Location: Mammoth Lakes
Top Things to do in Mammoth Lakes
Things to do in Mammoth Lakes, California (CA): The Best Nature & Parks
High in the Eastern Sierra of California is the growing ski resort town of Mammoth Lakes, surrounded by alpine beauty and majesty. Powdered peaks of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and surrounding wilderness draw skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and ice skaters every winter. Summers are quieter and less crowded, but vacationers in search of the path less traveled will find secluded biking and hiking trails, rushing rivers, icy mountain lakes, green golf courses and breathtaking scenery.
Restaurants in Mammoth Lakes
1. Valentine Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. Mammoth Crest Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Seethesunrise - Visalia, United States
From the Lake George trailhead it is a steep 2 mile climb up to Mammoth Crest for fabulous views and a stunning red volcanic rock landscape. One of my favorite hikes for sure. The first mile is shared with the trail to Crystal Lake which is a very popular hike. Then there is a clear split off to the right for the trail to continue on to Mammoth Crest. When you part with the Crystal Lake trail you leave the crowd behind and the hike becomes nearly your own. At the top of the crest there are a few off shooting paths that offer you a 360 degree view past the Minarets and to the White Mountains.
3. Mammoth Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,154 reviews
A variety of late spring and early summer terrain is available for first-time beginners and double diamond pursuers.
Reviewed By ACSlater4444444
The best spring riding I have experienced. Felt like winter. Great mountain and the locals were very helpful. I cannot wait to go back again. Check out our Youtube video for highlights of our trip: GoPro 2K: South West Road Trip (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Page, Las Vegas, and Mammoth Mountain).
4. Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Adventurethatislife3 - San Diego, United States
Awesome experience. We were lucky enough to be up at Mammoth during a full moon and booked this snowshoe tour. Our guides were lovely and very informative. There were about 20-25 people total on the tour. Included the snowshoes and hot beverages and dessert afterwards. The tour was about 90 minutes long hiking through the woods and amazing views of the mountain and sky. Definitely recommend.
5. Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
A popular spot to rent mountain bikes and equipment for a day of biking on Mammoth Mountain.
Reviewed By Fofo44444
Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has so much to offer. Whether you're a beginner rider or a seasoned expert, you will find some epic trails to ride on. Take the Gondola up to the top or half way, there so many trails to choose from. I recommend going tubeless and running the widest tire possible to float over the soft pumice and to avoid pitch flats. Also, wear elbow and knee/shin guards, just in case you go down.
6. Hot Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
You can relax in the heated springs of this popular fishing spot.
Reviewed By IrishTraveler46 - Claremont, United States
The Hot Creek Regional Park is like a tiny "Yellowstone". There are beautiful blue hot pools and steaming water. Park at the top of the canyon and walk down to the creek. One used to be able to bathe here but it gets closed off because of hot activity.
7. Obsidian Dome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Location is in Mono County near June lakes, this natural dome was created out of lava which solidified to black glass, hence the name, obsidian.
Reviewed By soozeq1_13
Because it's called a dome that is what I expected to see. It was more of a hill and lots of rubble from being dug through. It was absolutely awesome to see obsidian and its natural place. Highly recommended.
8. Convict Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 572 reviews
Lake known for its alpine scenery and rainbow trout.
Reviewed By dabautista
Beautiful lake with a nice trail loop that is easy to hike. If you want to rent a kayak or pontoon boat, I suggest reserving one ahead of time because they were sold out by 10am. There are nice little spots around the lake where you can swim and take in the great scenery. One other suggestion is to get there early if you want to avoid the crowds, especially if you want to hike because the trail is narrow.
9. Devils Postpile National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 957 reviews
This obscure part of the National Park System features unique basalt rock formations.
Reviewed By CNewing - Willoughby, Australia
The devil’s post pile is pretty amazing and the easy (stroller friendly) trail makes it so accessible. Means if you want to take it easy you’re in luck, if you want something more involved then you can carry on down to rainbow falls or any of the other interesting sounding trails. There is a cute park ranger post on arrival and if you need water top up for bottles then you are in luck. Extra special for us was getting to see a deer along the trail!
