<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The best things to do in Mammoth Lakes in summer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExplore the natural wonders of Mammoth Lakes<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
On land, there are many beauty spots and attractions to visit within the Sierra Nevada mountain range and regional\u00a0nature parks. Mono County and the neighboring county of Inyo combine to offer the intrepid explorer unlimited public access to a vast public playground.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It is unlike anywhere else in California, with an impressive 93.6% to 99% of both counties’ landmass free for all to roam and enjoy. So where to walk to first?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The\u00a0Devils Postpile National Monument\u00a0in the Reds Meadow area is a perfect starting point. This popular Mammoth Lakes attraction\u00a0showcases one of the world’s finest geological marvels; a rare columnar basalt, with symmetrical columns towering up to 60 feet high.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Also preserved within this national monument is the iconic\u00a0Rainbow Falls\u00a0on the middle fork of the San Joaquin River, which can be reached along a popular hiking route from Devils Postpile. The famed falls cascade over a drop of 2,260m and often display rainbows in the mist, hence its unique name. You can also take in the vista from the bridge at\u00a0Twins Falls Overlook, which awaits walkers (and snowshoers and cross-country skiers in winter) along the upper Lakes Basin Path in the Inyo National Forest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With twin waterfalls gushing down above Lake Mamie, against a spell-binding which stretches northwards as far as Mammoth Mountain, Panorama Dome, and Mammoth Lakes. The landscape is\u00a0pure paradise, whichever season you visit.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With the majority of California and the USA’s mountain bike routes in the Sierra Nevada, Mammoth is a mecca for cyclists. The attraction? The prospect for any passionate peddler to challenge themselves, across a vast variety of high-low altitudes and terrains! Accessible for\u00a0all ages and abilities, with easy options to\u00a0hire a bike, taking on the\u00a0Bike\u00a0trails in Mammoth Lakes\u00a0is the<\/em>\u00a0top summer activity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With 80 miles of single track and a vast expanse of 3,500 acres at your disposal, the perfect place to go on two wheels is Mammoth Lakes Bike Park. Another\u00a0great local scenic bike route is the\u00a012-mile paved path which leads through the mountain-view\u00a0Mammoth village, to an altitude of 1,000 feet. The 360-degree panorama which greets cyclists is truly captivating for both young and old!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Eastern Sierra\u00a0is ideal for high-altitude\u00a0road biking, whilst those seeking a more sedate bike ride can take to the backcountry trails which meander through the forests.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Families will relish the easy trails that abound all around, from the scenic half-day\u00a0Town Loop Trail (7.3 miles) and gentle\u00a0Lakes Basin Downhill Path (5.3 miles) to the gently rolling dirt trail of the\u00a0Horsehoe Lake Loop\u00a0(just under 2 miles).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With over 300 miles of trails, Mammoth Lakes\u00a0is a popular hiking destination. Its sub-alpine forests, wildflower meadows, and alpine lakes rich in flora and fauna provide an enticing backdrop for born explorers to stretch their legs. What’s more, the multi-terrain trails seamlessly connect to the extensive off-highway road network in the Inyo National Forest. You will find endless routes to enjoy on two feet, or on four legs if you’re bringing your dog! The\u00a0Mammoth Lakes Trail System<\/a>\u00a0is the go-to guide for where to hike in Mammoth Lakes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Here are some of our favorite\u00a0hikes in and around Mammoth Lakes:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ideal for family-friendly excursions, the day hikes along the\u00a0Mammoth Lakes Basin downhill path\u00a0into town provide a super starting point for enjoying an easy scenic walk. For a walk that invites you to take in views of Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Crest, take the easy flat 1.7 mile long\u00a0Horsehoe Lake Loop, which leads along a smooth dirt track and is popular\u00a0with\u00a0swimmers and dog walkers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For those looking for a slight uphill challenge with 360-degree views, then the short 0.3-mile\u00a0Panorama Dome Trail\u00a0will deliver breath-taking scenery to take in from its high-altitude setting. The\u00a0Minaret Vista Trail\u00a0leads hikers along a 1.2-mile long uphill path, past a lodgepole pine forest. The reward? Epic views of the San Joaquin River Valley!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For those looking to be closer to\u00a0‘terra firma’<\/em>, the 1.5-mile\u00a0Sotcher Lake Loop\u00a0provides a flat lakeside trail in the Reds Meadow area, with plenty of fascinating areas for ecologists and geographers to marvel over.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The\u00a0Agnew Wildflower Loop\u00a0offers a short, picturesque 0.6-mile route adorned with wildflowers including lupine, lilies, larkspur, and columbine (the blooms open from late spring-early July). The walk can be reached whilst making your way to\/from the 6-mile\u00a0Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls trail.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With its pleasant aspect\u00a0and the promise of knock-out views, this twin attraction combines the perfect opportunity of some sightseeing with some exercise!\u00a0Do remember to bring\u00a0plenty of water with you, as sections of the sun-exposed trail can become hot in the summer.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A short but oh-so scenic walk awaits hikers from June through to September on the\u00a0George to TJ trail. This\u00a0classic lakeside walk leads for 1.5 miles past dreamy lake scapes of the George, Barrett, and TJ Lakes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Along the way, take in the tranquillity of the lakes,\u00a0which contrast beautifully with the dramatic rock formations. Its terrain and trail length makes it ideal for\u00a0easy-moderate level walkers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The dog-friendly\u00a0Crystal Lake Trail\u00a0stretches out for 3.1-miles and is a popular choice for day hikers, fishing enthusiasts, and nature fans. Along the way take in the attractive scenery of Lake George and Lake Mary, as\u00a0the trail leads through shady woodland, sunny sections, and moderately-difficult sections (be sure to bring a bottle of water).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Another great day hike near Mammoth Lake is the\u00a0Duck Pass and Pika trail. This 9.5-mile trail welcomes hikers, dog walkers, and horse riders, as well as those\u00a0seeking out a moment of solitude.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A great technical hike is the\u00a0Heart Lake trail from Castle Lake\u00a0near Mount Shasta. The steep rocky 1.9-mile route leads past wildflowers, to equally enchanting views.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For born explorers, the halfway point for the 211-mile long\u00a0John Muir Trail\u00a0(in the section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail) can be found within the iconic Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the doorstep of Mammoth Lakes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Stretching from Yosemite Valley in the west to Mount Whitney in the south, the impressive route passes through the world’s sunniest and mildest climate for any major mountain range. For true adventurers and campers looking to\u00a0complete the trail, it takes approximately 60-70 hours on foot.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Along the way feast your eyes on spectacular terrain and scenery; from dramatic canyons and 14,000ft mountain peaks to granite cliffs and an infinite-seeming number of lakes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For those with a thirst for extremes, the outdoor adventure opportunities in Mammoth Lakes are a dream come true! One of California’s oldest and most-experienced mountain guiding companies is\u00a0International Alpine Guides<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Offering a base in Mammoth Lakes and also nearby in Mount Shasta and Lake Tahoe, you will be able to cherry-pick some truly awesome vacation experiences; from hiking tours and mountain climbing\u00a0clinics to extreme rock climbing classes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For kids, teenagers (and not forgetting parents), the perfect way to let off steam in Mammoth Lakes is at the\u00a0Mammoth Adventure Center. Located in the Mammoth Mountain Ski resort, in the summer months, you will find yourselves at the gateway to the Mammoth Bike Park, as well as a host of fun family activities. From the\u00a0Via Ferrata guided climbing experience, Junior Zipline, rope courses, and a climbing wall to the bungee trampoline and even prospecting for riches, at the themed Woolly’s Mining co.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Whatever the season, parents can relax and enjoy watching their kids have fun at the Adventure Center, whilst enjoying some adult time at the\u00a0Yodler Restaurant & Bar. This popular eatery serves up hearty\u00a0Bavarian cuisine and drinks out on its scenic sun deck. Families looking to take in the views can hop on the gondola and head to the summit, for a family photo opportunity and to learn more about the Sierra Nevada, from its engaging visitor center.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n With no less than 5 lakes in the town’s lake basin to soak up and over 100 glacial lakes in your ‘backyard’, Mammoth Lakes promises plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Lake Mary, Convict Lake, and Lake Crowley all offer boat marinas. If you’re\u00a0tempted to hire a kayak for the day or enjoy a guided kayak tour then\u00a0Caldera Kayaks\u00a0at Crowley marina is the place to go!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The tours in particular offer\u00a0incredible moments to explore some geological wonders in Lake Mono, along the way. Just a 20-minute drive from Mammoth, June Lake is home to one of the best Kayak and Paddleboard companies in Mammoth Lakes.\u00a0Mammoth Kay<\/a>aks and Paddleboards<\/a>\u00a0offers the perfect vacation lake moment, set against a backdrop of pristine natural scenery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Into fishing? Sierra Drifters offers guided fly fishing tours in Mammoth Lakes. If you prefer some solitude, then you can just as easily head out on your own. Surrounded by mountains on 3 sides, the 168-acre\u00a0Convict Lake\u00a0is a small deep lake famed for its fishing. With a superb stock of Rainbow and German Brown Trout, it’s easy to see why Convict Lake plays host to 2 annual fishing derbies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n On land, Convict Lake is equally well-stocked with\u00a0some top\u00a0Fishing Guides and Outfitters, whilst its\u00a0marina offers motorboat\u00a0and pontoon boat rentals, paddleboard hire, and kayak rentals. Another favorite fishing destination in Mammoth is Lake Mary, which offers a\u00a0marina\u00a0with\u00a0motorboat and pontoon rentals as well as a useful fishing tackle store.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Once\u00a0the fishing season comes to an end in Mammoth Lakes (usually\u00a0by mid-November), thoughts soon turn to snow. Mammoth Lakes boasts 2 ski resorts and a plethora of winter sports to keep all novices and experts alike enthused.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n From skiing and snowboarding to\u00a0snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice skating to tubing, sledding, and of course cross country & Nordic skiing, Mammoth Lakes is a winter vacation destination in its own right! The Mammoth Mountain Ski area and June Mountain Ski area are spread 21.4 miles apart and offer a haven for skiers, winter sports fans, and families.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Usually open for mid-November, the Mammoth Mountain Ski area is serviced by 28 lifts and offers 3,500 acres of ski-able terrain. Aside from the ski slopes and lessons, the winter activities in\u00a0Mammoth Mountain Ski area\u00a0are numerous. You may feel like a wild moment with the kids at Woolly’s Tube Park or a scenic ride on the gondola up to its impressive summit (11,053 feet).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The resort also offers a great excuse for Cross-country Skiing on Nordic Skis and Snowshoeing. Just head to the\u00a0Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center\u00a0and there you’ll find a fantastic offering of\u00a0trails, tours, rental equipment, and lessons.\u00a0Fancy a tour?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Why not enjoy a guided Snowmobile excursion, guided mountain climb, or naturalistic tour, whilst on your skis or snowboard. The resort also provides Snowcat tours, for a cozy way to see the top sights whilst savoring\u00a0some light bites.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Known as ‘California’s family fun mountain’, the\u00a0June Mountain Ski area\u00a0is the place to be when you’re with the kids! The beginner-friendly terrain is spread across 1,500 acres and is serviced by 7 lifts.\u00a0The 41 trails are refreshingly uncrowded, so you can really feel like you have plenty of space to learn and practice.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Rental shops and lessons await in the resort and there are a host of winter activities off the slopes too, including a free naturalist tour on skis and snowboards and the kid-friendly Bucky’s Bonfire event (held at the resort’s Chalet each Saturday).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Kids 12 and under also get to ski and ride for free here, so it really does offer the perfect winter vacation for families and beginner-level skiers and snowboarders in Mammoth Lakes. For those intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders in the group, the tailor-made Backcountry tours are a tempting way to spend a day on the slopes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The experienced\u00a0International Alpine Guides\u00a0deliver educational and professionally-accredited programs for winter vacationers in Mammoth Lakes. From Backcountry Skiing and Ice climbing classes to Avalanche courses,\u00a0the center attracts worldwide instructors and enthusiasts alike.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Located 40 miles northwest of Mammoth Lakes,\u00a0the Yosemite National Park is a world-class visitor destination. Be it for a day excursion or a stop\u00a0in your travel itinerary to see the best attractions in the Sierra Nevada, you’ll be glad you came!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Enjoy an audience with the ancient sequoias and walk amongst the giants as you head out on foot to take in the views from Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Further afield from Mammoth Lakes (140 miles to be exact)\u00a0Lake Tahoe<\/a>\u00a0<\/a>offers a superb offering of year-round activities, world-class ski resorts, and snow parks. Our luxury vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe<\/a> will tempt groups of all sizes to stay.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A truly must-see\u00a0vacation destination,\u00a0there’s a plethora of things to do in Mammoth Lakes, California. With plenty\u00a0for outdoor enthusiasts, active groups, and families to do in Mono County, you’ll find a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":57978,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[603],"tags":[901,902,904,910],"yoast_head":"\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.thetopvillas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Devils-postpile.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMammoth mountain biking<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Mountain](\"https:\/\/www.thetopvillas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/biking.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHiking in Mammoth Lakes<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Easy-moderate Mammoth hikes<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Moderate-difficult Mammoth hikes<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Hiking\"](\"https:\/\/www.thetopvillas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/hiking.jpg\")
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe ultimate Backcountry hike\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Extreme outdoor sports in Mammoth Lakes<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Family activities in\u00a0Mammoth Lakes<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Lake-based activites in Mammoth Lakes<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The best things to do in\u00a0Mammoth Lakes in winter<\/h2>\r\n
![\"Skiing](\"https:\/\/www.thetopvillas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/ski.jpg\")
<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMammoth Ski resorts<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Mammoth Mountain Ski area<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
June Mountain Ski area<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Looking to\u00a0\u00a0complete a professionally-recognised winter sports course?<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Best things to do near<\/em> Mammoth Lakes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n