An Eastern Sierra Nevada town built around one of California’s largest ski resorts, with alpine lakes for summer hiking.

Why Visit Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes sits high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, built around Mammoth Mountain, one of California’s largest and most reliable ski resorts thanks to its high elevation and heavy snowfall. In summer the same terrain opens into alpine lake basins, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails, giving the town genuine year round appeal.

Top Experiences

  • Mammoth Mountain: One of California’s largest ski resorts, with a gondola operating in summer for hiking and mountain biking access.
  • Devils Postpile National Monument: Dramatic columnar basalt formations reached by shuttle bus from Mammoth in summer.
  • Mammoth Lakes Basin: A cluster of alpine lakes including Lake George and Twin Lakes, popular for hiking and fishing.
  • Hot Creek Geological Site: A geothermal creek with steaming pools set in a dramatic canyon just outside town.

Book these experiences and more through guided tours from Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes Beginner Climbing Class

Mammoth Lakes Beginner Climbing Class

★ 5.0 (3)
From USD 250
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Mammoth Mountain Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

Mammoth Mountain Premium Ski Rental Including Delivery

★ 5.0 (2)
From USD 174.8
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Mammoth Mountain Premium Snowboard Rental Including Delivery

Mammoth Mountain Premium Snowboard Rental Including Delivery

★ 5.0 (1)
From USD 174.8
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Mammoth Mountain Performance Ski Rental Including Delivery

Mammoth Mountain Performance Ski Rental Including Delivery

★ 5.0 (1)
From USD 131.1
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Mammoth Mountain Performance Snowboard Rental Including Delivery

Mammoth Mountain Performance Snowboard Rental Including Delivery

★ 5.0 (1)
From USD 131.1
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
Mammoth Mountain to Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) - Departure Transfer

Mammoth Mountain to Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) - Departure Transfer

From USD 521.36
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Practical Tips

  • Mammoth Mountain’s gondola runs in summer for hikers and mountain bikers, not just winter skiers.
  • Devils Postpile requires a shuttle bus in peak summer season, private cars are restricted.
  • Elevation here exceeds 7,800 feet, allow time to acclimate if arriving from sea level.

FAQ

Is Mammoth Lakes good in summer?
Yes, the same mountain terrain that draws skiers in winter opens to hiking, mountain biking, and alpine lakes in summer.

What is Devils Postpile?
A national monument near Mammoth Lakes featuring dramatic columnar basalt rock formations.

How high is Mammoth Lakes?
The town sits above 7,800 feet elevation, so visitors should allow time to acclimate.