Location: Mammoth Lakes
Top Things to do in Mammoth Lakes
What to do and see in Mammoth Lakes, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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 962 reviews
A variety of late spring and early summer terrain is available for first-time beginners and double diamond pursuers.
Reviewed By bklyn56 - Westford, Massachusetts
Mammoth lives up to its name. The mountain is a Goliath. It is a year-round destination. Ski it in the winter, mountain bike it in the summer. Be sure to visit Devil's Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and Minaret Vista.
2. Convict Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Lake known for its alpine scenery and rainbow trout.
Reviewed By doctorbobster - Gainesville, Florida
Set 2 miles back from CA395, Convict Lake is backdropped by the Eastern Sierras and Laurel Mountain. In addition to the highly regarded lodge, there is hiking and, when conditions are right, outstanding photography. Depending on your location, the wind, angle of the sun, you can get great reflections and colors. If you are passing through the area, it's worth a stop.
3. Devils Postpile National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 818 reviews
This obscure part of the National Park System features unique basalt rock formations.
Reviewed By NeoNorth
Devils Postpile is a really unique thing to see. It is an easy hike so outdoor enthusiasts of all levels shouldn't have too hard of a time. It is a lot bigger than I thought it would be when I actually saw it in person.
Travelers Tip: Remember to bring water and a day bag with a first aid kit, etc. Regardless of the length or difficulty of a hike, it is always important to have what you need in case of an accident.
Overview: I would recommend to a friend.
I'm a fellow traveler so I appreciate when other people have given me tips/recommendations while in a new city. If this information is helpful, please let me know by hitting the like button. Even if this review helps only one traveler then it's worth it to know I'm contributing towards making someone's experience better, giving to the global community, and paying it forward. Safe Travels!
4. Lake Mary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Reviewed By NeoNorth
If you like fishing, views, or both, then Lake Mary may be calling your name. Used to fish here a lot as a child with my family and have recently come back to visit Mammoth with friends. I usually come to Mammoth during the winter to snowboard, but this is a nice change of weather and scenery.
Traveler Tip: Watch out for rocks sticking up out of the ground especially if with elders or children. When I was little, I was running around and tripped over one. I ended up doing a major faceplant and have never recovered! jk. I did do a faceplant, but just busted my lip pretty bad and cut my cheek.
I'm a fellow traveler so I appreciate when other people have given me tips/recommendations while in a new city. If this information is helpful, please let me know by hitting the like button. Even if this review helps only one traveler then it's worth it to know I'm contributing towards making someone's experience better, giving to the global community, and paying it forward. Safe Travels!
5. Rainbow Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By someyawhoo - Placerville, California
Excellent waterfall but the trail trail is a slight downhill to the fall. Be prepared to “huff it” more on the way out. It gets some people.
It can get crowded during the “rainbow” time of day. Worth the effort And the stream is an ideal of setting for fly fishing.
6. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 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 LynnandLee - San Diego, California
We visited last year about the same time and the staff were very helpful, showing us many hikes around the area and places to visit that were perfect for us.
This year we got a young woman who obviously doesn't like her job. Ripped off the little map that was on a pad, marked the Welcome Center and the shuttle stop to go to Rainbow Falls and shoved it at us. We asked about other hikes and she pointed to a rack of maps for sale, then picked one and said that it was pretty good. Of course it was a huge map of way more territory than we needed for a 3 day stay in Mammoth Lakes. We asked if she had any recommendations, but all she did was give us another piece of paper and just stood there. We left.
This year the bathrooms were also dirty and not everything was working. Very disappointed.
7. Minaret Vista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By A A W
This is one of the hidden gems in the Mammoth area. The mountain views across the canyon toward the Minaret mountains is spectacular. It is also the trailhead for several spectacular hikes. My favorite hike heads north and ends 20 miles away near the Three Sisters mountain. It is a challenging hike involving several steep climbs and descents. But even for people who just want to take in the scenery or go for shorter hikes this place is great. Added bonus is that it is rarely crowded and there are no mosquitoes.
8. Mammoth Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By beetrvln - Fountain Valley, California
Mammoth Brewing Company took over the space where Whiskey Creek use to be and it is so much nicer. The tasting room has plenty of seating, and a nice big bar with lots of windows with views of the stunning Sierra's. They always have a nice selection of beer and for the non-beer drinker's they do have wine by the glass.
The staff is always friendly and helpful in guiding you to the beers you tend to enjoy more than others.
The brewery is a great spot to stop in and hang out for awhile. The restaurant inside is called The Eatery and the food is fabulous. The room upstairs offers plenty of seating and TV's to sit and watch your favorite game if you are dining as well as tasting.
There is plenty of parking and it is an easy walk from the Westin or the Villages if you are staying in either location.
9. Hot Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
You can relax in the heated springs of this popular fishing spot.
Reviewed By James J - San Diego, California
High desert stream with finicky trout. Several places in the area to dip into a hot spring. Trail can freeze and get slippery in the winter
10. Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
A popular spot to rent mountain bikes and equipment for a day of biking on Mammoth Mountain.
Reviewed By NeoNorth
The Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is a blast! There are trails of all levels here and the fun is endless especially with the weather is right.
Traveler Tip: Always bring extra clothes, both for temperature and protection. Plus you will want something clean to change into after you are done.
Traveler Tip 2: You probably already know this, but protection is key. The paths can be very bumpy and you will most likely fall at least once if you are pushing yourself. Wear the proper gear and be realistic with your abilities as a rider.
Overview, if you are going during the summer and enjoy the outdoors mixed with biking then check this place out!
I'm a fellow traveler so I appreciate when other people have given me tips/recommendations while in a new place. If this information is helpful, please let me know by hitting the like button. Even if this review helps only one traveler then it's worth it to know I'm contributing towards making someone's experience better, giving towards the global community, and paying it forward. Safe Travels!
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