Top Spots for Boating, Kayaking, and SUPing near Mammoth Lakes

There are a lot of ways to explore the beauty of the Eastern Sierra’s rugged wilderness. From hiking to mountain biking and climbing Mammoth offers a number of opportunities for the adventurous spirit, but to truly experience the lakes in which the area is known, one must get on the water.

Located in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Mary, Mamie, George, and Horsehoe each offer a spectacular alpine lake setting with different recreational opportunities. There are also a number of larger lakes in the Eastern Sierra, each with marinas or beaches to easily access the water. Whether you are boating for fishing or just for fun, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding, visit one of the lakes in our backyard.

Lake Mary

Situated at 8,900 feet in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Lake Mary has two marinas where you can rent or launch non-motorized boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Surrounded by the Mammoth Crest, Sherwin Ridge and Mammoth Mountain, the view from the water is spectacularly alpine.

There are two campgrounds, and two marinas at Lake Mary. The Lakes Basin Path passes by the north side of the lake and a trailhead is located nearby at Coldwater Campground.

Boat, Kayak, and/or SUP Rentals at Lake Mary:

Lake Mary Marina (760) 934-5353

Pokonobe Lodge 760-934-2437

Horseshoe Lake

There is no marina for rentals at Horseshoe Lake, but the sandy shore makes a nice beach setting for those who bring their own kayaks and SUPs. Pack a lunch and plan to spend the day here, relaxing on the shore and trading turns playing on the water. Tucked beneath the southern flank of Mammoth Mountain, the lake is situated in the Mammoth Lakes Basin and also offers fantastic views of Mammoth Crest.

There is a picnic area, trailhead, restrooms, and ample parking located at Horseshoe Lake. The Lakes Basin Path ends at Horseshoe as does the Lakes Basin Trolley.

Bring your own kayak or rent a SUP in Mammoth:

Footloose Sports, 3043 Main Street, 760-934-2400

Convict Lake

One of the more stunning alpine lakes in the Mammoth region is located ten miles south of town. Convict Lake’s sparkling blue water is beautiful with a dramatic geologic backdrop of Convict Canyon and Laurel Mountain. Convict is one of the bigger lakes in the area, which can offer a longer day of exploring the water and the shore. Pontoon boat cruising is fun here. It’s also a popular spot for easy hiking and fishing.

There is a picnic area, campground, resort and store, trailhead and, overnight parking at Convict Lake.

Boat, Kayak, and/or SUP Rentals at Convict Lake:

Convict Lake Marina 760-934-3800

Crowley Lake

Easily the largest lake in the area, Crowley Lake is a reservoir located just south of Mammoth in Long Valley. It is a favorite destination for boat fishing, wake surfing and skiing, as well as kayaking. Since the lake is out in the valley, the expansive views of the Sierra Nevada are impressive. Plan for a full day on the water.

Store, camping, and marina services are available at the Crowley Lake Fish Camp.

Boat, and Kayak Rentals and Launch:

Crowley Lake Fish Camp at Crowley Lake, (760) 935.4301

June Lake

Take a day trip north to June Lake for an enjoyable day on the water. Carson Peak and the June Lake Ski create a stunning landscape for cruising the lake on a pontoon boat. On the east shore a sandy beach is a favorite hang out spot, bring your own kayak or SUP and launch from the shore, or head in to town and rent boats and kayaks from one of the two marinas on the shore.

Camping and picnic areas are located near the June Lake Beach. Full service amenities are available in the small resort town of June Lake.

Boat, Kayak, and/or SUP Rentals in June Lake:

Big Rock Resort (760) 648-7717 June Lake Marina (760) 648-7726