Driving to Mammoth Lakes

Located in the heart of the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mammoth Lakes is easy to access by car from anywhere in California or Nevada.

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip, a fall foliage getaway, or a winter ski vacation, driving to Mammoth Lakes is part of the adventure.

From Southern California, the journey takes you past iconic landscapes like Mt. Whitney, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, and Death Valley. Travelers coming from the north can stop at Mono Lake, Bodie State Historic Park, and other Eastern Sierra landmarks before arriving in town. No matter where you’re driving from, once you reach scenic Highway 395, the mountains quickly take center stage.

This guide covers routes, directions, and what to expect when driving to Mammoth Lakes year-round.

Directions

Getting to Mammoth Lakes

Explore the best routes for getting to Mammoth Lakes with our interactive map! Whether driving from Southern California, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Reno, or beyond, this map helps you easily plan your next adventure. Click or tap to plan your next visit to Mammoth Lakes.

Explore the Map

Winter travel to Mammoth Lakes can include snowstorms, chain controls, and rapidly changing road conditions. If you’re visiting between November and April, it’s important to plan ahead and understand what winter driving in the Eastern Sierra involves.

For winter-specific safety tips, chain requirements, parking rules, and storm preparedness, visit our Snow Smart Driving: Winter Driving in Mammoth Lakes guide before you go.

Directions For Driving To Mammoth Lakes

Driving from Southern California

Located in the heart of the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountains, scenic Mammoth Lakes is only a drive away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and Southern California.

Driving from Northern California

Travelers coming from Northern California have several scenic options for driving to Mammoth Lakes. Which route makes the most sense depends largely on the season, current road conditions, and whether you’re looking…

Driving from San Francisco to Mammoth Lakes

Driving from San Francisco to Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s most scenic road trips, offering everything from dramatic Sierra Nevada passes to iconic Eastern Sierra landscapes.

Driving from Nevada

With only a half-day drive separating the unforgettable mountain vistas of Mammoth Lakes from the bright lights and casinos of Las Vegas, and just a three-hour drive between Reno and Mammoth Lakes…

Driving from Las Vegas

With only a half-day drive separating the unforgettable mountain vistas of Mammoth Lakes from the bright lights and casinos of Las Vegas, it’s an easy escape to reach the breathtaking beauty of…

Driving from Reno

With only just a three-hour drive between Reno and unreal mountain vistas in Mammoth Lakes, it’s an easy escape to reach the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Sierra from Reno, Nevada.

More Travel Resources

Your Pre-Arrival Guide to Mammoth Lakes

We deeply appreciate visitors who travel sustainably and show respect for our beautiful mountain home and community. While you plan for your getaway, learn how to reduce your impact, give back, and…

More Travel Resources

Mammoth Lakes is accessible by plane from hundreds of cities across the country.

More Travel Resources

Regional Transportation

Mammoth Lakes is located in the heart of the Eastern Sierra. From Lake Tahoe to the north and then Lone Pine, with it’s unparalleled views of Mt. Whitney, to the south, there…

More Travel Resources

Getting Around Town

Whether you decide to fly to Mammoth Lakes or drive here, getting around town without a vehicle is easy. Just hop on a shuttle, in a taxi, or ride a bike to…