Sightseeing
Scenic Wonders near Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is the gateway to the Sierra’s natural wonders.
Mammoth Lakes is an unparalleled natural wonderland. Yosemite National Park, Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls National Monument, Mono Lake, Bodie State Historic Park, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Mt. Whitney and the Mammoth Lakes Basin are all-day trips from town. Not to mention, any activity you participate in will have jaw-dropping scenics that make you feel that you’ve caught a glimpse of the unbelievable.
Situated at the edge of one of the earth’s largest volcanic calderas—second in North America only to Yellowstone—the landscape abounds with spectacular world-class geological features: granite domes, craters, fissures, lava tubes, symmetrical columns of basalt, saline lakes, outcroppings of white quartz and pure black obsidian, warm creeks and natural hot springs pools. The cracked and jagged ribs of the great Sierra Nevada run through it all; the highest range in the Continental U.S. and one of the youngest and most tectonically active mountain ranges on the planet. Sculpted by glaciers and rivers, the flanks of these mountains are now covered in ancient forests of fir and pine. In the high valleys and basins are icy blue lakes and streams populated by frogs and wild trout, and meadows teeming with wildflowers.
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Sightseeing in Mammoth Lakes
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Sightseeing in Mammoth Lakes
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Sightseeing in Mammoth Lakes
Where to Go
Sightseeing in Mammoth Lakes
Eleven53 Interpretive Center
10001 Minaret Road, Via Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
800-626-6684
Take in the view from the Scenic Gondola as you climb to the top of Mammoth Mountain at 11,053 feet (3,368 m). At the summit, explore the Eleven53 Interpretive Center, with interactive displays of the area’s geologic, hydrologic and volcanic history. Learn More
Hot Creek Geological Site
Hot Creek Hatchery Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Accessibility: .4 mile (.64 km) round-trip walk on a steep, dirt path. Directions: Take US 395 south; turn left towards Mammoth Yosemite Airport; take the second right and follow the signs 3 miles on an unpaved, maintained road. The parking lot will be on your left. Learn More
Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area and Visitors Center
1 Visitor Center Drive, Highway 395
Lee Vining, CA 93541
This saltwater lake is best known for its tufa towers which were formed with the interaction of the salt and the freshwater springs bubbling up from the bottom of the lake. The center has interactive displays that teach about many aspects of the Mono Basin’s geology, ecology, and human history…. Learn More
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
White Mountain Road
Big Pine, CA 93513
760-873-2500
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to some of the oldest continuously living organisms on earth. The oldest tree, Methuselah, is over 4,700 years old. Bristlecone thrive in the arid environment of the White Mountains near Mammoth Lakes at elevations between 10,000 feet (3,048 m) and 11,000 (3,353 m)…. Learn More
Inyo Craters
Dry Creek Road Spur
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
888-466-2666
Six hundred years ago, a massive explosion heated rock and ground water, causing a large blast zone. Three craters were formed. Today, snowmelt and rainwater create emerald green pools in the craters. Accessibility: 1.4 miles (2.25 km) round-trip uphill hiking trail. Directions: From the Mammoth Scenic Loop follow signs to… Learn More
Skytime Helicopter Tours
1200 Airport Road, Mammoth Yosemite Airport
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
321-247-8687
Skytime Helicopter Tours offers scenic flights for historic tours, birthday parties, group flights, aerial photography and weddings, corporate retreats, anniversaries, educational tours, real estate tours or tailored to a whim, any time. Servicing the Sierra year round seven days a week. Flights are limited to four passengers. Super safe Heli-Fun! Learn More
Manzanar National Historic Site
5001 Highway 395
Independence, CA 93526
In 1942, the United States government ordered more than 110,000 men, women, and children to leave their homes and detained them in remote, military-style camps. Manzanar War Relocation Center was one of ten camps where Japanese American citizens and resident Japanese aliens were incarcerated during World War II.Extensive exhibits span… Learn More
Earthquake Fault
On Minaret Road between Main Street & Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
888-466-2666
This sizable fissure is not an earthquake fault caused by a single quake, as the name implies. Geologists now believe it is a system of fractures formed during a series of strong quakes when the Inyo Craters and Inyo Domes erupted centuries ago. Learn More
Mammoth Experiences
CA 93548
iSUP and off-road sightseeing service that includes: pick-up/drop-off at guests’ place of lodging, all the gear needed for iSUP, and a friendly interpretive guide/driver who gives guests an amazing local activity experience. Let us impart the beauty, nature and fun that can be had in and around Mammoth Lakes. Book… Learn More
Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, a Designated California Welcome Center
2510 Main Street
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
888-466-2666
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… Learn More