8 Adventures to Experience in Mammoth Lakes
by Aventura on September 26, 2022
Photo: John D. Ornosky | Lake George & Lake Mary from Mammoth Crest Trail, Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes is a mountain town that offers year-round adventure. With its proximity to the Sierras, you can enjoy everything from hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding. If you are looking for something more adventurous, try your hand at rock climbing, mountain biking, and even ziplining! Several companies offer guided tours as well as classes so you can learn some new skills.
Mammoth Lakes also has great restaurants with views of the mountains that will make your meal taste even better! For those who like live music, there are plenty of venues for you to catch some great acts during your stay.
This article will introduce you to all the adventures that you can enjoy in Mammoth Lakes.
8 Best Adventures to Experience in Mammoth Lakes
The best way to experience Mammoth Lakes is by taking a tour of the area. There are many ways to do this, from hiking and biking to kayaking and rafting.
Mammoth Lakes is a great place for outdoor adventure. It's known as a world-class destination for snow sports and skiing, but there's so much more to it than that. Whether you're looking for an active vacation or something more relaxing, there are lots of options in Mammoth Lakes.
Here are 8 great ways to experience Mammoth Lakes:
Hike the Devils Postpile National Monument
The Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique geologic formation that was created by lava cooling and forming hexagonal columns. It's a short hike from town with stunning views of Mammoth Mountain and the San Joaquin Valley below. Bring your camera or phone for some great photos!
Photo: PNG Studio | Devils Postpile National Monument, California
Bike on the Mammoth Lakes Bike Paths
Mammoth Lakes has over 50 miles of bike paths that wind through town, along the lakeshore, and through the mountains above town. You can rent a bike at several locations around town or bring your own and ride as far as you like! There are also some great mountain biking trails nearby if you're looking for something more challenging than riding around town on the pavement!
Fishing in Mammoth Lakes
The most popular type of fishing in Mammoth Lakes is trout fishing. The lakes and streams around town are stocked with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee salmon. There is also some smallmouth bass in Shadow Lake, but they're not very big. The best place to catch fish is from a boat on Lake Mary or Lake George, but there's also shoreline fishing available at Tuolumne and Merced Rivers.
Drive the Scenic Loop
Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful place to drive through, especially during sunset or sunrise when all of the colors come out! The Scenic Loop road runs along Highway 203 and goes right through the heart of downtown. You can start your drive at any time of day, but it’s best to start after dark so you can see all of the colorful lights from all of the restaurants and shops down below. The loop takes about 30 minutes to drive through and there are plenty of places to stop along the way where you can take photos or just enjoy the view from above!
Day Trip to Yosemite National Park
If you are looking for an adventure that doesn’t require too much time or effort, head over to Yosemite National Park. The drive from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley is just under two hours. You can spend the day hiking and exploring the park’s natural wonders, including waterfalls and granite cliffs. Some great day hikes are perfect for families with children or inexperienced hikers.
For those who want to get away from it all, consider spending a few days in Mono Lake or Bodie State Historic Park located just outside of Mammoth Lakes. These areas offer plenty of solitude and quiet time for reflection.
Skiing and Snowboarding in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is known for its outdoor activities, and skiing and snowboarding are two of the most popular. At 11,053 feet, Mammoth Mountain boasts the highest lift-served summit of any California resort. The mountain features a vertical rise of 3100 feet. It also has more than 3500 acres of skiable terrain and more than 1,000 inches of snowfall each year. The resort offers a variety of summer activities as well, including hiking and mountain biking on the vast network of trails that run through town. Come summer, Mammoth adjusts its ski lifts for downhill mountain biking unlocking some of the most radical terrain in the country, 80+ miles of singletrack, and a vast beginner zone for newbies
Photo: Michael Lauffenburger | Mammoth Mountain, California
Rainbow Falls and Lower Falls
Check out a variety of trail routes out to Rainbow Falls and Lower Falls, for some of the most popular areas in Mammoth, and an absolute must do if your destination is Devils Postpile. A rainbow may be seen in the mist produced by the Rainbow Falls if one looks in just the right direction.
Photo: yggdrasill | Rainbow Falls, Devils Postpile National Monument, California
Take a Dip in a Hot Spring
Take a dip in one of the Mammoth Lakes Area hot springs. Options include both natural and man made hot springs for your and/or your group to choose from. Some of the local favorites include:
Takeaway
There is no shortage of adventure in and around Mammoth Lakes. And with its proximity to Yosemite National Park, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The views from the top of Mammoth Mountain are breathtaking, and it’s a great place to hike, ski, or snowboard. The town itself offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or just want to relax with some fresh mountain air, Mammoth Lakes has something for everyone.
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