Mammoth Lakes

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of the Mammoth Lakes CVB.
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of the Mammoth Lakes CVB.
Photo provided by Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Photo provided by Mammoth Lakes Tourism

Experience the great outdoors at one of California’s premier mountain resort areas, where winter and summer promise adventures that are fun for the whole family.

Mammoth Lakes is a small mountain resort town encircled by towering mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes and flower-filled meadows. Visit in winter for some of California’s most outstanding skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Arrive in summer to enjoy first-rate mountain bike trails, hiking, fishing and horse riding.

Take the lifts up Mammoth Mountain, which reaches a dizzying height of 11,053 feet (17,788 metres). Experience breathtaking views and begin an exhilarating downhill ride. Mammoth has more than 3,500 skiable acres, nearly 30 lifts and 150 snow trails. Slopes for all levels of experience offer powdery snow long into spring. If you don’t care for downhill skiing, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through dense alpine forests. Get away from the crowds and seek out your piece of wintery wonderland.

More gentle activities also abound in the area. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the wilderness, lounge in natural hot springs, take a leisurely horseback ride through the Inyo National Forest or play golf at Snowcreek Golf Course.

Summer brings hiking, biking, fishing and sightseeing opportunities. Hike in the Mammoth Lakes Basin area, where trails such as Panorama Dome Trail, Duck Lake Trail, and Inyo Craters Trail promise picturesque alpine scenery. Mammoth Mountain transforms into a maze of bicycle paths. See some of the world’s best riders in September’s Kamikaze Bike Games.

For more serenity, hop in the Gondola and soar up the mountain for panoramic views. With a stop midway up the mountain and 360-degree-views from the summit, it is a must-do activity.

Mammoth Lakes is located 40 miles (60 kilometres) east of Yosemite’s perimeter and about 300 miles (500 kilometres) from both San FranciscoOpens in a new window and Los AngelesOpens in a new window and their international airports. The full-service resort has upmarket hotels and restaurants. Getting around is easy with free shuttles from the town to the slopes. Nestled in the heart of California, Mammoth Lakes is one of the country’s most acclaimed all-season resort towns.

Where to stay in Mammoth Lakes

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Mammoth Village

While Mammoth Village isn't home to many top sights, Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mammoth Village
Central Interior California which includes mountains and hiking or walking as well as an individual female

Downtown Mammoth Lakes

While there might not be top attractions in Downtown Mammoth Lakes, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sierra Star Golf Course and Village Gondola Station.

Downtown Mammoth Lakes
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Starwood

Starwood might not have many top sights, but Sierra Star Golf Course and Eagle Express Ski Lift are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Starwood
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Stonegate

Though Stonegate may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Stonegate
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Mammoth Vista

When in Mammoth Vista, you can plan a visit to Eagle Express Ski Lift and Sierra Star Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Mammoth Vista
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Crooked Pines

While Crooked Pines isn't home to many top sights, Sierra Star Golf Course and Eagle Express Ski Lift are some notable places to visit nearby.

Crooked Pines
Outbound Mammoth
Outbound Mammoth
3.5 out of 5
164 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Stay at this hotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (396 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Outbound Mammoth
The Village Lodge
The Village Lodge
3.5 out of 5
1111 Forest Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The price is RM1,727 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
RM1,727
RM2,144 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star ski hotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy 13 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Comfortable"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

The Village Lodge
Mammoth Mountain Inn
Mammoth Mountain Inn
3 out of 5
10400 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The price is RM1,051 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
RM1,051
RM1,340 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy 4 hot tubs, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,044 reviews)
"Very good loft room"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Mammoth Mountain Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Convict Lake Resort
Convict Lake Resort
3 out of 5
2000 Convict Lake Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Convict Lake and Hot Creek Fish Hatchery are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
"The cabins were in very good shape, they had all the items we needed. Also, housekeeping was quick to change towels. The property has absolutely beautiful scenery; our family fished and really enjoy the pontoon rental/lake experience. I would recommend Convict Lake to anyone."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

Convict Lake Resort
Discovery 4
Discovery 4
3 out of 5
25 Lee Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, private hot tubs, and a free area shuttle. Popular attractions Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (54 reviews)
"The property was cozy and close to everything and had plenty of parking. The rooms and beds were comfortable and the place was clean. It definitely has an older cabin feel but we didnt mind it. It could use some newer linens and sheets and pillows."

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2025

Discovery 4
Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club
Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club
3 out of 5
248 Mammoth Slopes Drive, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Stay at this 3-star condo in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Popular attractions Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort and Mammoth Mountain ...
8/10 Very Good! (147 reviews)
"Liked the ski in option. Didn’t really have ski out option, unless you wanted to ski to town and ride the gondola"

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2025

Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Mammoth Lakes

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
20
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
14
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nature at its stunningly beautiful best!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The place looked nice we only stayed the night as we were travelling through unfortunately there was a power cut so didn't get to do much

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Definitely need to go up the cable car to the top of mammoth mountain (we were there in September) to see the views of the area! Great area if you're a cyclist/walker with multiple routes for different levels of experience/fitness.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

nice village in a scenic part of the world. Well located for travellers heading for Yosemite.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing place to relax during the summer months and recharge batteries Beautiful scenery with great outdoor activities

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Adored it. Everyone so friendly