Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes

Discover the best things to do in Mammoth Lakes, including skiing, hiking, lakes, scenic trails, mountain biking and year-round outdoor adventures.

Things to do near Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Lakes sits among some of California’s most striking mountain scenery, with year-round adventures ranging from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, biking, fishing and scenic drives. Alpine lakes, volcanic landscapes and vast Sierra Nevada views make the area just as rewarding off the slopes.

Many of the best things to do in Mammoth Lakes are only a short drive away, including Mammoth Mountain, the Mammoth Lakes Basin, June Lake, Hot Creek and Mono Lake. Staying in Mammoth Lakes vacation rentals gives you easy access to these top things to do, as well as a convenient base for longer day trips towards Yosemite National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument and other Eastern Sierra highlights.

Whether you're planning a winter ski trip or a warmer-weather escape, Mammoth Lakes makes it easy to build your stay around the outdoors and explore a different side of the region each day.

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.