Location: Mammoth Lakes
Top Things to do in Mammoth Lakes
Top 8 Bodies of Water 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. 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.
2. Garnet Lake
3. 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.
4. Skelton Lake
5. McLeod Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By jeffd184 - Murrieta, United States
This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Mammoth. The trail starts at Horseshoe Lake. The trail is .6 miles to McLeod up a steady incline. Still an easy hike for most people. This lake has some of the clearest water in the Mammoth area. The lake is surrounded by sand beaches. This is a great spot to bring your bathing suit and enjoy the cold mountain water and get some sun. The water is cold but a very slow incline getting into the water. Great to just wade out and cool off. There are people with beach towels and bikinis enjoying the views. The trail to hike the entire lake is easy and nothing but amazing views. This is my favorite lake in Mammoth. Note to fisherman - On this lake there are fishing rules that apply. Live bait is not allowed. Fly fishing or use of lures only. Each fly or lure can only have 1 hook with no barb. All fish are catch and release. This lake is nowhere near a road and does not get stocked with fish. we must preserve the natural fish in this lake. The clear and clean water is amazing and the sand feels more like a beach in some spots. Go for a swim in the summer and walk the entire lake.
6. Horseshoe Lake
7. Wild Willy's Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By IrishTraveler46 - Claremont, United States
Turn right off of the Green Church Road (you know the place!) at the third cattle crossing. It is a longish drive in (to the south) and you usually have to walk a short distance from the parking area. Wild Willy's is one of the most "developed" of the Long Valley hot springs. There is a largish deck on the south side of it. Water is usually very nice and warm. There is another undeveloped spring just to the north of it. Please do not camp at any of the hot springs!
8. Crowley Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
This man-made lake is well-stocked with several types of trout for prime fishing.
Reviewed By mj45cal - San Diego, United States
This is my second year being guided by Jim Elias of FishMammoth Guide Service. Let me say that I have fly fished for over 30 years and in that time I have hired my fair share of guides. I have fished Crowley on my own for many years. A few years back the revolution on the lake came in the form of chironomid (midges) fly fishing using a indicator rig with 3 flies. The concept in of itself isn’t difficult. What I found though was there is incredible number of different midges and being able to key on which midge and what phase of the insect the fish were hitting was the key. I think anyone can get fish on their own but the numbers and sizes of fish we caught was a testament to Jim’s ability as a guide who is on top of his game. I told Jim it’s hard to tell if your guide is doing a good job. Jim does all the little things that add up to big fish and a lot of fish. I highly recommend his services if your the Mammoth Lakes área for a fly fishing trip
