1. Hike in the Mammoth Lakes Basin
With trails that criss-cross stunning forests and alpine terrain, Mammoth Lakes is a top hiking destination. The region offers hikes for adventurers of all abilities. Start with the Mammoth Rock Trail for mountain and valley views or challenge yourself on the short but steep Crystal Lake Trail.
2. Ride the Mammoth Bike Park
Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has more than 80 miles of single track for downhill and cross country mountain biking. Beginners will love the meandering Downtown Mountain Bike Trail, while more advanced riders will enjoy the fast descent from the summit on Off the Top bike park trail.
3. Go road biking
For great aerobic exercise and stunning scenery, explore the roads of the Eastern Sierra on your road bike. Benton Crossing Road (known locally as Green Church Road) is a popular spot for road biking year-round. Experience the best of summer with the approximately 30-mile ride around the June Lake Loop.
4. Walk the dog at horseshoe lake
Bring your pup to Mammoth Lakes! With a wide sandy shore, Horseshoe Lake and the 2-mile Horseshoe Lake Loop is a top destination for dogs and their human companions.
5. Go backpacking
The Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas are our backyard. There are countless miles of hiking trails and backcountry regions to explore. All you need is to pack up your gear, get a permit, and go backpacking. Take the Shadow Creek Trail to the Minarets for an overnight trip, or hike the John Muir Trail to Tuolumne Meadows.
6. Kayak at Lake Mary
Head up to Pokonobe Resort and Marina or the Lake Mary Marina and rent a kayak for a few hours. The water is generally calm and the views from the lake are stunning. Don’t forget a waterproof case for your camera.
7. Go rock climbing
Whether you're a true first-timer or taking your climbing skills from the gym to the crag for the first time, Ground Up Climbing Guides offers visitors a chance to try out the sport on a guided trip. In addition to custom, guided climbing trips, Ground Up Climbing Guides offers camps and clinics for a variety of skill levels.
8. SUP the lakes
Rent a stand-up paddle board from one of the outdoor stores in town and enjoy the tranquil water of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Can't haul a board? Make a reservation at the Pokonobe Marina at Lake Mary.
9. Boat on Convict Lake
Fill up a cooler with cold drinks and snacks, bring some fishing rods, and spend a lazy summer afternoon on Convict Lake. To rent a pontoon boat, be sure to book ahead. No boat? No problem; there's plenty of shoreline for lounging and taking in the views.
10. Ride the Lakes Basin path
You don’t have to be an experienced bicyclist to enjoy the Lakes Basin Path. The paved downhill trail is popular among all ages and abilities. Take the free town trolley up to Horseshoe Lake with your bike and coast all the way back to The Village.
11. Go horseback riding at Rainbow Falls
The San Joaquin River plunges more than 100 feet at Rainbow Falls and the mist casts a stunning rainbow. A great way to see the waterfall is on horseback. Reds Meadow Resort and Pack Station offers mule rides to the waterfall and longer rides to other popular destinations in the area. If you prefer to walk to the falls, the Rainbow Falls Trail is about 3-miles round trip. Note: In Summer 2024, access to Reds Meadow Valley will be limited. Read all updates here.
12. Explore Devils Postpile National Monument
See the 60-foot tall basalt columns that were formed when a cooling lava flow cracked the basalt. The hike to the Devils Postpile is a short and easy walk from the ranger’s station at the Devils Postpile Trailhead. Note: In Summer 2024, access to Reds Meadow Valley will be limited. Read all updates here.
13. Skate at Volcom Brothers Skatepark
The 40,000 square foot Volcom Brothers Skatepark features smooth concrete bowls, a giant cradle, a Burnside wall, lumps, humps, a love seat wall, and a variety of transfers.
14. Walk the Agnew Wildflower Loop
As you descend into the Reds Meadow Valley, hop off the shuttle at the Agnew Meadows stop and take the Agnew Wildflower Loop. The short trail circles a nice meadow filled with seasonal wildflowers.
15. Golf
With two golf courses and a driving range, Mammoth Lakes is a great destination for a golfing getaway. Play a round at the 18-hole Sierra Star Golf Course, or try the 9-hole course at Snowcreek Resort. Please check the website for the most up-to-date opening information.
16. Go fly fishing at Hot Creek Geological Site
Pack your fly rod to and adventure to picturesque Hot Creek. Book a beginner or advanced guided trip with the Troutfitter Guide Service or the Sierra Drifters Guide Service.
17. Bowl
The Mammoth Rock N Bowl is a popular night hangout among the locals and a great option for inside activities during the winter. There’s also an indoor golf simulator, two restaurants, and a bar.
18. Check out the new CRC
The Town of Mammoth Lakes is constructing a new Community Recreation Center (CRC) at Mammoth Creek Park. The Community Recreation Center (CRC) will be a Sprung Performance Arena enclosing an Olympic size ice rink that will operate in the winter and in the summer, with durable sport tiles covering the rink and creating a 20,000 sq. foot Mammoth RecZone. The new year-round facility operated by the Parks and Recreation Department will be a game-changer for recreation in Mammoth Lakes.
19. Explore Mono Lake
This spectacular alkaline lake is a nesting and resting place for migratory birds. Nearly 2 million birds visit Mono Lake each year, so it’s an iconic place for bird watching. Stop at the Mono Lake State Nature Reserve and take a self-guided walk along the boardwalk to learn about the stunning tufa towers and history of the basin.
20. Day trip to Yosemite National Park
America’s third national park is an easy and scenic 45-minute drive north of Mammoth Lakes. Stop in Tuolumne Meadows for a hike, or take a scenic drive to into the valley to see the iconic granite monoliths and waterfalls. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Yosemite National Park for more ideas. Note: In summer 2024, Yosemite National Park will be instituting a reservation system for park entries. Get all the updates here.
21. Groove to Live Music
Almost every summer weekend in Mammoth Lakes brings a new festival. Check out this summer's events at the outdoor stage in The Village.
22. Go on a Trail Running Adventure
Runners -- pack your shoes! There are hundreds of miles of trails in our backyard here in Mammoth Lakes. Try the local’s favorite Mammoth Rock Trail for a great introduction to trail running and if you are ready to go longer, run the High Trail to Thousand Island Lake.
23. Go Beer or Spirit Tasting
Grabbing a local beer or spirit after a day of summer activities is a great way to unwind. Stop by Mammoth Brewing Company or Distant Brewing for a pint. If spirit tasting or locally-crafted cocktails are more your thing, check out Devils Creek Distillery or Shelter Distilling.
24. Go shopping
Spend an afternoon browsing local shops in Mammoth Lakes. Kids will love the Mammoth Fun Shop, filled with unique toys and games. The shops at The Village at Mammoth are also a favorite stop for visitors. Or stop by Booky Joint and the Book Chalet to find your next read.
25. Take a photo journey
The Eastern Sierra is Ansel Adams country. Bring your camera equipment and set out for a day of photographing the unreal landscape. Start your tour at Minaret Vista is for panoramic views of the Minarets at golden hour.
26. Visit Bodie State Historic Park
The gold-mining ghost town was once a booming town of ten thousand in the late 1800s. The park has been preserved in a state of arrested decay. Take a day trip back in time to Bodie State Historic Park. Bring your camera and take a tour of the stamp mill.
27. Visit Hot Creek Geologic Site
You’ll see plenty of fishermen at Hot Creek, but the turquoise pool and billowing steam make it a spectacular sightseeing destination. Osprey, egrets and bald eagles soar above the canyon to hunt for fish, all while Mount Morrison towers in the background. Enjoy a walk along the paved path or view the canyon from the parking area above.
28. Take a scenic gondola ride
Watch mountain bikers descend the single track trails as you ride up the Panorama Gondola to the summit of the 11,053-foot Mammoth Mountain. At the top, there is an interpretive center to learn about the surrounding mountains and geology of the region. Enjoy the views of the Minarets and the Ritter Range, then ride back down the gondola or hike down on the Mammoth Mountain Trail.
29. Ride the Mountain Coaster at Woolly's Adventure Summit
Discover endless adventure and excitement at Woolly's Adventure Summit. Whether you're looking for high-speed thrills or family-friendly fun, it's got it all. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, don't miss the new Mountain Coaster. With 5,455 feet of twists, turns, and speeds up to 25 mph, it's a thrilling ride through mountainous terrain.
30. Relax and treat yourself
After all these adventures, your body will need some relaxation and recovery. Head to Smoketree Massage and Apothecary, where you can book a massage and peruse their stock of wildcrafted herbs, teas, and tinctures. The Double Eagle Spa at Snowcreek Athletic Club offers massage, body therapies, facials, nail services, microdermabrasion and spa products.
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