Let us be Your guide. Totally Fun, Uniquely Mammoth.
Journey along Highway 395 with the Paiute Indians as they share legends of long ago. Listen as the era of prospectors, mining camps and mule teams comes to life, and go back in time to discover how a Slim Princes found her way into the Eastern Sierra.
This fascinating 395 Roadside Heritage CD is now available on request from info@VisitMammoth.com.
Yosemite National Park / Tioga Pass – Full Day
Take U.S. 395 north from Mammoth Lakes about 30 miles to Hwy. 120 West. Wind your way up Lee Vining Canyon to Tioga Pass (10,000 ft.). This is the eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Entrance fee required. A point of interest, located at the Mobile Gas Station, right off of U.S. 395 on Hwy 120 is the Whoa Nellie Deli. An unlikely setting for delicious cuisine overlooking beautiful Mono Lake.
Bodie Ghost Town & June Lake Loop: Full Day
Bodie State Historic Park: Located 60 miles north of Mammoth Lakes on U.S. 395 turn right on Hwy 270, a partially paved, well maintained road 13 miles to the Bodie entrance. Admission fee required per car. Take a self-guided walking tour through the streets of the authentic ghost town. The Bodie Museum offers exhibits of memorabilia from the rowdy gold mining boomtown, which boasted a population of over 10,000 people in the 1880’s.
Mono Lake: Just 20 miles south of Bodie, on U.S. 395 in the town of Lee Vining. Stop by the Mono Lake Visitor Center for information about this unique, ancient inland salty sea. Mono Lake is known for the millions of migrating birds and delicate tufa towers.
June Lake Loop: The scenic loop begins 10 miles south of Mono Lake, off of U.S. 395. The drive is approximately 15 miles of dramatic Sierra peaks in a picturesque lakes basin. The road rejoins U.S. 395 as you head back to Mammoth Lakes.
Attractions in the Town of Mammoth Lakes: Full Day
Mammoth Lakes Basin: A beautiful alpine setting to explore with 5 lakes just 3 miles, ten minutes drive from the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Total driving tour will take 30 to 45 minutes.
Mammoth Ski Museum: Home to one of the largest single collections of skiing art, literature and heritage in the world. For more information call 760-934-6592.
Mammoth Visitor Center/ Ranger Station: Located on Hwy 203. Learn about the sightseeing points of interest and natural history of the area through brochures, books and speaking first hand to the Forest Service rangers. For more information call 760-924-5500.
Ansel Adams Wilderness Area:Half to Full Day There is a mandatory shuttle and fee required. For more information call Mammoth Visitor Center / Ranger Station. 760-924-5500.
Devils Postpile: View unique six-sided rock formations. Columns of basalt formed 100,000 years ago. 18 miles from Mammoth Lakes, about 40 minutes drive. An easy half-mile hike from the Devils Postpile trailhead to view the Postpile.
Rainbow Falls: The San Joaquin River tumbles over an abrupt 101-foot drop, sending rainbows of color into the mist. 3 miles past Devils Postpile to the Rainbow Falls trailhead. 1½-mile moderate hike from the Rainbow Falls trailhead to view the falls. Reds Meadow Pack Station: BBQ, live entertainment and wagon rides under the stars in the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area. 1 mile past Rainbow Falls trailhead. 1 hour drive from Mammoth Lakes. For more information call Reds Meadow Pack Station 760-934-2345 or go to
Mammoth Mountain Area – Half Day Scenic gondola rides and Spectacular panoramic views from 11,053-foot summit of Mammoth Mountain. 15-minute gondola ride from the Adventure Center at the base of the mountain. Fee required. 5 miles from Mammoth Lakes, 20 minute drive time. For more information call Mammoth Mtn. Ski Area at 760-934-2571.
Minaret Vista: Panoramic view of the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas. 5½ miles from Mammoth Lakes. 30 minute drive time.
Earthquake Fault: This sizable fissure was formed when the Inyo Craters erupted centuries ago. Located off of Minaret Road on the way to Mammoth Mtn. Ski Area. 2 miles from Mammoth Lakes, 10 minute drive time.
Southern Mono County – Half Day
Hot Creek Geologic Site: Hot Creek, a phenomenon of live hot springs and fumaroles, is a colorful display of geothermal action. Located about 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes off of U.S. 395. Take Airport Road (east) past the airport turnoff. You will pass the Fish Hatchery and continue on a partially paved road about 3 miles to the parking area for Hot Creek. ½ mile easy hike down to Hot Creek. Closed to Swimming.
Hot Creek Fish Hatchery: The warm springs of Hot Creek provide ideal temperatures for incubation of trout eggs. The Fish Hatchery opens from 8 am to 4 am in the spring and summer. Available for interpretive tours by prior appointment. For more information call the Dept. of Fish and Game at 760-934-2664. Located about 7 miles south of Mammoth Lakes off of U. S. 395. See directions to Hot Creek Geologic Site.
Convict Lake: The site of the 1871 gun battle between escaped convicts and a sheriff’s posse. Rugged mountain scenery with sheer cliffs and a natural alpine lake, the oldest rocks in the Sierra Nevada range are found here. 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes off of U.S. 395 turn west on Convict Lake Road.
Crowley Lake: A man-made lake formed in 1940 as part of Los Angeles aqueduct system. It’s popular with anglers and for water sports. 13 miles south of Mammoth Lakes.
Points of interest to the south:
Mount Whitney: South on HWY 395 stands Mount Whitney, at 14,495 feet it is the highest point in the contiguous United States. Located near the town of Lone Pine, approximately 105 miles south of Mammoth Lakes.
Death Valley National Monument: Badwater, 283 feet below sea level’ is the lowest point in North America and it’s only 80 aerial miles from Mt. Whitney. 214 miles southeast of Mammoth Lakes.
Manzanar:Internment camp during WWII for U.S. residents of Japanese descent . Discover the rich history in the Owens Valley. 95 miles south of Mammoth Lakes.
