Boating, Kayaking & Paddle Boarding

Whether you're paddling a kayak or stand-up paddle board, or motoring a pontoon boat or small fishing boat, getting out on the water in Mammoth Lakes offers a unique perspective on the Eastern Sierra.

The scenery is incomparable—Carson Peak from June Lake, Mammoth Mountain from Lake Mary, and over 300 bird species at Mono Lake, including eagles spotted by lucky paddlers.

Most lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin open around Memorial Day weekend—check the activity updates page for current lake access before you plan your trip.

Jet Skiing & Motor Boating

Both Crowley Lake and Grant Lake allow waterskiing and jet skiing, however no rentals are available so you’ll need to bring your own watercraft. Grant Lake is also great for windsurfing. High mountain lakes can be very cold, so a wetsuit is recommended to help insulate your body from the chilly water.

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin at your own pace. Lake Mary is the most popular launching point—it's large enough to paddle for hours, with views of the surrounding peaks and easy access from town.

June Lake and Grant Lake on the June Lake Loop are also excellent options, and Mono Lake offers a completely different experience, paddling among the ancient tufa towers in one of the most otherworldly landscapes in California. Rentals are available through Mammoth Kayaks and Paddleboards and Lake Mary Marina and Store.

Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)

What’s not to love about stand-up paddleboarding in the Eastern Sierra? Beautiful scenery, calm waters, many lakes to explore—and no sharks. In and around Mammoth Lakes are abundant opportunities for high-altitude SUP adventure. The Mammoth Lakes Basin and the June Lake Loop alone offer seven paddle-accessible lakes, but one of the favorites is paddleboarding on Horseshoe Lake. Bring your sunscreen, beach chair, picnic and board, and get ready to kick it at the beach, Eastern Sierra-style.

Don’t have a board? No problem—there are several places to rent a SUP, saving you the trouble of having to lug all that extra gear around, such as ASO Mammoth, Footloose Sports, Get Outdoors 365, Lake Mary Marina and Store, Mammoth Kayaks and Paddleboards, Wave Rave Snowboard Shop.