Summer Activities
The fun doesn't stop in Mammoth when the snow melts. There are so many summertime activities to enjoy; it's difficult to list them all. Come experience the wilderness and beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains this summer. Fishing, Horseback Riding, Golfing and Mountain Biking are just a few of the activities to enjoy. Our guide lists more information for planning your summertime activities. Some sports and recreational activities listed are open all year round, but it is always a good idea to check with a local official or Ranger to make sure the attraction is open. Be sure to check in with the Visitor Center at the entrance of town for current conditions. Although the great variety of summer activities in Mammoth Lakes could keep you busy for a week or two, there are also several day trips worth investigating. For starters, take a drive up the beautifully scenic Highway 120 to Yosemite National Park. Mono Lake is another spectacular day trip to consider. Visit a ghost town, Bodie is a former California mining town. It's no question that winter is awesome in Mammoth. But as the locals say, Come to Mammoth for the winter but stay for the summer.
Biking
Mammoth is known in the summer for its renowned mountain biking trails. Mammoth Ski Area in the summer transforms to challenge mountain bike enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. Road bikers have plenty of asphalt routes to choose from, be it peddling around town, Minaret Road to Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge and on up to the breathtaking Minaret Vista, or cruising the scenic stretches of U.S. Highway 395. The California Welcome Center - Mammoth Lakes located at the entrance to town on State Highway 203 offers free mountain biking trail maps and information on route descriptions, trail ethics and precautions. Your choice of terrain, sensational Sierra scenery and that famous California summer sunshine make an irresistible combination for mountain or road biking. Test your suspension on the Inyo National Forest`s vast network of trails and unpaved roads. There are so many different conditions and views to discover. In fact, you can cross a couple of microclimates.
Canoeing / Kayaking / Paddle Boarding
Excellent canoeing, kayaking and paddle boating opportunities abound at the numerous lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin and surrounding areas. During the summer months, these waters feature both recreational paddlers out for a scenic afternoon and fishermen trying to hook a trophy-size trout. Rent a canoe, kayak or boat and venture out on your own.
Learn about the fascinating history of Mono Lake with a guided kayak tour. Paddle around Crowley Lake and enjoy the mountain scenery. A sunny summer or fall day on the water in the Mammoth Lakes area is a special experience for the whole family.
Fishing
The Mammoth Lakes Resort Corridor is known for its boundless recreation opportunities. Trophy Trout Fishing has to be very close to the top of the list on why our visitors can`t wait to get back and enjoy the Mammoth Area. The Mammoth Lakes Area has over 400 lakes and more than 1,100 miles of streams. Come experience the wilderness and beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains while enjoying some of the best fishing in California.
Golfing
The highest 18-hole golf course in California is located in Mammoth Lakes. At 8,000 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada Range, the Sierra Star Golf Club is without a doubt one of a kind. Sporting views of the mountains and Mammoth Mountain ski area from many holes. Or play a round at Snowcreek Golf Course, a 9-hole, par-35 nestled beneath the Sherwin Mountain Range. There is even a small miniature golf course in the center of town.
Hiking
Hiking is endless in Mammoth Lakes. There are 1,308,471 acres of wilderness back country to get away from it all with 36 trail heads that provide access. Experience the multitude of flowers in bloom, the spectacular views, waterfalls, and the quiet and peaceful feeling of being part of nature. Rainbow Falls and Devil`s Postpile National Monument are popular destinations.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a must in Mammoth. Horseback riding ranges from a one hour guided tour to several days if you feel adventurous. A 2-hour ride, perfect for families, takes you to Heart Lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, passing by a historic gold mine and mining camp. Other favorites include the guided rides along Convict Lake, McGee Canyon, Rock Creek and Red`s Meadow. Relax and enjoy the Sierra scenery while the horses do what they love.
Off-Roading / Motocross
Off-highway adventure in Mammoth Lakes is enough to rev up any self-respecting SUV, ATV and Motorcycle - or its owners. Hundreds of miles of unpaved roads are just waiting for you on the Inyo National Forest.
Backroad travel leads to a full menu of Sierra locations and awesome scenery. The Eastern Sierra Motor Touring Guide, available at the California Welcome Center - Mammoth Lakes offers tips and back road tour itineraries. The California Welcome Center - Mammoth Lakes also offers a free off-highway vehicle map. Mammoth is famous for being in the center of over 4,000 miles of local dirt routes strewn out throughout the largest Jefferey Pine forest in the world. Trails are open weather permitting for green sticker, red sticker, and street legal (dual-sported) motor cycles.
Scenic Gondola Rides
The summit of Mammoth at 11,053 feet is perhaps the most stunning view you`ll find in California. But don`t be fooled by the remote elevation – once you reach the top you`ll discover there`s plenty to do. From the Sierra Interpretive Center to the Top Of The Sierra Café, you`ll be amazed at what you find above 11,000 feet.
Scenic Road Trips / Sightseeing
There are several day trips worth investigating. For starters, take a drive up the beautifully scenic Highway 120 to Yosemite National Park. The eastern entrance to the park at Tioga Pass opens mid-May depending on winter snowfall and is only 20 miles away from Mammoth. Mono Lake is another spectacular day trip to consider. Just off Highway 395 north of Mammoth, Mono Lake plays host to millions of migratory and nesting birds. Or visit a ghost town – Bodie is a former California mining town, which had a population of about 20 until gold was discovered. Discover sightseeing in the Mammoth Lakes area. Devils Postpile National Monument, Hot Creek and Rainbow Falls are unsurpassed in their scenic, historic and geologic wonder.
Swimming
Most Condominium and Town-home Complexes offer heated Swimming Pools in the summer months. You can also swim at Horseshoe Lake, The Whitmore Pool and Snowcreek Athletic Club.
Tennis
Tennis courts are available at several condominium complexes in town. Our rental program offers courts at Snowflower, Sunshine Village and Wildflower. The Town of Mammoth Lakes Recreation Department maintains six tennis courts at the Community Center Park site. The courts are open from dawn to dusk for drop-in play. They are also available by reservation for groups, tournaments and clinics. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Snowcreek Athletic Club provides tennis courts to members and non-members (fee charged).
Water Ski / Jet Ski
Both Crowley Lake and Grant Lake allow water-skiing and jet skiing, however, no rentals are available so please bring your own watercraft. Grant Lake is also great for windsurfing. High mountain lakes can be very cold, so a wetsuit is recommended to help insulate your body from the chilly water.