Location: Mammoth Lakes
Top Things to do in Mammoth Lakes
Top 10 Things to do in Mammoth Lakes, California (CA)
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. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center specializes in providing general information about the Inyo National Forest and surrounding local areas. Stop in for maps of the area and suggestions on great places to hike, camp and visit. The center provides campfire permits, wooding permits, and backpacking permits for those looking to begin a trip in the Inyo National Forest backcountry. There are also many fantastic interpretive program opportunities available through the center. A great first stop for a trip to Mammoth. If you are looking for souvenirs, there are many fun items for sale in the center including books, maps, hats, bandanas, t-shirts, and lots of other souvenirs. The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center is managed through a partnership with the US Forest Service and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association.
Reviewed By pw9999 - Orange County, United States
We were in town with our daughter who was snowboarding, and we were not. So we sought out some advice here. Blake was very helpful and friendly while describing hiking areas nearby, along with recommended hot springs and restaurants. There is a small store here with maps, walking sticks and other locally made items. Worth a few minutes to get acquainted with the area.
7. Lake Mary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 412 reviews
Reviewed By Tripping1214 - El Cajon, United States
Today we visited Lake Mary and had a wonderful experience at the Lake Mary Marina. We rented a pontoon boat for our family that included grandma, grandpa, 2 grandchildren, daughter, and her husband. I also purchased a beginners fishing pole for my 5 year old grandson. We had a lovely time on the lake. It was beautiful and peaceful. My grandson loved trying out his new pole and learning to cast the line. Unfortunately, but almost at the end of our time he broke the line and lost his little fish weight. He was devastated by this, but when we returned and asked about a new weight he was generous enough to give him a brand new red weight he took from a packaged pole. It was very thoughtful of him. I highly recommend this Marina.
8. Minaret Vista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By mattwZ5450KN - Auberry, United States
Was told by a friend to go up to the vista, and it was well worth it. I live on the Western side of the Sierras and the views here were very spectacular. You can see down to Devils Postpile, Mount Adler (highest point in Yosemite NP), and off to the southwest and the headwaters of the San Joaquin River. Take your camera and your binoculars. It'll be worth it.
9. Horseshoe Lake
10. Rainbow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 316 reviews
Reviewed By jeffd184 - Murrieta, United States
We started out hike from the Devils Post Pile Ranger Station. We arrived around 8:30 am and there were already many cars there. I suggest you start early. I know there are times you have to take a bus to get there because the parking lots fill up. I heard due to COVID the busses were not running but the lots were filling up fast So arrive early. From the Post Pile parking area its 2.5 miles to the falls The trails is easy with just a couple hills that may get you breathing a little faster. We hiked with our 11 and 13 year old kids and it was super easy for us. The last 3/4 mile to the falls you are in open sun so bring sun screen. We were here in mid July and started at 48 Deg. air temp. By the time we got back it was 83 deg. Once at the falls there are some amazing views and a steep stairway that leads you right down to the water. My Son and I took the rocks right to the bottom of the falls where you are getting wet. It's a great spot to take a break and enjoy the super cold water prior to hiking out. Bring water, sun screen, and maybe a snack. We saw many people that looked like they were not in good enough shape to be hiking this trail. Many looked like they were unprepared and had no water. People were sitting in the shade looking like they were about to pass out. So take water not a can of Monster, maybe a good snack, and plan plan a couple hours. There are many things to see along the trail and make sure you check out the wood bridge that crosses the San Juaquin River. Its located about half way down the trail and only 150 feet off the trail. This is where the PCT trail crosses the rover. So the hike is worth the view. Start early and bring water. plan on a half day and check out the Devils Post Pile which is on the same trail. It's well worth the effort and a great experience.
