101 Best Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes, California in the Summer
I don’t know what got into me! I got back from a hike at Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls with Michael, my partner, and I felt energized to write an entire list of 101 of my favorite things to do in Mammoth Lakes, California in the summer.
Like a woman on a mission, I thought of all my favorite hikes, backpacking trips, outdoor adventures, scenic spots, activities, and even epic day trips from Mammoth. Then I turned them into an easy-to-browse list, so you can visit Mammoth Lakes and experience the magic and energy that I know and love from spending so many weekends here the past 7 years – and even living here in our van for awhile.
Mammoth Lakes is hands down one of my favorite mountain towns in the United States. It’s got something for everyone: fishing, hiking, backpacking, festivals, gondola rides, mountain biking, scenic car rides, easy access to national parks, camping, kayaking, cute coffee shops, tasty bakeries, epic rock climbing, access to some of the tallest peaks in California, and so much more.
So, whether this is your first time visiting Mammoth Lakes, or you’re a regular weekend warrior looking for new ideas and activities, I hope you enjoy this list of 101 best things to do in Mammoth Lakes in the summer!
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101 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAMMOTH LAKES IN THE SUMMER
I’ve organized this list of fun things to do in Mammoth Lakes into the following sections:
Iconic & Historic Attractions in Mammoth Lakes
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints in Mammoth Lakes
Day Trips from Mammoth Lakes
Hiking in Mammoth Lakes
Backpacking Trails in Mammoth Lakes
Mountain Biking in Mammoth Lakes
Rock Climbing in Mammoth Lakes
Water Activities in Mammoth Lakes
Unique Activities in Mammoth Lakes
Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes
Eating & Drinking in Mammoth Lakes
Fun Summer Events in Mammoth Lakes
Feel free to skip ahead to the section that interests you the most! It’s a big list. :)
In order to keep this post from becoming too long, I’ve kept descriptions on most of these lists short and succinct. (But we will link to new in-depth resources as we create them!)
ICONIC & HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS IN MAMMOTH LAKES
1) Marvel at Devils Postpile – Devils Postpile is a unique geological formation of basalt columns that tower up to 60 feet tall, and it is a National Monument in Mammoth Lakes. Hiking to Devils Postpile is short & easily combined with a visit Rainbow Falls. Truly a must-see if you’ve never been!
2) Hike to Inyo Craters – This is a series of epic explosion craters, two of which have small lakes inside of them. The hike to Inyo Craters is another easy hike that’s well worth doing.
3) Peer Down into the Depths of Mammoth Mountain at Earthquake Fault – A giant fault runs through Mammoth Mountain, and you can take an easy side trip to get there on your way up the mountain. If you want to continue along the trail, you can hike the entire Mountain View Trail.
4) Explore Mining History at the Mammoth Consolidated Mine – Take a hike in the Lakes Basin Area and pay a visit this old historic mining town, which is in a state of “arrested decay.” It’s a cool spot to check out on a day hike to Heart Lake, Arrowhead Lake, Skelton Lake, Emerald Lake & Sky Meadow, or even all the way out to Duck Lake.
5) Visit Hot Creek Geologic Site – This is another cool geologic area in Mammoth Lakes featuring boiling & bubbling water, fumaroles, and the occasional geyser eruption.
6) Check out the Hot Creek Trout Hatchery – If you’re a fishing fan, you might enjoy exloring this historic fish hatchery just south of Mammoth. The Hot Creek Trout Hatchery is a major supplier of trout for the fishing in nearby lakes and streams in Mammoth Lakes.
SCENIC DRIVES &VIEWPOINTS IN MAMMOTH LAKES
Mammoth Lakes is home to some awesome scenic drives, which can easily be combined as part of a California Road Trip.
7) Drive the Scenic Loop in Mammoth Lakes – Just minutes from downtown Mammoth Lakes, you can make your way up toward Mammoth Mountain, and then turn right onto the Mammoth Scenic Loop. You could easily combine the Mammoth Scenic Loop Drive with a visit to Earthquake Fault and even continue on to June Lake Loop.
8) Drive to Minaret Vista and Watch the Sunset over the Minaret Mountain Range – This is one of the most epic viewpoints in Mammoth Lakes. Head here around sunset to watch the sunset over the Minarets – a perfect way to end a day in Mammoth in the summer.
9) Drive the June Lake Loop – Another outstanding drive just north of Mammoth Lakes. Be sure to plan to spend some time at June Lake Beach for a relaxing afternoon.
DAY TRIPS FROM MAMMOTH LAKES
It’s worth mentioning some of the amazing side trips you can make when you’re staying in Mammoth Lakes. If you’re visiting for longer than a weekend, consider adding one of these epic day trips near Mammoth Lakes to your agenda.
10) Day Trip to Yosemite National Park – From Mammoth Lakes, you are less than 1 hour away from the east entrance of Yosemite National Park. Drive all the way to Yosemite Valley (about 2 hours one-way from Mammoth Lakes) and spend a few days camping in the park to check out some of the best hikes in Yosemite, like the Half Dome hike or the Clouds Rest hike.
You could also just make a day trip and spend a lazy afternoon at the beach of Tenaya Lake or fishing in Tuolumne Meadows. Either way, Yosemite is definitely worth a visit if you can swing it!
11) Visit the Historic Bodie Ghost Town – The Bodie Ghost Town is one of the biggest ghost towns I’ve ever visited, and totally worth taking some time to explore if you’re into that kind of thing. It’s only about an hour drive to get to Bodie State Historic Park.
When you arrive you can pick up a map of the town and walk around to each of the different sites and learn about this historic gold mining town with all its unique characters. There used to be nearly 10,000 people that lived here, which is nearly the same size as Mammoth Lakes now.
12) Drive to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest – The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to some of the oldest trees in the world, bristlecone pines, and is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Mammoth Lakes. If you’re up for an epic day hike, you could also hike White Mountain Peak (a California 14,000 foot peak) which is along the way to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Definitely come prepared for that if you decide to do it though!
13) Take on the Tallest Peak in the Contiguous US, Mount Whitney – Just two hours south of Mammoth Lakes lies the tallest peak in California and the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney. If you’re feeling up for an adventure, you can day hike Mount Whitney or backpack the Mount Whitney Trail.
But be aware that it’s definitely not a walk in the park to day hike, and you will need permits to hike Mt. Whitney. But it’s absolutely a worthy challenge for any avid hiker or backpacker if you can snag a permit!
Either way, its worth a visit just to see Mount Whitney if you’ve never been or if you’ve flown in from out of town and don’t regularly visit California. Mount Whitney is also one of the terminus points of the John Muir Trail, another iconic California hiking trail.
Note: Many of the most popular trails and campgrounds in California like the Mt. Whitney Trail and the John Muir Trail require permits, and the process to get one can be quite confusing and complicated. For instance, there are two different permit systems to get a John Muir Trail Permit. If you want an overview on a lot of the most popular permits in California, check out this post: Important Permit & Reservation Deadlines for Popular California Hiking Trails & Campsites.
14) Spend Some Time Exploring Mono Lake and Lee Vining – Mono Lake is a giant, ancient lake (one of the oldest in North America) with unique calcium-carbonate spires and knobs, and it’s located only 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes. It’s worth a visit to hike around and check it out if you’ve never been. Make a stop in Lee Vining afterward to grab some ice-cream at Mono Cone and cool off from the summer heat.
HIKING IN MAMMOTH LAKES
Hiking in Mammoth Lakes is one of the best Mammoth Lakes activities to do in order to truly explore what the area has to offer. This is one of my absolute favorite places to hike!
>>> For more detailed Mammoth Lakes trail info, check out our guide to 27 Spectacular Mammoth Hikes!
Before going out on a hike in Mammoth, I recommend downloading the GAIA app to your phone. There is a free version (which works great if you have internet service), or upgrade to premium in order to be able to use your GPS when there is no cell service (recommended!).
EASY DAY HIKES IN MAMMOTH LAKES
Below are several of my favorite easy hikes in Mammoth Lakes. All of these hikes are in the 1 to 5 mile range.
15) Hike the Lake Mary Loop – The Lake Mary Loop is really a paved road, so it’s not quite a “hike” per se, but it’s awesome if you are looking for an easy stroll around a beautiful area. The full loop is only about 2.5 miles long with minimal elevation gain.
16) Hike to Skelton Lake – Starting in the Lake Mary area, this hike is roughly 1.5 miles one way (3 miles round trip) from the trailhead with over 770 feet of elevation gain. If you’re feeling brave, this is a cool place to hike to at night for some night photography. (Bring your headlamp, of course!)
17) Hike to Crystal Lake and the Base of Crystal Crag – Starting from Lake George, the hike to Crystal Lake is only about 1.3 miles one-way with about 650 feet of elevation gain. You can also hike to the base of Crystal Crag (a popular climbing spot for rock climbers) which makes the whole hike one-way about 1.6 miles long with 870 feet of elevation gain. Maybe you’ll even spot a climber at the top of Crystal Crag when you’re there!
18) Hike to Starkweather Lake from Devils Postpile National Monument Entrance – I like this hike because it’s not very well known. You park near the entrance of the Devils Postpile National Monument (near where the ranger checks for your park pass), and the trailhead is right there. It’s about 5 miles round trip with roughly 1,100 feet of gain.
19) Hike the Mammoth Rock Trail – The Mammoth Rock Trail is a classic Mammoth hike with epic views of Mammoth Rock and the town of Mammoth. It’s just slightly over 5 miles round trip with about 650 feet of elevation gain. It can get pretty hot in the summer due to lack of tree coverage, so come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water.
20) Hike the Panorama Dome Trail – Located near Twin Lakes, this is a fun out and back trail you can hike that has epic views and is only 0.7 miles round trip with roughly 300 feet of gain.
21) Hike to TJ and Barrett Lake – From Lake George, you can do a relatively easy 2.7-mile hike up to TJ and Barrett Lakes, with only 433 feet of elevation gain.
22) Hike to Heart Lake – This hike is less than a mile long (one-way), with about 500 feet of gain. Add on a visit to the Mammoth Consolidated Mine for some historical fun with your hike.
23) Hike to Emerald Lake and Sky Meadows – This is such a lovely hike. Emerald Lake is gorgeous and the hike up to Sky Meadows takes you hiking right alongside a beautiful creek. It really is one of my absolute favorite hikes in Mammoth! Starting from Duck Pass Trailhead, it’s about 1.4 miles one-way to Sky Meadow with about 900 feet of gain.
24) Hike to McCleod Lake – McCleod Lake Trail is a beautiful, easy loop to hike. It’s about 1.8 miles round trip with 351 feet of gain.
Note: I already mentioned the Devil’s Postpile hike and the Inyo Crater hikes above in the iconic and historic places to see in Mammoth, but just in case you skipped down to this section, those are a couple great easy day hikes in Mammoth as well.
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LONGER DAY HIKES IN MAMMOTH LAKES
If you’re looking for something a bit longer, I recommend checking out one of these more challenging day hikes in Mammoth Lakes. All the hikes listed here are in the 6 to 15 mile range.
25) Day Hike to Ediza and Iceberg Lake – You can do the Ediza Lake hike as a backpacking trip if you prefer, but it also makes for a really fun, long day hike. It’s 7 miles to Ediza Lakes (one-way), but it’s SO worth going an extra mile farther to visit Iceberg Lake if you have the energy.
Hang out at Iceberg Lake, dip your feet into the water (or maybe even take a polar plunge…), then turn around and head back. This makes for a good 14-16 mile day filled with awesome views, lakes, and waterfalls.
26) Hike to Duck Lake and Pika Lake – Probably one of my absolute favorite hikes in the Mammoth area is the Duck Pass Trail. This trail is just spectacularly beautiful. If you make it all the way to Pika Lake, you’ll get to see five total lakes on your hike including Arrowhead, Skeleton, Barney, Duck, and Pika.
The view of Duck Lake looking back at Barney Lake from the top of the 10,797-foot pass is one of the best views in all of Mammoth. The entire hike to Pika Lake and back is about 10.5 miles round trip with roughly 2,000 ft of gain.
27) Hike Mount Dana – If you’re looking for a challenging, leg-burning type hike, you don’t have to travel far. The trailhead to Mount Dana is just outside of the east entrance of Yosemite National Park. Hiking Mount Dana is only 5 miles round trip, but it has over 3,000 feet of gain. Getting to the summit at 13,061’ will surely earn you a beer (or two!) at Mammoth Brewery.
28) Hike to the Summit of Laurel Mountain – The Laurel Mountain hike is a bit tricky to navigate, so if you aren’t comfortable in Class 2 or 3 terrain, you should pass on this one. Otherwise, this is a great hike that affords you really cool views of Mammoth Lakes.
Be prepared to hike over a lot of scree near the summit. This hike is roughly 12 miles long with 4,500 feet of gain.
29) Hike to Valentine Lake – Another long but popular day hike in the Mammoth area is the hike to Valentine Lake. It’s about 10 miles long with roughly 1,800 feet of gain. It’s at lower elevation though, so be aware it can get pretty hot in the summer time.
WATERFALL HIKES IN MAMMOTH LAKES
Are you a fan of waterfalls? Then check out these epic waterfall hikes in Mammoth Lakes.
30) Lundy Canyon Waterfalls via the Lundy Canyon Trail – Located near Lee Vining, Lundy Canyon is a great hike for the waterfall lover. You’ll see several waterfalls on your hike up this trail. The whole hike is roughly 5 miles long with 2,000 feet of gain.
31) Rainbow Falls and Lower Falls – This is a classic hike in Mammoth and a must-do if you’re headed to visit Devils Postpile. At certain angles, a rainbow can be seen in the mist of the Rainbow Falls. The entire hike down to Lower Falls is 1.7 miles one way with roughly 450 feet of gain.
32) Shadow Creek Falls via the Ediza Lake Trail – If you hike toward Ediza Lake and past Shadow Lake, you’ll run into some really beautiful waterfalls along Shadow Creek. You can make it a shorter hike than the full Ediza Trail by turning around at the waterfall.
33) Crater Creek Falls via Fish Creek Trail – A cascading waterfall that offers fantastic views. This trail starts in the same place as the Rainbow Falls Trail.
34) Minaret Falls via the Minaret Falls Trail – A really fun section of the PCT that leads to Minaret Falls. This hike is about 2.6 miles round trip with minimal gain.
35) Rush Creek Falls via the Rush Creek Trail – Hiking toward Gem Lake via Rush Creek Trail will give you a peek at Rush Creek Falls. If you make it all the way out to Gem Lake, it’s about 8.8 miles roundtrip with 3,200 feet of elevation gain.
36) Waterfall on Emerald Lake Trail – About a half mile past Emerald Lake is a really beautiful waterfall. I definitely recommend continuing on to Sky Meadows after seeing it.
BACKPACKING TRAILS IN MAMMOTH LAKES
Call me biased, but I think backpacking is the BEST way to explore Mammoth Lakes and the Sierra Nevada area. Below are a few of the top backpacking trails in the Mammoth Lakes area.
If you’re new to backpacking, be sure to prepare accordingly and take 100% ownership of your safety on the trails, something I teach in my backpacking coaching program, Become an Outdoor Backpacking Badass.
37) Backpack a Section of the John Muir Trail from Devils Postpile to Tuolumne Meadows (2-4 night trip) – This backpacking trip takes you along a beautiful section hike of the JMT. It’s roughly 38 miles round trip. You can read more here: Backpacking from Mammoth to Tuolumne Meadows via Devils Postpile Trailhead.
38) Backpack Rock Creek to Mammoth Lakes (2-4 night trip) – Start this backpacking trip at the Mosquito Flat Trailhead and make your way over Mono Pass into the Mono Creek Drainage. You’ll end your trip exiting over near Duck Lake and Duck Pass. This trail is about 38 miles long.
39) Backpack to Minaret Lakes (1-2 night trip) – Although the Minaret Lake hike can be done as a day hike, I highly recommend spending at least one night camping up near Minaret Lake. Wake up for sunrise to see the stunning alpenglow on the Minarets. This trail is roughly 16 miles round trip.
40) Backpack McGee Creek to Reds Meadow (3-5 night trip) – This trail covers one of the most beautiful sections of trail in the Mammoth area. You’ll hike the McGee Pass Trail over McGee Pass and end at Rainbow Falls Trailhead. This trail is roughly 40 miles long.
41) Backpack to Iva Bell Hot Springs (1-2 night trip) – Take the Fish Creek trail out to Iva Bell Hot Springs for a unique backcountry backpacking experience. This trail is roughly 26 miles long and is an out-and-back trail.
42) Backpack Convict Canyon to Lake Dorothy (1-2 night trip) – Take the Convict Creek Trail and continue on to Lake Dorothy for an overnight backpacking trip. If you have an extra night to spare, you can even spend a day hiking up to Bighorn Lake and Lake Wit-So-Nah-Pah. This trail is 12 miles long.
43) Backpack to Thousand Island Lake (1-2 night trip) – Thousand Island Lake is a really beautiful lake along the John Muir Trail and makes for a popular backpacking trip. It’s only about 9 miles one way to the lake from Mammoth, but you can extend this trail by turning it into a loop.
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MOUNTAIN BIKING IN MAMMOTH LAKES
In the summer, riders flock to Mammoth Lakes for its epic mountain biking and the mountain bike park at Mammoth Mountain. Here are a few ideas for where to go mountain biking in Mammoth:
44) Have a Blast on Your Bike at the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park – Mammoth Mountain is known for its epic mountain bike park in the summer. If you’re an avid mountain biker, be sure to spend a day riding around the mountain.
45) Bike the Uptown/Downtown Trail – This is an awesome free bike trail located right in the heart of downtown Mammoth. This bike trail is beginner-friendly but offers good flow which even advanced riders will find appealing.
46) Ride the Mammoth Rock Trail - The Mammoth Rock Trail offers good techy mountain bike riding mixed with great views of the town of Mammoth. It can get sandy in parts, but it’s still worth the ride. This is a free trail to ride.
47) Lower Rock Creek Trail – The Lower Rock Creek Trail is an intermediate singletrack trail with some super fun flowy sections mixed with technical sections. Be mindful that this trail can get a bit sandy.
48) Yost Meadow Trail – This trail is a steep short, 3.7 miles (one-way) ride, but all the uphill will reward you with epic views of June Lake, the town, and the surrounding mountains. Then you get to enjoy a fun, fast, steep downhill ride. This trail is free to ride but is not for beginners.
49) Mountain View Trail – This trail can be done in a variety of ways. You can ride up the trail if you’re looking for a workout or take the road to Minaret Vista then just bomb downhill. This trail is flowy and sandy, but still super fun. Plus, it’s free to ride! The bottom will connect you to the Downtown trail which you can take the rest of the way to Mammoth Village.
ROCK CLIMBING IN MAMMOTH LAKES
If scaling walls is more your scene, there is some epic rock climbing in Mammoth Lakes for all kinds of climbers (trad, sport, bouldering, and alpine). Here are some of our favorite spots:
50) Climb at the Warming Wall – The Warming Wall is a short section of climbing at the foot of Mammoth Mountain that offers some fun easy to intermediate sport climbing with a short approach and easy parking. A great option if you’re looking to get a quick session of climbing in without having to hike or drive very far.
51) Go Bouldering at Hartley Springs – Hartley Springs is a quiet but nice bouldering area with a selection of fun volcanic tuff bouldering problems. This is a great place to go if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
52) Climb to the Top of Crystal Crag – Climbing Crystal Crag is of the best short alpine climbs in Mammoth. You can take the North Arete, a 5.6 multi-pitch route, to the summit for amazing views of Mammoth Lakes. You can hike down once on top of Crystal Crag. There are other climbs in this area as well.
53) Do Some Slab Climbing at Horseshoe Slabs – The Horseshoe Slabs offer some fun and short slab climbs that are great for beginners to learn on (with someone who knows what they are doing, of course). Most of these routes are meant to be set up as top ropes by walking around to the top of the cliff.
54) Get on the Granite at Rock Creek Canyon – Rock Creek is filled with amazing trad and sport climbing options on great granite. There are over 200 climbs in this area, so there’s plenty for everyone of all skill levels.
55) Sport Climb at Clarks Canyon – This area is a super-fun sport climbing area on volcanic rock with tons of features and pockets. The road to get here is a bit rough, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
WATER ACTIVITIES IN MAMMOTH LAKES
I mean, the place is called Mammoth Lakes, so what’s a visit without some fun in the sun on the water?
56) Take Fly Fishing Lessons – There is great fly fishing at Owens River and the lakes in Mammoth. If you’re new to fly fishing, stop by Troutfitter in Mammoth and ask them about taking guided fly fishing lessons. Best to call a week or two ahead of your trip as guides can get booked quickly in the summer.
57) Kayak at Mono Lake – One of the best ways to explore Mono Lake is by renting a kayak or canoe and paddling around.
58) Go Fishing at Crowley Lake – Crowley Lake is one of the best trout fishing areas in Mammoth, and anglers will love it.
59) Rent Kayaks or SUP Boards at Lake Mary – You can easily spend a day kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Mary.
60) Spend a Day at Convict Lake – Convict Lake is by far one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sierra Nevada. Come spend a day here for world-class hiking and fishing.
61) Relax on the Sand at June Lake Beach – If you’re missing the beach, you don’t have to look too far. June Lake Beach is an awesome place to chill, read, swim, fish, picnic, and even play a game of volleyball with friends.
62) Go Kite Surfing at June Lake – If you’re an avid kiteboarder, June Lake often gets windy enough for some epic kite surfing!
63) Rent a Boat at June Lake – If you’d rather spend all day out on the water, you can rent a boat at June Lake and cruise the lake for the day.
64) Float the Owens River – Bring some tubes or rafts and float down the smooth, winding Owens River.
65) Swim at One of the Warm Springs in Bishop – There are a few watering holes off of the Owens River where it’s not too cold to swim in due to geothermal activity in the area. Cool off from the summer heat at one of these watering holes.
UNIQUE ACTIVITIES IN MAMMOTH LAKES
Here are some other unique outdoor summer activities you can do in Mammoth.
66) Rent Electric Bikes and Ride Up to Horseshoe Lake – Want to ride bikes in Mammoth but are dreading the uphills? Then rent an electric bike in town and cruise your way up to Lakes Basin with ease. You can rent electric bikes at a local shop in Mammoth Lakes called Footloose.
67) Ride Horses - Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit offers a variety of guided horseback riding trips for people of all skill levels.
68) Rent Side-by-Side Cars and Go Off-Roading – Rent a side-by-side car from Sierra Engines and explore the many off-roading trails around Mammoth.
69) Stay at Reds Meadow Resort – Enjoy a cool experience with a stay at Reds Meadow Resort in one of their hiker or mountain cabins. The resort makes a great basecamp for some really amazing hiking trails in Mammoth Lakes like Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, Ediza Lake, Minaret Lake, and so much more.
70) Take a Gondola Ride at Mammoth Mountain – Even if you don’t want to mountain bike at the bike park, you can take a gondola ride up to the top of Mammoth Mountain to see the views. Either hike back down or ride the gondola round-trip back down.
71) Pitch a Tent at One of the Many Mammoth Lake Campgrounds – There are a TON of campgrounds in and around Mammoth Lakes. Some are first-come/first-serve, while others must be booked in advance. A few of our favorite camping areas include Old Shady Rest/New Shady Rest, June Lake Campground, and one of the many Lakes Basin area campgrounds.
72) Free Camp in the National Forest – If you find yourself rolling into Mammoth Lakes without camping reservations and aren’t able to book a campsite, go explore do some free camping in one of the many National Forest Service areas around Mammoth. You’ll find a ton of free camping spots along the Mammoth Scenic Loop Road.
73) Go Golfing – If golfing is your game, you can hit the links at one of the two golf courses in Mammoth: Sierra Star and Snow Creek.
74) Be a Trail Angel & Give a JMT or PCT Hiker a Ride to/from Reds Meadow – In the summer, Mammoth Lakes is a hot spot for thru-hikers doing a food re-supply stop along the John Muir Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers greatly appreciate rides to and from the town of Mammoth, so lend a hand – and a ride – next time you see a thru-hiker.
75) Go Dirt Biking – Just like renting side-by-side off-road vehicles, there are a ton of great places to go dirt biking in Mammoth.
76) Trail Run the Mammoth Lakes Basin Loop – Lace up your sneakers and hop off at one of the many trails in the Lakes Basin Area (like Twin Lakes or Mary Lake). You can connect and run many of the trail systems out there for a great day of trail running.
77) Ride your Bike around the Town of Mammoth – There is a bike path that circles the town of Mammoth, and it makes for a really fun ride around town. Just ask our dog Lincoln! :) (Pictured below enjoying the ride.)
HOT SPRINGS NEAR MAMMOTH LAKES
This might not be at the top of your list in the summer, but the evenings still get pretty cool, so you might want to check out one of the many hot springs located in and around Mammoth Lakes during your visit.
78) Pulkey’s Pool – Pulkey’s Pool is a hot spring located just off of Benton Crossing road, and it can fit about 4 to 6 people. This is a clothing-optional hot springs.
79) Wild Willy’s – Also known as Crowley’s Hot Springs, this one can get pretty crowded. It is also located just off Benton Crossing near Pulkey’s Pool.
80) Buckeye Hot Springs – This hot springs is located a bit further from Mammoth Lakes near Bridgeport. It’s worth visiting if you make a trip out to Bodie.
81) Crab Cooker – Getting to Crab Cooker requires a 4WD vehicle. This hot spring can get up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, hence why it’s called the Crab Cooker. It fits about 4-6 people.
82) Shepherd Hot Springs – This hot springs affords awesome views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and can fit up to 4-6 people.
83) Travertine Hot Springs – This hot spring is a bit further from Mammoth Lakes, but if you’re taking a day trip out to Bodie then this is a worthy side trip. Consider adding on a visit to Buckeye Hot Springs as well while you’re out there.
84) Hot Tub – Also known as Rock Tub depending on who you ask, it is on the opposite side of the road from Pulkey’s Pool and Wild Willy’s hot springs. This one can fit about 2-4 people.
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK IN MAMMOTH LAKES
All the adventures in Mammoth Lakes will certainly have you working up an appetite – and in need of a thirst quencher. Check out these spots to satiate your cravings.
COFFEE SHOPS IN MAMMOTH LAKES
85) Grab Coffee and a Burrito at Stellar Brew – Stellar Brew is personally one of my favorite little spots in Mammoth. The coffee is great and so are their breakfast burritos. This place can get really busy on the weekends.
86) Partake in a Pour-Over at Black Velvet – If you’re looking for some really nice craft coffee, stop by Black Velvet for a pour-over.
87) Stop by Looney Bean – Looney Bean is a great place in town, right next to Footloose Sports, to kick back and grab a cup of coffee before you head out on a ride.
MAMMOTH LAKES BREWERIES
88) Go to Mammoth Brewery and Sample Local Beers and Good Eats – Mammoth Brewery has an amazing selection of beers on tap, and their food is equally delicious. One of our favorite parts about Mammoth Brewery is its ample amount of outdoor seating.
89) Check Out the Taps at Distant Brewing – Formerly known as Black Doubt Brewing, this is another great local brewery in Mammoth Lakes. This brewery is considered a nano-brewery, and all of its beers are brewed by hand. It also has a kitchen so you can grab a bite to eat while you’re there.
90) Grab a Pint at June Lake Brewery – If you’re spending the day out at June Lake, make sure to go sample the beer selection at June Lake Brewery.
RESTAURANTS IN MAMMOTH LAKES
91) Whoa Nellie Deli – Nestled inside of the Mobil Gas Station on your way up Tioga Pass into Yosemite National Park lies this surprisingly delicious deli. Definitely worth the visit if you’re in the area.
92) Schat’s Bakery – A local favorite for all things pastries, bread, and sandwiches. Grab a whole loaf of their famous cheese bread, or craft your own sandwich at the counter. Either way, you’ll be thanking me later.
93) Good Life Café – The Good Life Café serves up healthy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Mammoth Lakes. There’s something for everyone here.
94) Salsa’s Taqueria – This is a great place to grab quick but delicious Mexican food.
95) Robertos Café – If you’re looking for something a little more sit-down, we love the Mexican food and margaritas at Robertos Café.
96) The Restaurant at Convict Lake – If you’re spending the day up at Convict Lake, consider getting a reservation for the Restaurant at Convict Lake, which is recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the Eastern Sierra.
MAMMOTH LAKES SUMMER EVENTS
Mammoth loves to throw a party, so depending on when you’re in town, check out one of these fun summer events in Mammoth Lakes.
97) Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza – An epic festival of blues music and beer in the town of Mammoth, usually held in the late summer.
98) The Half Marathon – Typically each year around late June, Mammoth holds a half marathon race and a 5k. All net proceeds are donated to community service projects and local charitable causes
99) Mammoth Food and Wine Experience – Come spend a weekend of wine tasting and fine dining in Mammoth Lakes.
100) June Lake Triathlon – June Lake hosts an epic triathlon in the beautifully scenic high alpine setting.
101) Mammoth Reggae Festival - Come and listen to a weekend full of reggae music at the Village in Mammoth Lakes. This event typically has free admission since its hosted in the village.
PHEW! Now the crazy part is, there are still so many more things to do in Mammoth Lakes besides these 101 activities, but I hope this sparks some new and fun ideas for you for your next visit to Mammoth Lakes.
Let me know in the comments if you think of anything extra I should add to this list!
LOOKING FOR OTHER CALIFORNIA ADVENTURES?
If you’re looking for additional California hiking adventures, check out our resources below:
Cheers,
Allison - She Dreams of Alpine
17 Awesome Palm Springs Hikes in Southern California | Palms Springs is an outdoor oasis where the mountains collide with the desert. From beautiful trails through oases of fan palms to epic mountain summits – and a unique aerial tram ride to a trailhead – the best Palm Springs hikes provide unique adventures in the Coachella Valley. | shedreamsofalpine.com