- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes' story begins with the 1870s gold rush, leaving remnants like the Mammoth Consolidated Gold Mine. Its architecture is rustic mountain-lodge style, influenced by its environment. Founder Dave McCoy pivoted the town to skiing in the 1950s.
The Eastern Sierra provides a vast playground. Mammoth Mountain's 11,053 ft summit offers world-class skiing. In summer, explore the Ansel Adams Wilderness or fish in alpine lakes. An insider tip: the region sits in the Long Valley Caldera supervolcano.
The local lifestyle revolves around the outdoors. Many artisans create Sierra-inspired art and custom skis. Discover local galleries in The Village. The community's ethos is "work to live", prioritizing a fresh powder day-a key part of visiting Mammoth Lakes.
- Mammoth LakesUnited States
- Mammoth LakesUnited States
- Mammoth LakesUnited States
- Mammoth LakesUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octpleasant weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm and busy
- Wintercold, great snow for skiing
- #WarmClothing
- #HikingBoots
- #Sunscreen
- #HydrationPack
- #Camera
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #MammothMountain
- #DevilsPostpileNationalMonument
- #RainbowFalls
- #HotCreekGeologicArea
- #LakeMary
- #ConvictLake
- Skiing at Mammoth Mountain
- Hiking to Devils Postpile
- Fishing at Lake Mary
- Exploring Hot Creek
- Photography at Rainbow Falls
Recommended Hotels in Mammoth Lakes by Experience
Things to do in Mammoth Lakes
Discover
See Mammoth Mountain's summit, the geologic columns of Devil's Postpile, and stunning views from Minaret Vista. The area features scenic drives like June Lake Loop, historic mining sites, and breathtaking natural wonders around every turn.
Experience
Discover things to do in Mammoth Lakes, from skiing Mammoth Mountain to hiking the John Muir Trail. Fish in alpine lakes, bike scenic paths, or enjoy events like the Bluesapalooza festival. Kayaking and scenic gondola rides are popular too.
Mammoth Mountain
Premier ski resort offering year-round mountain adventures.
Devil's Postpile National Monument
Rare geological formation of columnar basalt rock columns.
June Lake Loop
Scenic 16-mile drive past four stunning alpine lakes.
Rainbow Falls
101-foot waterfall known for its midday rainbows.
Minaret Vista
Viewpoint with panoramic views of the jagged Minarets.
Mammoth Museum at Hayden Cabin
Historic log cabin museum detailing local pioneer life.
Hot Creek Geological Site
Scenic area with boiling hot springs and fumaroles.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Plan a trip to Mammoth Lakes by flying into Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH). Shuttles and taxis handle the Mammoth Lakes airport to city center route. For more options, fly to Reno (RNO) or LAX and drive 3-5 hours. No direct train to Mammoth Lakes exists.
Getting Around
Explore using the free public transport in Mammoth Lakes, operated by ESTA. The winter Mammoth Lakes shuttle bus connects the town to ski lodges. The Village is walkable, but car rental in Mammoth Lakes is best for exploring areas beyond the town.
Local Essentials
For Mammoth Lakes travel tips for first-timers: Acclimate to the 7,881 ft elevation to avoid altitude sickness. Driving in Mammoth Lakes in winter requires snow chains or 4WD by law. Always secure food and trash from cars due to active bears.
Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Mammoth's culinary scene. Eat hearty local cuisine like bison chili and Sierra trout. The town's pulse is the après-ski happy hour, a tradition to taste local craft beers after hitting the slopes.
Enjoy
Dine at The Lakefront Restaurant, a rustic-chic spot, book ahead. Drink at Mammoth Tavern, a casual gastropub, arrive early. Grab breakfast at Shea Schat's Bakery, a busy classic, expect queues.
The Lakefront Restaurant
Refined dining in a cozy, lakeside cabin setting.
Mogul Restaurant
A Mammoth Lakes staple since 1971, this is a cozy spot.
Roberto's Mexican Cafe
Authentic, popular Mexican food. No reservations.
Smokeyard BBQ and Chop Shop
Lively spot for BBQ, burgers, and comfort food.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Mammoth Lakes's heritage through its annual traditions. The Fourth of July celebration is a must-see, featuring a town parade, a pancake breakfast, and fireworks over Crowley Lake. These events reflect the town's strong community spirit.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Mammoth Lakes attractions. The town pulses with creative energy, hosting the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival for independent cinema and numerous music festivals featuring blues, jazz, and rock acts throughout the summer.
Mammoth Lakes 4th of July
Town parade, pancake breakfast, and fireworks.
Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza
August festival with 80+ craft breweries and blues music.
Mammoth Lakes Film Festival
A five-day showcase of independent films each May.
Mammoth Mountain Opening Day
The official start of the ski season in November.
VillageFest
A July event with free rock concerts and food vendors.
Night of Lights
December holiday kick-off with torchlight parade & fireworks.
Arts on the 4th Festival
July art fair with local and regional artists.
Perfect Mountain Getaway
Mammoth Lakes has such a relaxed mountain town feel. It's the perfect escape from the city. The air is so crisp and clean. We loved walking around The Village at Mammoth in the evenings, with lots of great spots for a drink or a bite to eat.
Awesome Spring Skiing
The spring skiing was fantastic, with sunny days and great snow coverage. Hitting Cornice Bowl in the morning was a real thrill. The mountain is huge, so you never feel crowded. The food at the lodges was solid, perfect for refueling after a few runs.
Great for the Whole Family
Mammoth Lakes is a great winter spot for everyone. We spent an afternoon at Woolly's Tube Park, and the kids had an absolute blast. The town itself is very walkable and has a cozy feel. Found some great pastries at a local bakery to start our days.
Serious Snowboarding Terrain
This mountain is unreal for snowboarding. The Unbound Terrain Parks are some of the best I've ever ridden, with so many features for all levels. The lift system is super efficient, so you get a ton of runs in. A great spot for serious riders.
Absolutely Stunning Views
The views here are simply breathtaking. We drove up to Minaret Vista for the sunset and it was unforgettable. It's a very peaceful place, perfect for just enjoying the incredible mountain scenery. The people are friendly, and it's easy to get around.
Incredible Powder Days
Came for the powder and was not disappointed. The snow was deep and light, making for some epic skiing days. After a long day on the slopes, kicking back at Mammoth Brewing Company was the perfect way to finish. The whole area is just beautiful.