Best Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes, California: Witness Mountain Life!

things to do in mammoth lakes california
John
John 
Updated
| 4 min read

Never has a luxurious adventure had such variety, as can be found in Mammoth Lakes, California! From the shops to the slopes, this summer getaway turned ski haven is sure to provide you with the perfect combination of relaxation and thrill.

1. Start with Mammoth Mountain recreation

Mammoth Mountain Eagle Express
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Karissa Kunihira used under CC BY 3.0

Watch your troubles dissipate at Mammoth Mountain, the premiere winter California destination! Featuring a huge array of ski, snowboard, snowmobile, and hiking options during its winter months, Mammoth Mountain dedicates every one of its over 400 inches (10.6 meters) of snow a year, solely to your recreation. Slopes in the winter become paths in the summer, as ski gondolas deliver mountain bikers to conquer the mountain’s southern and northern peaks! Come discover why Mammoth Mountain is your go-to year-round adventure destination!

Mammoth Mountain

Address: White Mountain Ranger Station, 10001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Price: from 32.00 USD ski rentals

Opening Hours: 8:30am - 4pm

Duration: All day fun!

Contact: +1 (760) 934-2571

Near by Food: Mogul Restaurant, Mammoth Tavern, Nevados

Website: Mammoth Mountain

Visited this place?

2. Hike 'God's Country' at Crystal Lake Trailhead

Lake George Mirror, Mammoth Lakes, CA 2016
Source: Photo by user Don Graham used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Take advantage of the unparalleled Mammoth aesthetic on the Crystal Lake Trailhead! You will gain 900 feet (274 meters) in elevation during this hike, set to take roughly 30 minutes or slightly longer if you stop at any point to admire the spectacular vista views of Lake George and the Sherwin Mountain Range, below! The hike concludes at an elevation of 10,403 feet (3,171 meters), so be sure to bring plenty of water and comfortable hiking shoes.

Visited this place?

3. Rest in the shade of Mammoth Creek Park

Mammoth Hot Creek Pools
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Photographersnature used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Looking for something to do during the summer months, here at Mammoth Lakes? Look no further than the mild conditions of Mammoth Creek Park, the prime picnic spot for locals and tourists, alike. Gifted with breathtaking views of Mammoth Lakes around you, you’ll enjoy calm winds through the trees and the natural Mammoth beauty of the boulders around you. The park also sports a play structure for children, ample parking, and a shallow stream tucked between pines. If you’re looking to get away from it all, you’ll want to consider the shade of Mammoth Creek Park.

More Information: Mammoth Creek Park

Visited this place?

4. Earn the view of Twin Falls Overlook

Twin Lakes View, Mammoth Lakes, CA 9-16
Source: Photo by user Don Graham used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This easily accessible trailhead provides you spectacular views of the Twin Falls - the 250 foot (76 meter) beauty of a waterfall, cascading toward Twin Lakes below. Adored by locals because of its ample opportunities for photography, the Twin Falls Overlook provides the ideal backdrop for a day trek, or while you’re passing by to enjoy the swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, or just relaxing opportunities at Twin Lakes!

More Information: Twin Falls Overlook

Visited this place?

5. Get Your Art On at Twin Lakes Art Gallery

rocky mountain landscape albert bierstadt
Source: Pixabay

It’s no surprise that the best scenery around inspires the best art in the area. At the Gallery at Twin Lakes, locals and visitors alike, marvel at the cultural masterpieces which decorate this rustic nine-room cabin. The Gallery also hosts a variety of lectures and concerts, held adjacent to the building itself. Art depicting this once-untouched wilderness awaits you at 8,700 feet (2652 meters); check out the Twin Lakes Art Gallery, where vintage works and special collections are only a room away!

Website: Twin Lakes Art Gallery

Visited this place?

6. Down quality microbrews at the Mammoth Brewing Company

Mammoth Brewing Company Truck on US 395!
Source: Photo by user m01229 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Satisfy truly Mammoth expectations with a microbrew sure to brighten your day and quench your taste buds. Since 1995, this brewery, tasting room, and certified beer garden has welcomed visitors through its doors. This 2016 Mammoth Business of the Year, aims to satisfy with a constantly changing host of beers on tap, as well as popular picks, year-round drinks, and barrel aged specialties. Come witness the Mammoth definition of a good time, here at the Mammoth Brewing Company!

Mammoth Brewing Company

Address: 18 Lake Mary Road Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Opening Hours: 10am - 9:30pm

Contact: +1 (760) 934-7141

Website: Mammoth Brewing Company

Visited this place?

7. Take in the landscape of the Minaret Vista

Sunset from the Minarets Vista viewpoint near Mammoth Lakes
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Frank Kovalchek used under CC BY 2.0

The Sierra Nevada range doesn’t get much better than the panoramic majesty of the Minaret Vista. From your privileged perspective, you can pick out Mt. Ritter, Mt. Banner, and several other individual peaks. Signage provides further education as to your surroundings. This must-see Mammoth staple promises to deliver on the promise of untouched nature. Parking is available only 0.2 miles (.3 kilometers) away!

More Information: Minaret Vista

Visited this place?

8. Climb atop history at the Obsidian Dome

Inyo Craters - Obsidian Dome outcrop
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Mayer used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Discover ancient history at the Mammoth Obsidian Dome! This lava dome stretches a mile in length (1.6 kilomters) and nearly 300 feet (91 meters) in height. The structure, composed of volcanic glass, formed during the sublimation of water to steam after an eruption and is not only yours for the viewing, it’s yours for the climbing! Just minutes from Highway 395, the Obsidian Dome is a wonderful sight, photo opportunity, and experience in one. And the view from the top? Even better.

Visited this place?

9. Enjoy education at the Eleven53 Discovery Center

Mammoth Mountain Interpretive Center
Source: Photo by user Rupert Essinger used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Turn your visit to Mammoth Mountain into an educational experience at the Eleven53 Discovery Center. The location not only offers unforgettable, 360-degree views of the Mammoth Mountain summit itself, it also seeks to answer any and all of the questions you may have about the region’s geology, climate, sociology, and surrounding wildlife. Discover the cause of the formation of the Minaret Range! Learn the details of Sierra Nevada’s geological composition! Let nature be your teacher at the Eleven53 Discovery Center, the most educational fun you’ve had to date.

Eleven53 Interpretive Center

Address: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, White Mountain Ranger Station, 10001 Minaret Rd Ste 4300, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Opening Hours: 10am - 3pm

Contact: +1 800-626-6684

Near by Food: Eleven53 Cafe

Website: Eleven53 Interpretive Center

Visited this place?

10. Take a retail timeout with the Mammoth Luxury Outlets


Forget the wild, the mall is calling! At Mammoth Luxury Outlets, enjoy the finest retail around amidst a gorgeous mountain setting. Shop for recognized mountain brands, living essentials, or upscale clothing for a night on the town, all from one centric location. The crown jewel of downtown Mammoth Mountain, the Luxury Outlets deliver exquisite shopping and dining, all from one comfortable location.

Website: Mammoth Luxury Outlets

Visited this place?

A memorable stay

Don’t miss out on a moment of your memorable stay here at Mammoth Mountain. Take advantage of outdoor hikes and vistas, and get inside with dynamic educational and retail opportunities. Keep indecision to a minimum and choose Mammoth Mountain as your next winter getaway destination!

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

John Gallagher is a digital marketing consultant and writer from San Diego, California. When he isn't thoroughly enjoying the writing process or pretending he thoroughly enjoys the revision...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Mammoth Lakes
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.