20 Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes California

1. Go Skiing And Snowboarding

The Mammoth Lakes is most famous for its ski resorts and ice activities. It has a summit of 11,053 feet with a base elevation of 7,953 feet and features over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, with more than 150 named trails catered to all skill levels.

The Ski Resort Mammoth Mountain is the highest ski resort at Mammoth Lakes, with 11,053 feet it has the highest elevation at the Mammoth Lakes.

The steepest slope at Mammoth Lakes is the Kiwi Flates, a double diamond groomed trail beginning at 10,143 feet with a slope of 51-degree gradient. This slope is sure to provide a burst of adrenaline rush throughout its 512-feet run.

2. Hike The Trails

The Mammoth Lakes features some of the most exhilarating and scenic hiking adventures filled with breathtaking views of the natural landscapes of the Eastern Sierra.

Some popular hiking trails are the Devil's Postpipe and Rainbow Falls Trail, Crystal Lake Trail, and the Duck Pass Trail.

Similarly, the Crystal Lake Trial is a moderate-difficulty trial featuring a panoramic view of the Mammoth Lakes Basin and Crystal.

Duck Pass Trail, however, is a strenuous trail that provides a scenic adventure to the beautiful alpine lakes including Barney Lake and Duck Lake with stunning mountain scenery.

3. Go Fishing

With a variety of lakes, streams, and rivers that offer excellent opportunities for anglers, fishing is one of the popular activities in the Mammoth Lakes.

Lake Mary and Twin Lake alike, provide a beautiful scenic setting favored by most anglers and visitors. 

Moreover, the fishing spots are surrounded by majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and picturesque streams offering a breathtaking view and further enhancing the fishing experience and creating its spots as one of the popular things to do at Mammoth Lakes CA.

4. Ride The Mountain Bike Trials

The Mammoth Lake is a popular biking spot with an extensive network of trails designed for all skill levels. It features over 80 miles of trails, from challenging downhill runs to technical singletracks and scenic cross-country routes.

The Trails also offer a Gondola, that bikers can use to access higher trails and enjoy the awe-inspiring views from the high elevation. Moreover, there are also beginner-friendly trails like the Discovery Trail offering biker rentals and guided tours.

The diverse landscapes and challenging terrain make mountain biking in Mammoth Lakes an exhilarating things to do in Mammoth Lakes CA.

5. Camp At Twin Lakes Campground

The Camping sites at Mammoth Lakes are one of the most engaging and popular activities preferred by most visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra.

The region offers a range of campgrounds, from developed sites with amenities to more primitive backcountry spots.

Some popular campgrounds of the region are Twin Lakes Campground, Lake Mary, and Coldwater Campground, all providing access to fishing, hiking, and stunning lake viewing experiences.

6. Relax In Hot Springs

The Mammoth Lake is famous for its several hot springs offering a relaxing way to unwind after outdoor activities. The geothermal pools in the region are set in picturesque surroundings providing a tranquil and scenic experience.

Some popular hot springs are the Wild Willy's Hilltop Hot Springs, and Crab Cooker Hot Springs, which can be accessed through a short hike or a drive.

The springs encourage the visitors to maintain the place's beauty and enjoy soaking in these hot springs with views of the Eastern Sierra and the star-filled night sky.

7. Try Rock Climbing

The Mammoth Lakes invites climbers from all around the globe due to its range of climbing courses.

Catered to different skill levels, the place features diverse climbing areas such as Clark Canyon and the Buttermilks, known for its sport climbing routes and world-class boulders. 

The courses in Mammoth Lakes are unique and the volcanic formation rocks add to its beauty and diverse terrain. Beginners can take part in local climbing schools and guided lessons to help develop skills and ensure safety.

8. Take A Ride Up The Mammoth Mountain Via Gondola

The gondola ride is a must-do activity in the Mammoth Mountains due to its unique view of the stunning natural beauty of natural lakes. Taking the visitors to the summit at 11,053 feet, the ride offers a panoramic view of the Eastern Sierra and the surrounding areas. 

The visitors can also enjoy a meal at the Summit Cafe with beautiful scenery and memorable sightseeing opportunities. People who love to ski can engage themselves in skiing from the highest point of the summit and get their way to the steepest one.

Don't forget the Eleven53 Interpretive Center where visitors can explore exhibits about the region's geology, ecology, and history.

9. Play A round At Sierra Star Golf Course

Are you someone who loves to enjoy the cool breeze of the wind with peaceful and relaxing activities? Try Golf at the Sierra Gold Course, featuring a unique high-altitude experience with stunning mountain views.

Set at 8,000 feet, this 18-hole championship course in Mammoth is one of the highest courses in California and offers a unique taste of the sport.

The courses feature well-manicured fairways, challenging greens, and water hazards providing an enjoyable game for golfers of varying demographics and levels.

10. Enjoy Kayaking And Canoeing

The serene and breathtaking environment of lakes like June Lake and Mono Lake makes Kayaking and Canoeing a must-do activity in Mammoth Lakes.

Featuring calm waters and stunning mountain backdrops, the lake is an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddlers. 

The park offers rentals and guided tours, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience without the hassle of bringing their equipment. Paddling in the calm water offers you an opportunity to observe local wildlife, such as birds and fish.

11. Go Horseback Riding

The unique and rugged terrain calls for the best environment to enjoy horseback riding.

The trails are suitable for both experienced and beginners, with popular rides including routes through the Mammoth Lakes Basin featuring stunning views of lakes and mountains.

This unique experience opportunity allows visitors to cover more terrain than hiking and lets them enjoy the natural beauty from a different perspective.

12. Visit Mono Lake

Located about 30 miles north of the Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake is an iconic natural wonder of the Mammoth Lakes known for its striking limestone formations called tufas. These formations rise from the lake's surface creating a dynamic landscape. 

The Mono Lake also has a Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center that offers educational exhibits about the lake's geology, ecology, and history.

Visitors can go kayaking in the lake to get a close look at the tufas and migratory birds or enjoy the hike along the shoreline making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

13. Explore The Back country On A Snowmobile

The Mammoth Lakes offers an exciting way to explore the snowy backcountry during the winter months.

Become a part of this experience and take a snowmobile ride to the backcountry, enjoying the groomed trails and popular routes including the Inyo National Forest and areas around Mammoth Mountain. 

Guided tours and rentals are available, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique snowmobile ride surrounded by the stunning views of the snow-covered Sierra Nevada. The snowmobile allows visitors to access more remote and scenic areas safely and quickly.

This thrilling and fun adventure is a must-do activity in Mammoth Lakes CA for thrill seekers and families alike.

14. Try Ice Climbing

The winter season in Mammoth Lakes is one of the most fun times to be around. From kayaking and canoeing in chilling waters to snowmobiling in the backcountry, the Mammoth Lakes features some of the most exhilarating features of the place. 

But why stop there? Try the iconic ice climbing in the Mommoth rivers, which is both physically and technically challenging and requires climbers to take on a daring journey to conquer frozen landscapes and achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Local guides and outfitters are also present, making it accessible to beginners who want to become part of the adventure. 

15. Capture The Local Wildlife And Sceneries

The Mammoth Lakes is home to a diverse range of animals and plants residing in their natural habitat.

Whether hiking, climbing, mountain biking, or driving through the mammoth lakes, it blesses its visitors with a close look at some of the most beautiful and local wildlife like mule deer, black bears, coyotes, and various bird species.

The Mono Basin Scenic Area and the Mammoth Lake Basin are popular spots for wildlife watching. While lakes and meadows are ideal for observing water and songbirds, the forest and higher elevations provide a chance to see large mammals in their natural habitat.

16. Visit the Mammoth Lake Basin

The Mammoth Lakes Basin is one of the prime attractions of Mammoth Lakes CA. Around 760.000 a massive volcano erupted in the region creating the now popular network of steaming water, making it a perfect base camp regardless of the season.

Today, the mammoth lake basin features a large glacial cirque basin that was carved by the grinding movement of glacial ice and rocks entrained within the ice.

17. Explore The Night Sky

Mammoth Lakes is an ideal spot for stargazing due to its low light pollution, clear skies, and high elevations. 

Some popular spots are Minaret Vista, Mammoth Scenic Loop, Convict Lakes, and June Lake Loops where you can enjoy the best view of the night skies during the summer and fall seasons.

Bring warm clothing and avoid screen lights or white flashlights during your hike to preserve your vision. Plan your trip during any meteor showers to discover the serene view of the night skies and find out why it is one of the major attractions of the Mammoth Lakes CA.

18. Taste Local Wine

Relax your body with the locally prepared wine of the Mammoth Lakes. Establishments like the Mammoth Wine Shop and Black Velvet Coffee/Wine Bar provide opportunities to taste a variety of wines, including selections from California's renowned wine regions. 

The cozy and relaxing atmosphere of Mammoth Lake creates the perfect setting to take a break and enjoy a glass of wine with families and friends.

These wines allow you to unwind from the long and adventurous day of outdoor activities and experience the local hospitality and diverse flavors of California.

19. Attend Local Events

The Mammoth Lakes has a rich history of hosting a variety of festivals and celebrating everything from music and arts to food and outdoor activities.

Some of the popular events include the Mammoth Festival of Beers and Blesapaloooza, featuring craft beer and live blues music, and the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival, promoting independent films. 

Visitors can not only attend but also take part in the local festivals of the Mammoth Lakes. After all, the best way to connect to a place is to connect with the people and traditions of the region. 

20. Explore Yosemite National Park

The Mammoth Lakes is located just a short drive away from the Yosemite National Park. Don't just limit yourself to the beauty of Mammoth Lakes and go to one of the iconic national parks of California State filled with its palates of natural flora and fauna.

The main attractions of Yosemite National Park are Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views explore the world-renowned national park, and partake in different fun activities like hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.

So, take your trip to another height and enjoy the beauty of Mammoth Park and blend it with the awe-inspiring wildlife of the Yosemite National Park.