Mammoth Lakes is one of California's most versatile mountain destinations. Six months of winter, three months of summer, and a few weeks of spectacular shoulder seasons. We've owned at the Village for over two decades and we know every shortcut, viewpoint, and dinner reservation that's worth your time. Here's where to start.
Winter in Mammoth (November through May)
Mammoth Mountain runs one of North America's longest ski seasons — typically opening in mid-November and staying open well into spring, sometimes into early summer. The Village is the lift-served base, which means from our condo you walk to the gondola, ski all day, and walk home for the hot tub. The lift line is two minutes from the front door.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
The marquee. 11,053-foot summit, 3,500 skiable acres, 28 lifts, and terrain for every level — from the wide groomers of Canyon Lodge to the steep chutes off the gondola summit. Lift tickets are pricey at the window (book Ikon Pass or buy online in advance to save). Rentals available at the base or — better — at Footloose Sports in town for a more personalized fit. mammothmountain.com
June Mountain
Mammoth's quieter sister resort, about 25 minutes north. Kids 12 and under ski free. Lift lines are rare even on Saturdays. Lower elevation means it's better mid-season than at the bookends, but the terrain is fantastic and the vibe is a fraction the bustle of Mammoth. Worth a day if you're staying a week.
Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center
Twelve miles south of the Village at Tamarack Lodge. Nineteen miles of groomed trails winding through the Lakes Basin and pine forest. Rentals, lessons for beginners, and a warming hut with hot cocoa. Free for skinning uphill on Mammoth Mountain after lifts close if you're feeling ambitious. tamaracklodge.com
Snowshoeing
The Lakes Basin trail system is unbeatable for snowshoeing once it's snowed in. McLeod Lake is an easy 2-mile out-and-back with mountain views. Horseshoe Lake is a flat lap around a frozen lake. Inyo Craters is a moderate 2-mile loop with surreal volcanic craters at the end. Snowshoe rentals at Footloose, Kittredge Sports, or the Tamarack Cross Country center.
Snowmobiling
Guided tours through the Inyo National Forest with Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures. Half-day and full-day options. They handle everything; you just show up dressed warm. Beginners welcome.
Snow Tubing at Woolly's
Family-friendly snow tube park at the base of Mammoth Mountain. Lift-served, no skill required. Two-hour sessions; book a day ahead during peak weeks. Perfect break for a non-ski day or a tired kid mid-trip.
Summer and Fall (June through October)
Mammoth's summer is the most underrated season in the eastern Sierra. Daytime highs of 65–80°F, alpine lakes you can swim in, world-class trout fishing, and the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the country. Festivals run all season. Crowds are a fraction of Yosemite next door.
Hiking the Lakes Basin
A cluster of alpine lakes at 9,000 feet — Lake Mary, Lake George, Lake Mamie, Horseshoe Lake, and Twin Lakes. All accessible by car with parking and trailheads. Highlights:
- Crystal Lake — moderate 3-mile out-and-back to a glacial cirque lake. Iconic Mammoth photo.
- TJ Lake and Lake Barrett — easy 1.5-mile loop from Lake George.
- Duck Pass — 8-mile round trip to an alpine pass at 10,800 ft. The reward is incredible.
- Sherwin Lakes — moderate 4-mile out-and-back to multiple alpine lakes.
- Convict Lake loop — easy 3-mile flat lap around a stunning lake, accessible to anyone.
Mammoth Bike Park
One of the largest lift-served bike parks in North America. Over 80 miles of downhill and cross-country trails, all skill levels from beginner green runs to pro-level black diamonds. Rentals available at the base. The Village gondola itself accepts bikes — you can ride from the condo door to the lift. Bike park details
Fishing
The eastern Sierra is some of the best trout fishing in the western US. Convict Lake, Lake Mary, June Lake, and the Owens River are stocked weekly during the season (late April through October). Hot Creek catch-and-release downstream of the geological site is famous for wild brown trout. Kittredge Sports and The Trout Fitter rent gear and offer guide services.
Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls
A surreal formation of hexagonal basalt columns about 15 miles from the Village. Easy access to the columns, plus a 4-mile round trip hike to Rainbow Falls. In summer, private cars aren't allowed past the entrance — take the shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center; runs every 30 minutes, $15 round trip. nps.gov/depo
Mountain Lakes and Paddle Sports
Kayaks, paddleboards, and small fishing boats rent at Pokonobe Resort on Lake Mary. Convict Lake also has boat rentals. The water is cold but swimmable in July and August — alpine lakes warm up slowly. Twin Lakes is the warmest of the bunch.
Year-Round Mammoth
Natural Hot Springs
The Long Valley caldera below Mammoth is geothermally active, which means a handful of natural hot springs to soak in under stars or snow. They're free, on public land, and require some hunting to find.
- Wild Willy's (also called Crowley Hot Springs) — the most famous. A short boardwalk to a large, sociable pool with mountain views. Best visited at sunrise or off-peak hours.
- Hilltop Hot Springs — smaller, more secluded, harder to find. A short walk from the parking pullout.
- Crab Cooker Hot Springs — single-person tubs with knob controls to adjust temperature. Bring a friend.
All are roughly 20 minutes south of the Village in the Long Valley. Bring a headlamp, a towel, water shoes (the bottom is silty), and pack out everything you bring in. Map and directions
Hot Creek Geological Site
A geothermal canyon where steaming water bubbles up through clear pools — look, don't soak (the temperature is unpredictable and people have been injured). The viewpoint is 15 minutes from the Village and takes 30 minutes round trip. Combine with a hot springs visit nearby.
The Village at Mammoth
The Village itself is more than just the gondola base — there's an outdoor plaza with restaurants, shops, gear stores, ice skating in winter, free concerts in summer, and movie nights. Worth wandering even if you've just been there for the lift. From the condo it's a two-minute walk.
Mammoth Brewing Co.
Local brewery with a tap room, restaurant, and big patio. Family- and dog-friendly outdoors. Try the IPA 395 or the Real McCoy Amber. Reservations not needed for the patio but worth it for indoor dining on weekends. mammothbrewingco.com
Day Trips from Mammoth Lakes
Some of California's most striking landscapes are within a 1–2 hour drive of the Village. The roads are spectacular in their own right.
Yosemite National Park (East Entrance)
The Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite is 50 minutes north of the Village (open roughly June through October, depending on snow). This back-door entry is far less crowded than the Valley and drops you directly into the high country — Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point, and the Yosemite Valley overlook from Olmsted are all easily day-tripable. From the East Entrance to the Valley floor is 1.5 hours one way. nps.gov/yose
Bodie State Historic Park
An hour north, near Bridgeport. California's best-preserved Old West ghost town, kept in "arrested decay" — buildings, furniture, schoolbooks, and storefronts all left as they were when the town emptied in the 1940s. Walking the streets is genuinely transporting. The last 3 miles of the access road is rough gravel; passable in a regular car but slow. Closed in winter. Bodie SHP
Mono Lake
An otherworldly saline lake 45 minutes north, dotted with tufa towers — calcium-carbonate spires that grow underwater and emerge as the lake recedes. The South Tufa Reserve is the most striking section. Easy 1-mile interpretive trail. Pair with Bodie for a full day. Mono Lake State Reserve
June Lake Loop
A 15-mile scenic drive 25 minutes north that wraps four alpine lakes — June, Gull, Silver, and Grant. Stop for trout fishing, ice cream at the Tiger Bar & Cafe in June Lake village, or a short hike at Parker Lake. Spectacular in fall when the aspens turn gold.
Planning Your Trip
When to come
December–March: Prime ski season. Christmas/New Year and President's Day weekend are the busiest weeks; expect higher rates and minimum-stay requirements. January and February reliably have the best snow.
April–May: Spring skiing at its best. Bluebird days, soft afternoon corn snow, lower prices. Hiking starts opening at lower elevations.
June–September: Summer recreation peak. Daytime highs 65–80°F. Festivals run June through August. Wildflower hiking peaks in mid-July.
October–November: Shoulder season. Fall colors, especially the aspens of June Lake Loop. Cool nights, mild days. Lower rates, less crowded.
Getting here
The closest commercial airport is Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) with direct flights from major California cities and Denver during winter. Reno (RNO) is 3 hours by car. Los Angeles (LAX or BUR) is 5–6 hours by car via the 395 — a beautiful drive through the eastern Sierra.
What to pack
Always: sunscreen (you're at 8,000 feet), water bottle, layers (mountain weather changes), comfortable walking shoes. Winter: waterproof boots, gloves, warm hat, ski socks if you're skiing. Summer: rain jacket (afternoon thunderstorms), swim suit, hiking shoes.