Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes

Best things to do in Mammoth Lakes in winter

1. Ski or snowboard at Mammoth Mountain

Location / Neighborhood: Mammoth Mountain

Best For: Skiers, snowboarders, families and groups

Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day

Cost / Entry: Lift ticket or pass required

Mammoth Mountain is the headline winter attraction and the main reason many visitors travel to Mammoth Lakes. The large ski area provides terrain for different ability levels, from beginner areas and wide cruising runs to steeper slopes and advanced mountain terrain.

For a longer ski trip, the size of the mountain means you can spend several days exploring different areas rather than repeating the same handful of runs. Lessons and equipment rental are also widely available, making the resort accessible to first-time skiers as well as experienced visitors.

Conditions and lift operations can change throughout the season, so check the mountain report each morning before deciding where to ski.

Insider tip: Start early if you are visiting over a weekend or holiday period, when popular lifts and base areas become considerably busier.

2. Go snowshoeing through the Eastern Sierra

Location / Neighborhood: Mammoth Lakes trails and surrounding forest

Best For: Non-skiers, couples, families and nature lovers

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Usually free with your own equipment; rentals and tours extra

Snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to experience Mammoth Lakes in winter without spending the day on ski lifts.

Snow-covered forest trails and quieter routes around the surrounding area allow visitors to explore the landscape at a much slower pace, with views of mountains, frozen lakes and pine forest replacing the activity of the main ski slopes.

Beginners can stick to shorter, well-used routes, while experienced visitors have access to more demanding backcountry terrain. Conditions can change rapidly, so it is important to choose a route appropriate to your experience and check current weather and trail information before setting off.

Insider tip: For a first snowshoe outing, choose a shorter marked route rather than heading straight into backcountry terrain.

3. Try cross-country skiing

Location / Neighborhood: Mammoth Lakes and surrounding Nordic trails

Best For: Active travellers and non-downhill skiers

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Trail or equipment fees may apply

Cross-country skiing provides a quieter alternative to downhill skiing and allows you to explore snowy forest landscapes without relying on chairlifts.

The activity is more physically demanding than it initially appears, but beginner-friendly routes make it accessible even if you have never tried Nordic skiing before. More experienced skiers can cover much greater distances and turn the outing into a substantial workout.

It is particularly good for mixed winter trips where you want several days in the snow but do not necessarily want to spend every day skiing Mammoth Mountain.

Insider tip: Start with a short session if you are new to Nordic skiing. The technique uses muscles differently from downhill skiing.

4. Go tubing or ride the Mountain Coaster

Location / Neighborhood: Woolly's Adventure Summit

Best For: Families, teenagers and groups

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Paid activity

Woolly's Adventure Summit adds a more playful alternative to skiing. Mammoth Mountain operates tubing alongside its Mountain Coaster and other adventure activities, making this a particularly useful stop for families or groups with different levels of skiing experience.

The Mountain Coaster covers 5,455 feet and can reach speeds of up to 25 mph, while the tubing lanes run for more than 500 feet. These activities are also offered during the summer season, depending on weather and operating dates. Mammoth Mountain

Because sessions can become busy, especially on weekends, booking ahead is sensible.

Insider tip: Check activity restrictions before promising younger children a particular ride, as minimum height and age requirements vary.

Best summer things to do in Mammoth Lakes

5. Ride the Panorama Gondola

Location / Neighborhood: Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge

Best For: Families, couples, views and non-hikers

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Gondola ticket required

The Panorama Gondola is one of the easiest ways to experience Mammoth Mountain without skiing or tackling a demanding hike.

The ride climbs to the summit at 11,053 feet, opening up wide views across the Eastern Sierra and surrounding lakes. At the top, visitors can explore the Eleven53 Interpretive Center, stop for food and learn more about the geology and natural history of the area.

You can simply ride up and down, or use the summit as the starting point for a summer hike. Weather can change quickly at this elevation, even when conditions in town are warm.

Insider tip: Bring an extra layer. Temperatures at the summit can be significantly cooler than in Mammoth Lakes.

6. Mountain bike at Mammoth Bike Park

Location / Neighborhood: Mammoth Mountain

Best For: Mountain bikers and active families with older children

Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day

Cost / Entry: Bike park ticket and equipment hire may apply

Once the snow clears, Mammoth Mountain becomes a major mountain-biking destination. The bike park includes lift-accessed trails and routes suited to different experience levels, with beginner areas designed to help newer riders develop confidence before progressing onto more technical terrain. More experienced riders can explore longer downhill routes and challenging mountain trails.

Bike rentals are available locally, so visitors do not necessarily need to travel with their own equipment. Mammoth Mountain also operates dedicated beginner and progression areas within the park.

Insider tip: If you have never ridden downhill trails before, book a lesson or start in the Discovery Zone rather than immediately tackling advanced routes.

7. Explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin

Location / Neighborhood: Mammoth Lakes Basin

Best For: Families, hiking, paddling, fishing and scenery

Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day

Cost / Entry: Free; rentals may cost extra

The Mammoth Lakes Basin is one of the best places to spend a summer day because several alpine lakes, trails and recreation areas sit close together.

Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Twin Lakes and Horseshoe Lake all provide slightly different settings, making it easy to combine hiking, picnicking, fishing or time beside the water without committing to a major expedition.

Kayaks and paddleboards can be used on selected lakes, while surrounding trails range from gentle walks to routes heading farther into the mountains. Because the basin offers so many options in one relatively compact area, it works particularly well for families or groups where everyone wants to do something slightly different.

Insider tip: Arrive earlier in summer when parking around the most popular lakes is easier to find.

8. Paddle or kayak on an alpine lake

Location / Neighborhood: Mammoth Lakes Basin

Best For: Couples, families and relaxed outdoor days

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free with your own equipment; rentals extra

Paddling across one of Mammoth Lakes' alpine lakes is a slower alternative to hiking or mountain biking and gives visitors a completely different view of the surrounding forest and mountains. Calmer mornings are often ideal because winds can increase later in the day.

Lakes within the Mammoth Lakes Basin provide some of the most accessible options, with nearby parking and other recreation opportunities making it easy to combine a paddle with a picnic or short walk.

Even a short outing can feel surprisingly peaceful when you move away from the shoreline.

Insider tip: Go earlier in the morning when the water is often calmer and mountain reflections can be at their best.

9. Go fishing around Mammoth Lakes

Location / Neighborhood: Mammoth Lakes Basin and surrounding waters

Best For: Anglers, families and quieter days outdoors

Estimated Time Needed: 2 hours to full day

Cost / Entry: California fishing licence and relevant permits may be required

Fishing is one of Mammoth Lakes' classic warm-weather activities, with lakes, streams and rivers throughout the Eastern Sierra providing opportunities for trout fishing.

The Mammoth Lakes Basin offers several accessible spots, while visitors willing to explore farther can reach numerous other waters around Mono County. The area is associated with rainbow, brown and other trout species.

Fishing regulations and seasons vary by waterway, so it is important to check current California and local rules before heading out.

Insider tip: If you are new to the area, a local guide can save a lot of time compared with choosing a fishing spot at random.

Best natural attractions near Mammoth Lakes

10. Explore Devils Postpile National Monument

Location / Neighborhood: Reds Meadow Valley

Best For: Hiking, geology, families and photography

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Monument entry is free; shuttle or transport fees may apply

Devils Postpile is one of the most unusual geological attractions in the Eastern Sierra. The formation consists of tightly packed basalt columns rising up to around 60 feet, created by cooling lava and later exposed and polished by glacial activity.

A relatively short walk from the ranger station leads to the base of the formation, while continuing to the top provides a fascinating view of the hexagonal column pattern.

The monument is generally a summer and early-fall attraction because winter snow closes normal road access.

Important for 2026: Reds Meadow Road is undergoing reconstruction and access is restricted on certain days, so visitors should check current NPS information before travelling. National Park Service

Insider tip: Combine Devils Postpile with Rainbow Falls rather than making two separate trips into Reds Meadow Valley.

11. Hike to Rainbow Falls

Location / Neighborhood: Devils Postpile National Monument / Reds Meadow Valley

Best For: Hiking, waterfalls and photography

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Shuttle or transport fees may apply

Rainbow Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls around Mammoth Lakes, dropping 101 feet along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.

The falls get their name from the rainbows that can appear in the mist when sunlight hits the spray at the right angle. The trail from Devils Postpile Ranger Station is around 2.5 miles according to the National Park Service, with limited shade along sections of the route.

Because the trail can become hot and exposed in summer, carrying plenty of water is essential.

Insider tip: Midday sunlight can produce the strongest rainbow effect, but that also means hotter walking conditions, so balance photography with comfort.

12. Walk around Convict Lake

Location / Neighborhood: South of Mammoth Lakes

Best For: Families, photographers, couples and easy walking

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Convict Lake is one of the most photogenic locations near Mammoth Lakes, surrounded by steep mountain scenery that reflects dramatically in the water on calm days.

The lake works well for visitors who want a scenic outdoor experience without committing to a strenuous high-altitude hike. Walking trails follow sections of the shoreline, while fishing and paddling are also popular depending on conditions.

Autumn can be especially attractive when the surrounding foliage begins to change colour, but the lake is worth visiting throughout the warmer months.

Insider tip: Go early in the morning for calmer water and the best chance of seeing clear mountain reflections.

13. See the geothermal landscape at Hot Creek

Location / Neighborhood: Hot Creek Geological Site

Best For: Geology, photography and short scenic stops

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Hot Creek provides a striking reminder that the Mammoth Lakes region is still geologically active. Bright blue pools, steam vents and geothermal features sit within a canyon framed by the Eastern Sierra, creating a landscape that looks very different from the nearby alpine lakes.

The site is designed for viewing rather than bathing. Water temperatures and geothermal activity can change unexpectedly, so visitors should remain on designated paths and follow all safety signs. Because the main viewpoints do not require an all-day hike, Hot Creek is easy to combine with other stops around the region.

Insider tip: Treat this as a sightseeing stop, not a hot-spring soak. Swimming in the geothermal creek is unsafe and prohibited.

14. Soak in a natural hot spring near Mammoth Lakes

Location / Neighborhood: Eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes

Best For: Couples, relaxation and scenic drives

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Many natural locations are free

The volcanic geology around Mammoth Lakes has created several natural hot-spring areas beyond the town itself.

A warm soak surrounded by wide Eastern Sierra scenery can be particularly appealing after a long day of hiking, skiing or mountain biking. Some springs are relatively easy to reach, while others involve dirt-road access or short walks.

Conditions vary significantly, and these are natural environments rather than controlled spa pools. Water temperature, road access and cleanliness can all change.

Insider tip: Research current conditions before setting out and avoid entering any pool if the water temperature appears unsafe.

15. Explore Mono Lake

Location / Neighborhood: Near Lee Vining

Best For: Photography, geology and scenic day trips

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Some areas may charge parking or access fees

Mono Lake is one of the most unusual landscapes within easy reach of Mammoth Lakes. The saline lake is famous for its tufa towers, strange limestone formations created through interactions between freshwater springs and the highly mineralised lake water. These formations make the shoreline feel completely different from the forested alpine lakes around Mammoth.

The lake also plays an important ecological role, particularly for migratory birds, making it interesting for both photographers and nature-focused visitors.

Insider tip: Combine Mono Lake with Lee Vining or a Tioga Pass drive rather than making it the only stop of the day.

Unique and family things to do in Mammoth Lakes

16. Spend a day at Woolly's Adventure Summit

Location / Neighborhood: Minaret Road

Best For: Families, children, teenagers and groups

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Paid activities

Woolly's Adventure Summit provides a collection of family-friendly activities for days when you want something different from hiking or skiing.

Depending on the season, attractions can include the Mountain Coaster, tubing, ropes courses, a climbing wall, zip line, bungee trampoline and other activities. Mammoth Mountain's 2026 Adventure Pass also includes several of these experiences together.

The variety is particularly useful for families with children of different ages because everyone does not have to participate in the same activity.

Insider tip: Check individual height and weight restrictions before buying passes, especially if you are visiting with younger children.

17. Take a scenic drive along US Highway 395

Location / Neighborhood: Eastern Sierra

Best For: Road trips, photography and relaxed sightseeing

Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day

Cost / Entry: Free apart from fuel

US Highway 395 is more than simply the road used to reach Mammoth Lakes. It runs through some of the Eastern Sierra's most impressive scenery, with mountain views, volcanic landscapes, lakes and small communities creating numerous reasons to stop.

A relaxed drive can incorporate Convict Lake, Hot Creek, Mono Lake and other viewpoints without requiring a major hike.

It is particularly useful on a rest day when everyone wants to see more of the region but tired legs make another long mountain trail less appealing.

Insider tip: Avoid trying to cover an enormous distance. Pick three or four stops and leave time to actually enjoy them.

18. Take a day trip towards Yosemite National Park

Location / Neighborhood: Yosemite via Tioga Pass when seasonally open

Best For: Scenic drives, hiking and longer stays

Estimated Time Needed: Full day

Cost / Entry: National park admission

Mammoth Lakes can serve as a base for a longer excursion towards Yosemite when seasonal road conditions allow access across Tioga Pass.

The route itself is one of the highlights, climbing through dramatic high-country scenery before entering Yosemite's eastern side. Depending on how far you travel, you can visit viewpoints, lakes and trailheads rather than trying to cover the whole national park in one day.

Tioga Pass is seasonal and usually closes because of snow during the colder part of the year, so this should never be treated as a guaranteed year-round excursion. Visit Mammoth lists Yosemite and Tioga Pass among the major sightseeing trips accessible from the area. Visit Mammoth

Insider tip: Check current road status before leaving Mammoth Lakes. A Yosemite day trip only makes sense when Tioga Pass is fully open.

Seasonal events in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes Film Festival

The Mammoth Lakes Film Festival brings independent feature films, documentaries, short films and filmmaker events to Mammoth Lakes.

The 2026 programme included screenings, Q&A sessions and festival events, making this a useful seasonal addition for visitors who want something beyond outdoor activities. MLFF

If your stay overlaps with the festival, check screening times before arrival because the most interesting sessions can shape the rest of your itinerary.

Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza

The Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza is one of the better-known summer events in Mammoth Lakes, combining live music with craft beer in the mountain setting.

It works particularly well for adult groups planning a summer weekend around outdoor activities during the day and entertainment in the evening.

Mammoth Trailfest

Mammoth Trailfest celebrates trail running and Mammoth's high-altitude landscape, with races and related events taking place around the area.

Mammoth Mountain's 2026 schedule included special Panorama Gondola operation for Trailfest from September 25–27, showing how the event extends onto the mountain itself. Mammoth Mountain

Summer events at Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain hosts a changing programme of summer activities and events beyond its regular bike park and gondola operations.

Checking the mountain events calendar before travelling can reveal live music, family activities and special mountain events that are easy to add to an existing stay.

Plan your Mammoth Lakes trip

• Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and Resort
• Mammoth Lakes Cabins
• Mammoth Lakes Ski Chalets

1. Ski and snowboard at Mammoth Mountain

The Mammoth Mountain ski area and resort is the area’s biggest winter attraction, with more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to steep high-alpine runs. Its size and variety make it suitable for first-time skiers, families, experienced riders and groups with mixed abilities.

Snowboarding is a major part of the mountain too, with extensive Unbound Terrain Parks alongside traditional downhill terrain. Mammoth’s high elevation also helps create a notably long ski season, often extending well into spring.

For a deeper look at the slopes, base lodges and ski season, explore our guide to Mammoth Mountain ski resort.

2. Explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin

The Mammoth Lakes Basin is one of the easiest places to experience the scenery that gives the destination its name. Alpine lakes including Lake Mary, Lake George, Twin Lakes and Horseshoe Lake sit beneath forested slopes and rugged Sierra peaks.

In summer, the basin is popular for hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing and picnics beside the water. Numerous trails also begin here, making it easy to combine a lakeside morning with a longer walk into the surrounding mountains.

3. Ride the Scenic Gondola up Mammoth Mountain

You do not need skis to reach the upper slopes of Mammoth Mountain. Scenic gondola rides climb towards the summit, opening up huge views across the Eastern Sierra and giving non-skiers an easy way to experience the scale of the mountain.

Summer visitors can combine a gondola ride with hiking and sightseeing around the summit, while the journey itself is one of the simplest ways to see the landscape from above.

4. See Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls

Devils Postpile National Monument protects an extraordinary wall of naturally formed basalt columns, shaped by volcanic activity and later exposed by glacial erosion. From the monument, trails continue through the surrounding valley towards one of the area’s most impressive waterfalls.

Rainbow Falls drops 101 feet along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and is named for the rainbows that often appear in its mist on sunny days.

Access through Reds Meadow is seasonal. Road reconstruction is affecting access and shuttle operations during the 2026 season, so this is one attraction where current conditions are worth checking before your visit.

5. Drive the June Lake Loop

The June Lake Loop is one of the most scenic drives near Mammoth Lakes, winding through mountain scenery and past June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake.

Stop for photographs, spend time beside the water or make a day of exploring the small community of June Lake. In winter, the area is also home to the June Mountain Ski Area, providing a quieter alternative to Mammoth Mountain.

6. Discover Hot Creek Geologic Site

For something completely different, head to Hot Creek Geologic Site in the Long Valley Caldera. Steam, boiling springs and fumaroles reveal the volcanic activity still taking place beneath this dramatic section of the Eastern Sierra.

A short walk from the parking area leads to viewpoints overlooking the creek and its vividly colored geothermal pools. The water can change temperature suddenly, so entering the creek is prohibited — this is a sightseeing stop rather than a swimming spot.

7. Visit Mono Lake

Around 30 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake is one of the Eastern Sierra’s most distinctive landscapes. The ancient saline lake is particularly famous for its tufa towers — unusual limestone formations rising from the shoreline.

The wider reserve is also an important habitat for migratory birds, making it a rewarding destination for photography, nature walks and wildlife watching, as well as sightseeing.

8. Spend time at Convict Lake

Surrounded by steep mountain peaks, Convict Lake is an easy escape just south of Mammoth Lakes. Its dramatic setting makes it popular for photography, while hiking, fishing, boating and picnics provide plenty of reasons to spend longer beside the water.

A walking trail circles the lake, making this a particularly good choice if you want striking Eastern Sierra scenery without committing to a major mountain hike.

9. Go mountain biking

When the snow clears, Mammoth Mountain transforms into a major mountain-biking destination. Mammoth Bike Park offers more than 80 miles of singletrack, with trails ranging from approachable routes for newer riders to technical downhill terrain from higher on the mountain.

There are also gentler cycling options away from the bike park. The paved Lakes Basin Path and routes around town make it possible to enjoy the scenery without tackling Mammoth’s more challenging downhill trails.

10. Make a day trip to Yosemite National Park

Mammoth Lakes is a fantastic base for exploring the eastern side of Yosemite National Park, when Tioga Road is open. The route leads towards Yosemite’s high country and Tuolumne Meadows, before continuing deeper into the national park.

Tioga Road is seasonal and closes during snowy conditions, so Yosemite works best as a Mammoth Lakes day trip during the warmer part of the year. In 2026, the road opened to vehicles in May, but conditions and opening dates vary each season, so it's best to check in advance.

11. Enjoy family activities on Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain offers plenty beyond skiing and hiking. Warmer-weather activities include the Mountain Coaster, zip lines, rope courses and summer tubing, while scenic rides and other mountain activities give families plenty of choice.

These are useful options for families who want to mix longer hiking or sightseeing days with something more relaxed and easy near town.

12. Explore The Village at Mammoth

Not every day needs to involve a trail or mountain summit. The Village at Mammoth is a lively place to stop for restaurants, shops and drinks, with regular events adding to the atmosphere at different times of year.

In winter, the Village Gondola also provides a convenient connection with Canyon Lodge, while in summer the area works well for an easy evening after a day spent hiking, biking or exploring the lakes.

FAQs about things to do near Mammoth Lakes

What are the best things to do near Mammoth Lakes?

Some of the biggest highlights include Mammoth Mountain, the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls, Hot Creek Geologic Site, June Lake, Mono Lake and Convict Lake.

The best choices depend heavily on the season, with skiing and snowboarding dominating winter and hiking, biking, lakes and scenic drives becoming major attractions during the warmer months.

What is there to do in Mammoth Lakes besides skiing?

There is much more to Mammoth Lakes than the ski slopes. Visitors can hike, mountain bike, fish, kayak, paddleboard, ride the Scenic Gondola, explore geothermal landscapes or take scenic drives through the Eastern Sierra.

Nearby natural attractions such as Mono Lake, Hot Creek, Convict Lake and June Lake also make it easy to fill several days without skiing.

Is Mammoth Lakes worth visiting in summer?

Yes. Summer transforms Mammoth Lakes into a base for hiking, biking, fishing and time on the water. The Mammoth Lakes Basin is particularly popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, while Mammoth Mountain offers hiking, mountain biking, gondola rides and family activities.

Can you visit Yosemite from Mammoth Lakes?

Yes, when seasonal roads are open. Tioga Road provides access from the Eastern Sierra into Yosemite’s high country and makes Yosemite an excellent longer day trip from Mammoth Lakes during summer and early fall.

Winter snow normally closes this route, so Yosemite access from Mammoth Lakes changes significantly by season.

What are the best things to do near Mammoth Lakes with kids?

Families can ski or snowboard at Mammoth Mountain, spend time around the Mammoth Lakes Basin, ride the Scenic Gondola or try activities such as the Mountain Coaster, zip lines and mix of rope courses.

June Lake and Convict Lake are also good choices for easier sightseeing days, away from the mountain.

Are there free things to do near Mammoth Lakes?

Yes. Hiking, scenic drives and the many natural viewpoints around Mammoth Lakes can all be enjoyed without buying an attraction ticket. The Mammoth Lakes Basin, Hot Creek Geologic Site and scenic areas around Convict Lake are among other options, although parking, transportation or recreation fees can apply in some locations.

What are the best day trips from Mammoth Lakes?

Popular day trips include June Lake, Mono Lake and Yosemite National Park when Tioga Road is open. The wider Eastern Sierra also offers plenty of scenic stops along Highway 395, making Mammoth Lakes a strong base for exploring beyond the immediate town and mountain.

Where to stay in Mammoth Lakes

Our collection of Mammoth Lakes vacation rentals offer endless choice for ski breaks and year-round stays in the great outdoors. Choose from well-placed resort condos and townhomes to scenic woodland cabins and larger luxury retreats, ideally-equipped for multigenerational families and groups.

Explore more of Mammoth Lakes

• Mammoth Mountain ski area and resort
• Mammoth Lakes cabins
• Mammoth Lakes ski chalets
• Mammoth Lakes condos