ski as late as June, making it one of the most popular mountains to go skiing in all of the United States. The 2024/2025 ski season is set to officially open on November 15, 2024.
Quick facts about Mammoth Mountain:
- Four base lodges (Main Lodge, Canyon Lodge, Eagle Lodge and The Mill)
- 150 official trails
- 11 terrain parks
- 3500 acres of skiable terrain (15% expert; 20% advanced; 40% intermediate; 25% beginner)
- Equipment rentals and lessons are available.
- Advanced lift ticket purchase is recommended for peak times
2. Cross-Country Skiing & Nordic Skiing in Mammoth Lakes
Have you ever tried cross-country skiing? After recently trying it for the first time I can say that it’s harder than it initially looks, but after a one-hour lesson, I had the hang of it and enjoyed gliding through the forest-infused trails.
Mammoth Lakes Trail System offers over 140 miles of world-class cross-country skiing trails, but no worries, you don’t have to be a world-class skier to enjoy these trails. Follow the snow-covered route to unveil scenic mountain views, and lakes covered in ice, and embrace the magic of movement in cold weather that happens when you’re adventure-seeking outside in winter.
Rentals are available at the Tamarack Lodge Cross Country Ski Centre and then you can head out on the trails including the Nordic Trail System at Shady Rest, The Mammoth Scenic Loop around Inyo Craters, or the Shady Rest Park or Sherwin Meadows Trailhead (when the conditions are good) This website is really helpful to start your planning Mammoth Lakes Trail System.
Safety Tip: Be sure to adventure with the safety essentials and know that cell service is quite limited once you’re out of town, so plan accordingly.
3. Tubing & Sledding at Woolly’s Adventure Summit
I hope I never get too old to go tubing, as I’m often the first one on the tubing slopes and the last one to leave, even though I’m 40+ years old. Mammoth Lakes invites you to embrace your inner child and head out for a healthy dose of adrenaline at their tube park, Woolly’s Adventure Summit. A high-speed snow tube will have you squealing down the slopes and the best part is that there’s a magic carpet to take you back up to the top so you can do it on repeat without burning out those quads!
If you’re looking for some less structured play there are a lot of great hillsides and places to go sledding around town and many of the local gear shops sell sleds. Mammoth Lakes takes their snow sledding seriously and even interviewed their snow reporter to talk about conditions, ideal gear, and more. Check out their advice before hitting up the sleds.
4. Ice Skating in Mammoth Lakes
If you’re looking for an indoor adventure with a winter flare head over to the Mammoth Lakes Community Recreation Centre for indoor skating. There you can bring (or rent) your skates and head out on the Olympic-sized rink. Open daily for skating, it’s a fun activity for the whole family and a great way to enjoy some casual skating or even see if you can make new friends with a pick-up game of hockey. Be sure to check out their website for more information and the public skating schedule.
5. Snowshoeing
Topping my list of things I want to do on my next trip to Mammoth Lakes is snowshoeing. After seeing the incredible scenery in the fall, I can only imagine how magical it must be in the winter and snowshoeing through the trails, so much so that I’m practically packing my bags.
Mammoth Lakes offers free public access to 140 miles of tracks that traverse through the Mammoth Lakes trail system into the Inyo National Forest. Some of the most popular trails include the Panorama Dome, The Tamarack Cross Country Ski Centre, and Shady Rest Park. Personally, I want to snowshoe up to see the iconic minarets from Minaret Vista (plus it is a beginner trail so perfect for me to bring the family). This trail starts from the base of the Mammoth Mountain Lodge and climbs up to 2.5 miles to unveil the vistas.
6. Snowmobiling
Another one up high on my adventure list is to explore the Mammoth Lakes region via snowmobile on a guided tour. With over 80 miles of trails and 75k of open space, Mammoth Lakes region claims to have some of the best snowmobiling in the region. If you are new to snowmobiling I recommend you invest in a snowmobiling tour, allowing you to experience the sport in a safe environment with guides who know the trails and the conditions.
Things to do in Mammoth Lakes in the Spring
7. Go Bloom Chasing & Hike Among the Wildflowers
There’s nothing more magical than wandering down a mountainside trail that is lit up with bright blooms of purples, pinks, yellows, and reds. Spring is the perfect time to explore the mountain trails, once the snow has cleared and the new life starts to bud for another season.
8. Mountain Biking
One of my favourite sports is mountain biking and I wished I had my bike with me on our recent trip. Mountain biking in Mammoth Lakes is a lift-served bike park that has over 80 miles of singletrack to explore. The Mammoth Bike Park has pavers, berms, jumps, drops, and even a beginner-friendly discovery zone. Bike rentals are available at the mountain or in the Mammoth Lakes village.
9. Events like Pond Skim, Women’s Wellness Retreat and Yoga Fest
Mammoth has a host of incredible events year round but there are two that happen every Spring that caught my eye. The first is the Keep Her Wild: A Women’s Winter Sports & Wellness Retreat a “celebration of women in winter sports. Events include yoga, breathwork, cocktail and mocktail hours, ski and ride workshops, and more.” I think this would be an epic girls’ trip adventure and combining it with some of the scenic wildflower hikes makes for the perfect Mammoth Spring trip!
The second is the Pond Skim, where “festival attire is highly encouraged.” This fun event is where skiers and snowboarders race down a ramp and launch themselves into or ideally skim over, a 100+ foot pond. This entertaining spectacle brings out bright costumes for both racers and participants and makes for a heck of a lot of laughs. I’ve never been to a pond race but if I was planning a trip to Mammoth Lakes in the Spring I’d be scheduling it around attending this event.
Things to do in Mammoth Lakes in the Summer
10. Hiking & Backpacking
A photographer’s dream, hiking in the Sierra Mountains is the process of unveiling one secret lake after another, each somehow appearing to be more beautiful than the last. One local I met with said that she loves taking a tree hammock and a book, climbing up to a local lake, and hanging out for the day. So while visitors flock to the area for the incredible views, hikers know that you’ll also be hanging out with locals who are forever mesmerized by the beauty that is Mammoth Lakes.
If you’re looking for family-friendly or beginner routes know that there are lots to be found (my favourite so far is Convict Lake, check out the pictures below from our fall hike). If you’re more of an adventure seeker and have more experience, the Mammoth Lakes area links to the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trail. Locals have been known to meet up with those traversing long routes and provide them with showers and supplies so they can restock and head out again.
11. Hit the H2O – Boating, Paddleboarding, Pontoon Boats, and More
With 5 lakes in the town of Mammoth Lakes and more than 100 surrounding it, Mammoth Lakes is a place to explore for those who love getting out on the water. Whether you’re renting a pontoon boat and going fishing on Convict Lake, rowing a boat out on Lake George, paddling along twin lakes, or finding a sunny beach and soaking lakeside, Summer in Mammoth Lakes is meant to be spent on the water.
12. Camping
For generations, families have been marking off vacation time on their calendars and bringing their kids to Mammoth Lakes for the summer holidays. And as an outdoor mecca of adventures, it’s easy to see why. Mammoth Lakes has over 800 camping sites, with a variety of hook-up to walk-in sites suitable for every camping (or glamping style). I was able to see the lakeside sites at Twin Lakes and witnessed parents hiking along the trails with their kids. Locals shared stories of coming up and going dirt biking in the summer, some turning the holiday into a summer job or even full-time relocation.
Visit Mammoth put together an extensive guide to planning a camping trip to Mammoth Lakes, you can read it here and start planning.
13. Horseback Riding
I’ve always been respectfully nervous around horses but recently I’ve been able to explore backcountry regions and had incredible first-hand experiences that have me seeking out these adventures more regularly. So whether you’re a newer rider like me or more experienced with a set or reins, taking part in a horseback riding tour in Mammoth Lakes is a great summer adventure. Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit located in the Mammoth Lakes Basin off Mary Road offers a variety of trips from 1 hour intro classes to full-day excursions. Their trips are best suited for those 7 years and older.
14. Rock Climbing
When you’re surrounded by mountains that certainly means only one thing, world-class rock climbing awaits! Novice to experienced climbers are welcome to seek out this sport in Mammoth Lakes, and it is recommended that you start with a guide who can customize your experience based on your skills and comfort level. Certified climbing guides are great to help select terrain, balance skill development, and challenge you. Local tours are available offering either full or half-day experiences, and families and group bookings are available. Learn more about rock climbing in Mammoth Lakes here.
15. Photography Tour & Sightseeing
I LOVE taking photos and one of my newest investments I started making when I travel is to hire a local photographer to take me out on a photography tour. A local often knows the best time of day, the best spots to shoot from, and can offer technical and theory training during your tour. I’ve loved learning from different photography instructors and further developing my craft while I’m in a new location, plus I love capturing the best shots!
Note: While we don’t see anyone offering this service currently you could reach out to one of the many local photographers in Mammoth Lakes to see if this is something they would be interested in hosting you. Expect to pay approximately $100USD per hour for this type of tour.
Things to do in Mammoth Lakes In The Fall
16. Mono Lake South Tufa Nature Reserve
I had never heard of a tufa tower (pronounced: “too-fa tower”) and now I keep showing my friends pictures of them. Located on a million-year-old lake, Mono Lake, the “tufa towers are calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water (which is actually 2 1/2 times as salty as the ocean!)”.
There is a loop trail that will take about an hour to walk around, not because of the distance but because of the amount of stops you will undoubtedly make along the way capturing photos. We loved visiting in the fall as the foliage was lit up in colours of yellow which bounced off the blue lake background, and of course, made the white tufas stand out.
I highly recommend at stop at the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center first, as they have a great interactive display that explains the tufa tower formations, the history of the area and Mono Lake exhibits, plus the staff there were super helpful in answering all of our questions about the area.
Traveler Tip: The South Tufa Nature Reserve is about 30 minutes away from Mammoth Lakes.
17. Fall Foliage Hike Around Convict Lake
My hands down favourite adventure on our whole trip to Mammoth Lakes was our 3-mile hike around Convict Lake. The fall foliage was lit up in colours of golds, yellows, oranges, and some pops of red, making for a very long hike as we stopped every ten minutes to capture photos (I honestly took 400!).
We loved the scenery so much that we went back the following day to capture a few more pictures before we hit the road. I can only imagine how beautiful this trail would be in the winter for the snowshoe season or in the spring when the wildflowers start to bloom.
Driving Tip: There are a lot of deer in the region so keep an eye open for them when driving as they tend to hop up onto the roads unannounced.
18. Hot Creek Geological Site
Hot Creek Geological Site is a unique stop worth checking out. Dozens of natural hot springs bubble up from under the earth’s surface in a display of hot pools of bright turquoise and teal. You can view the river from the parking lot or take one of the walking trails down to the edge of the water. Be sure to pay attention to the signs that warn the water is scalding hot!
Fun fact (and safety note): The temperature of the water has been known to change rapidly, up to 200 degrees (°F) over seconds!
Photography Tip: Walk from the parking lot along the trail to Brees Lookout to get the best view of the Hot Creek Geological Site that looks back over the Mammoth Lakes region and the Minaret Vista.
19. Minaret Vista
The Minaret Vista (a part of the Ritter Mountain Range) is an iconic jagged skyline that the region is known for. A drive up to Minaret Vista will give you a 180-degree view over the Minaret Vista as well as Mount Ritter and Banner Peak.
Evening Adventure Tip: This is a great place for stargazing as there are no lights up at Minaret Vista at night.
20. E-Bike Tour Around Mammoth Lakes Basin
Whether you’re new to e-biking or a hooked rider like me, taking an e-bike ride around Mammoth Lakes Basin is a great way to explore the trail network and explore the region. Mammoth Lakes has an extensive trail network that allows you to rent e-bikes from town and then head up into the mountains, exploring the 5 lakes.
We started off at the base of Twin Lakes where we got to look up towards Twin Falls. Then we followed the trail network through the fall foliage and wound our way up past Mary’s Lake and George Lake to the top of Twin Falls where an incredible scene below was unveiled.
I love e-biking as it allows you to explore these mountainous regions with ease and cover more ground than you’d be able to on a traditional mountain bike. Check out Black Tie Rentals on Old Mammoth Road in downtown Mammoth Lakes or your e-bike rental.
21. Go Leaf Peeping
Hiking in the Fall in Mammoth Lakes is as picture-perfect as you envision on Instagram. The mountains are covered in bright colours with the aspens showing off colours of golds and yellows, with a few oranges and reds making a special appearance.
Here are some of the places that locals and Visit Mammoth Lakes have recommended:
- Convict Lake
- McGee Creek Canyon
- Rock Creek Canyon
- Monitor Pass
- Lee Vinning Canyon
- June Lake Loop
National Parks Near Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is the perfect place to base yourself for a visit to spectacular parks as there are 2 National Parks, a National Monument and many state parks within a day trip drive from Mammoth Lakes. Here are the top three worth planning a trip to:
22. Yosemite National Park
Touted as one of the most spectacular National Parks with its iconic waterfalls, scenic passes, and towering mountains, Yosemite is worth a day trip from Mammoth Lakes. A short 45-minute drive will have you at the edge of the park where the gigantic rocks start to appear and have you pulling over to process it all. Natural beauty. Geological wonders. Picture perfection, all set among epic adventures makes Yosemite a must!
23. Devils Postpile National Monument
If you are interested is geology and history, then a visit to the Devils Postpile National Monument is a must. “This monument takes its name from a cliff of cooled lava that formed into striking hexagonal columns some 100,000 years ago. These unusual 60-foot formations are some of the finest examples of columnar basalt in the world.” Be sure to see Rainbow Falls while you are there, as the water plunges 101 feet down to the San Joaquin River below.
Note: This National Monument is not open year round, so be sure to check out the National Park Service website before you decide to visit.
24. Bodie State Historic Park
An hour drive north of Mammoth Lakes, sits Bodie State Historic Park, a genuine gold mining ghost town. Once home to around 2,000 buildings and a population of roughly 8,000 people (1880 census), this state park looks about the same as when the last residents left about 50 years ago. Many of the buildings interiors remained untouched and how they were left, some are even still stocked with goods.
If you visit between May and October, you can join state parks staff for a free history talk or purchase a self-guided tour booklet which “provides visitors with a map of Bodie and allows visitors to explore Bodie by reading about each building that is numbered through out town”.
Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes
25. Outbound Mammoth
Outbound Mammoth has recently undergone a major glow up with a massive multi-million dollar renovation to not only the main lodge, but also with the new addition of cabins, chalets, villa apartments, an outdoor pool and hot tub. This glamping-style hotel has found a way to merge mountain vibes with hotel stays and quality experiences, all in one outdoor-centric experience.
The new additions have been built in single cottages, duplexes, and quad villas inspiring you to bring your friends, stay in the comfort of a hotel, but all join around an outdoor campfire to debrief on the days’ adventures and plan out tomorrow’s escapes. I could imagine staying at Outbound Mammoth with my friends and family and everyone sprawling across the resort and having a ton of fun.
From the oversized fire in the lobby filled with games to the new pool, to the lawn games, and food truck and patio, you can have a whole retreat at the resort without having to leave!
Book your stay at Outbound Mammoth here!
Where to Eat in Mammoth Lakes
Breakfast In Mammoth Lakes
The Stove Restaurant
The quaint blue building often has a few people waiting at the door and that’s with good reason… a hearty breakfast awaits adventure seekers at The Stove! As soon as we were settled into our booth the difficult decision of what to eat was before us as we eyed delicious meals that passed us by. A few items including the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast and the Chorizo Skillet grabbed our attention and these hearty meals were the perfect fuel for our upcoming action-packed day.
The ambiance of the restaurant was as inviting as the food, with bright colours of reds and teals, rustic booths, and the country-themed decor that had us playing the “Oh would you look at that!” game.
Stellar Brew and Natural Café
If you’re looking for a healthy grab-and-go option check out Stellar Brew and Natural Cafe. As someone with a host of intolerances, I was pleasantly surprised with the menu options that included gluten-free and dairy-free options. I was very excited to indulge in a smoothie (which is often hard to get when traveling, especially in small towns). The restaurant is based on the philosophy, “We believe that what you put in your body is essential to your happiness, which in turn affects the happiness of those around you. Our kitchen is stocked with the most natural ingredients. Each meal is prepared with love and packed with nutrients to ensure you have the capability to give the day your best performance.”
Lunch In Mammoth Lakes
The Warming Hut
This family-forward restaurant is owned and operated by a family (Paul, Alisa, Sage, and Stella) and is designed for families. A simple motto of “Real food at an affordable price” is evident in the menu and the comfort items that are delivered to your table.
Soups, salads, and sandos are offered at The Warming Hut in large servings allowing you to feel good before heading back out to play in the mountains. I loved having the owner Alisa stop by for a visit and quickly launch into her recommendations for “must-do” attractions while visiting the Mammoth Lakes region. The locals all seem to have one thing in common, they want you to fall in love with their town as much as they do.
Dinner In Mammoth Lakes
The Restaurant at Convict Lake
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience that is highly recommended by the locals, The Restaurant at Convict Lake is the perfect spot. Only a ten-minute drive from downtown Mammoth Lakes and you’ll be wrapped up in cabin vibes and continental cuisine. Our food was so beautifully presented we had to take pictures and video, following the motto “The camera always eats first!” (and leaving a few wondering eyes on our table). But once we dug into the meal it was less table talk and only signs of “yum” muttered in between bites as we enjoyed our Beef Wellington, Pistachio-Crusted Scottish Salmon and Filet Mignon.
Austria Hof in Mammoth Lakes
For a more casual affair check out the Austria Hof at the base of Mammoth Mountain. A traditional German restaurant complete with authentic decor and large booth seats, you can dine on local classics like a rack of elk, or go German with entrees including bratwurst plates, Hungarian beef goulash and schnitzel (complete with homemade spaetzle!).
Where to Get Gear In Mammoth Lakes
Whether you’re a gear collector like me and love shopping good outdoor gear stores or need to pick up some equipment, be sure to stop by Mammoth Mountaineering Supply for your outdoor needs. My running shoes had seen better days and I found an amazing pair of trail runners that are literally the best shoes I’ve ever had in my life. But wandering to the back wall to check out the shoes was a real treat as I wandered through sleeping bags, jackets, climbing gear, and camping gadgets, this Girl Guides dream store (yes, if I won the lottery, a camping equipment store would be one of my first stops!).
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply also has a used gear store in Bishop (a 45 minute drive South of Mammoth Lakes), which makes my second hand shopping heart happy. They also offer gear rentals (tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and sleeping pads) in case you you don’t have room in your luggage to fit all the gear you need for your adventures.
I was so grateful for the local expertise and support and if you need some gear be sure to check them out.
So now that you’ve got a chance to see some of our candid photos from our Fall adventure to Mammoth Lakes and discovered some of the attractions that are available in other seasons, it’s easy to see why they call this destination, “The Real Unreal”. And I couldn’t agree more. The small-town vibes set upon a beautiful mountain landscape make this the ultimate place to explore.
