Mammoth Lakes Accessibility in the Outdoors

November 13, 2023

You Belong Here. It has been proven that being in nature enhances a sense of belonging, and discovering the more sensory elements of an environment has profound positive effects on the human body. The benefits of spending time outdoors range from physical to emotional to spiritual, yet the people who need these benefits most often face a number of barriers.

Mammoth Lakes, known for its unreal landscapes and diverse terrain that provide these types of healing properties, continues to address accessibility and inclusion by prioritizing its quality of facilities and trail access.

Come explore and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Our goal is for everyone to feel safe, inspired and welcomed in both outdoor and indoor recreation spaces. Check out the recommendations and trip planning ideas we’ve highlighted below, which ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone.

***Travel to Reds Meadow Valley will be impacted during the 2024 summer season & beyond. Click here to learn more about closures, access, and limitations to this region.

Lakes & Fishing
Sights to See
Stay

Lakes & Fishing

A paved nature trail provides easy access to the east side of Convict Lake, which sits at the base of Mt. Morrison. A number of benches along the trail encourage guests to stop and enjoy the view, and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is open to the public. The half-mile paved nature trail extends from the outflow of Convict Lake to the picnic area on the south shore. At Convict Lake Resort's marina, you can easily rent a boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to explore the expansive 170-acre lake. Check out our list of fishing guides & outfitters.

Accessible Path with wheelchair fishing
Fishing at Convict Lake
Credit: Dakota Snider

Trails & 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. The hub of the entire trail system, which comprises some 300 miles of trails that vary in surface type and usage, is the Town Loop. This 7.3-mile paved trail is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. It offers access to other outbound trails, many of which are also paved, one of which is the 0.8-mile Shady Rest Path. It is one of the most popular paths in the system with connections to the Old Shady Rest and New Shady Rest campgrounds as well as the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. It meanders gently downhill through a forest of red fir and Jeffrey pine to the ball fields, playground and picnic area at Shady Rest Park. A longer and steeper paved trail (up to 12% grade) of 5.3 miles is the Lakes Basin Path. It connects the North Village to Horseshoe Lake and one mile of the path is relatively flat as it runs alongside Lake Mary, terminating at Horseshoe Lake.

Interested in e-biking? An electric bike can assist with or replace pedaling and it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the beauty of Mammoth Lakes. Learn more about places to ride here. Check out our sports outfitters and bike shops.

Sights to See

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.

Top of Mammoth Mountain

Take a trip to the top of the world. The Mammoth Mountain Panorama Gondola delivers panoramic views of the Sierra and White Mountains, Minarets, Mono Lake, Yosemite peaks and the town and valley below. At 11,053 ft. 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 dependent.

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 mid-day. 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.

Accessible Path with wheelchair
Devils Postpile Wheelchair Accessible Path
Credit: Jake Myhre

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.

Accessible Path with wheelchair at Hot Creek
Hot Creek Geological Site Accessible Path
Credit: Dakota Snider

Stay

Mammoth Lakes offers a wide range of accommodations for every vacation experience—from luxury hotels, unique B&Bs and quaint motels to cozy cabins and ski-in, ski-out condos. The Visit Mammoth website helps guests narrow lodging choices and search for amenities based on preference and need.

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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