Accessible Activities in Mammoth Lakes

January 09, 2026
Adaptive Sports with Access Mammoth
Accessible Winter Experiences
Accessible Summer Activities
Biking and Paved Paths
Boating and Kayaking
Fishing
More Sights to See
Indoor and Outdoor Swimming
Places to Stay

Mammoth Lakes is committed to making the outdoors welcoming and accessible for everyone. With adaptive recreation programs, paved multi-use paths, accessible attractions, and year-round options across town and the surrounding Eastern Sierra, visitors of all abilities can experience the mountains in ways that feel comfortable, safe, and rewarding. Whether your trip centers on adaptive sports, scenic sightseeing, or relaxed time outdoors, Mammoth Lakes offers thoughtful access points that support independence and enjoyment year-round.

Adaptive Sports with Access Mammoth

At the heart of accessible recreation in Mammoth Lakes is Access Mammoth, a local nonprofit expanding outdoor opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Through year-round programming, Access Mammoth supports adaptive sports with instruction, specialized equipment, and on-the-ground expertise throughout the Eastern Sierra.

Programs are designed for both beginners and experienced athletes, with personalized instruction and an emphasis on meaningful time outdoors.

Adaptive programs include:

  • Winter Adaptive Programs: Personalized lessons in adaptive alpine skiing, cross‑country skiing, and snowboarding using mono‑skis, bi‑skis, snow sliders, Nordic gear, and more.
  • Summer Adaptive Programs: Adaptive road and mountain biking, kayaking and paddleboarding, hiking, and other outdoor activities across scenic trails and lakes.
  • Military and Veterans Programs: Through partnerships and grants, Access Mammoth offers free adaptive lessons and camps for military members, including multi‑day retreats that foster community and healing in the outdoors.
  • Group and Custom Experiences: Tailored adventures for organizations, nonprofits, families, and agencies seeking inclusive outdoor events.

Most adaptive lessons and experiences require advance reservations by phone. For details and scheduling, visitors can call 760-934-0791 or visit the official Access Mammoth website.

Accessible Winter Experiences

Winter in Mammoth Lakes offers far more than downhill skiing alone. Visitors can enjoy snow-covered scenery and mountain views through a variety of accessible options.

For a scenic winter experience without participating in snow sports, the Panorama Gondola at Mammoth Mountain is accessible for visitors with disabilities and offers sweeping views of the Sierra and White Mountains, Minarets, Mono Lake, Yosemite peaks, and the town and valley below.

At 11,053 feet, discover the history and wonder of the Sierra at the Eleven53 interpretive center with fun, interactive exhibits for all ages. Enjoy lunch with a view at the café at the top of the mountain. The gondola runs from 8:30am to 4pm daily, weather permitting.

Accessible Summer Activities

When the snow melts, Mammoth Lakes offers a wide range of accessible outdoor experiences across town and the surrounding landscape.

Trails and Parks

The Mammoth Lakes Trail System offers many miles of paved pathways through and around the town of Mammoth Lakes and adjacent parks and forests.

Popular accessible routes throughout Mammoth Lakes include paved and well-maintained paths that vary in terrain, elevation, and scenery:

  • Lakes Basin Path—more than five miles of hilly paved path in the Mammoth Lakes Basin
  • Town Loop—more than seven miles of mostly flat paved path throughout town
  • Convict Lake Loop—some paved sections
  • Minaret Vista Trail—well-maintained dirt path, gentle uphill slope
  • Horseshoe Lake Loop—partially paved with well-maintained dirt sections, mostly flat
  • Sotcher Lake Loop—well-maintained dirt path, mostly flat
  • TJ Lake Trail—well-maintained dirt path, mostly flat
  • Mono Lake South Tufa—partially paved with flat board walks and well-maintained dirt sections

Accessibility can vary by specific trail segment, so visitors are encouraged to check current conditions before heading out.

Biking and Paved Paths

Getting around Mammoth Lakes is easier thanks to an extensive network of paved multi-use paths.

The Town Loop is a paved path that winds throughout town and serves as the central hub of the trail system. It is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, with connections to parks, neighborhoods, and local amenities.

From the Town Loop, visitors can access the Shady Rest Path, a gently sloping paved route that passes through forested areas and connects to Shady Rest Park and nearby campgrounds. For those looking for longer rides with scenic views, the Lakes Basin Path climbs to Horseshoe Lake and Lake Mary, offering views of the lakes and alpine scenery along the way.

Adaptive bikes and electric bikes are welcome on paved paths, and local bike shops can help with rentals and route guidance. Check out our sports outfitters and bike shops.

Boating and Kayaking

Rental boats, including pontoon boats, small motorized fishing boats and kayaks are available at local marinas. Call for specific offerings and to confirm availability and to learn more about the accessibility of boat launches at each location.

Water-based activities in and around Mammoth Lakes also offer accessible options, with several marinas and outfitters providing rentals and assistance:

Looking for a guided experience, Caldera Kayaks and Mammoth Kayaks offer guided kayak tours just outside of Mammoth Lakes at Mono Lake and Crowley Lake. Access Mammoth is also able to organize private paddling excursions.

Fishing

Accessible fishing platforms are available at Convict Lake and Silver Lake, both located just outside of Mammoth Lakes. These areas allow anglers to enjoy the experience from shore with accessible facilities.

For those interested in guided trips, The Troutfitter offers fly fishing experiences for disabled anglers on Crowley Lake.

More Sights to See

Beyond trails and recreation, Mammoth Lakes is home to several accessible attractions that invite visitors to explore the region at their own pace.

Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center

The award-winning Welcome Center is the first step to making the most out of your visit to Mammoth Lakes. Located within the Inyo National Forest, it is operated by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Mammoth Lakes Tourism, which means it’s a one-stop shop for visitors. Beyond the thoughtfully stocked books, maps, and gift shop, the center offers free interpretive walks and talks, and can help guide your activities.

Mammoth Museum at Hayden Cabin

Constructed in 1920 by an early map maker of the Eastern Sierra, Emmett Hayden, the Hayden Cabin was once an angler’s retreat. Today it houses the many photographs, documents, artifacts, and stories of the old days. There is suitable wheelchair access and many have accessible technologies for hearing- and vision-impaired guests. While the pathways around the cabin are flat, they are gravel or dirt trails.

Please note: the museum is closed in winter.

Devils Postpile National Monument

This unique geological wonder features thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed 100,000 years ago when lava flow slowed and then cooled and cracked. The 0.8 mile trail to Devils Postpile is fully accessible to wheelchairs. Access Rainbow Falls by Rainbow Falls trailhead, which offers a two-mile path that ends with a spectacular view of the falls, often graced by a rainbow midday.

The trail starts paved and turns into dirt with a few steps at the end. The entire Red’s Meadow zone is accessible in summer months, and a mandatory shuttle offers visitors transportation to Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and more. Catch the shuttle from the Mammoth Adventure Center at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge.

Please note: operating season is mid-June-fall (snow dependent). Reds Meadow Road, which provides access to Devils Postpile, is now closed for the season.

Hot Creek Geological Site

Hot Creek is a scenic wonderland containing dozens of natural hot springs bubbling up within the rocky walls of a river gorge and in the shadows of towering Eastern Sierra mountain peaks. A short drive and hike is all it takes to meander along trails that run alongside the creek. From here sightseers get a first-hand view of the geological processes actively shaping the distinctive Eastern Sierra landscape.

Easily accessible throughout most of the year, a well-maintained trail descends into the heart of the geothermal activity. The short, asphalt trail descends into the gorge from the parking area and is lined with interpretive markers and signs. The trail turns to dirt along the creek. Once you reach the creek, the trail turns to dirt and is not wheelchair accessible.

For visitors interested in scenic drives and historic landmarks, several nearby attractions also offer accessible viewing areas:

Indoor and Outdoor Swimming

Swim indoors throughout the year at Snowcreek Athletic Club. Or, during the summer months, Whitmore Pool is a heated outdoor swimming option, weather permitting. Assistance may be required at both locations.

Places to Stay

Mammoth Lakes offers a wide range of lodging options, including luxury hotels, motels, ski-in/ski-out condos, cozy cabins, and vacation rentals. Visitors can search accommodations by amenities and accessibility features to find options that best suit their needs.

Planning an Accessible Trip

Mammoth Lakes continues to invest in inclusive access across outdoor spaces, facilities, and recreation programs. With adaptive sports, paved pathways, scenic attractions, and supportive local services, the mountains are open to everyone.

Whether your visit is centered on adventure, relaxation, or simply enjoying time outdoors, Mammoth Lakes offers accessible ways to experience the Eastern Sierra with confidence, comfort, and ease year-round.

Visit Mammoth
Author
Visit Mammoth
Unreal. There is no better way to describe Mammoth Lakes, California. A place so majestic that breathtaking views surround you in every direction. The staff at Mammoth Lakes Tourism is committed to stewardship, education, providing the ultimate visitor experience, and keeping the Real Unreal.
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