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

Explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin in the Summer
Explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin in the Summer

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

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Bodie State Historic Park

State Route 270
Bridgeport, CA 93517

760-616-5040

Bodie State Historic Park is a genuine California gold-mining ghost town. Visitors can walk down the deserted streets of a town that once had a population of nearly 10,000 people. The town is named for Waterman S. Body (William Bodey), who had discovered small amounts of gold in hills north of Mono… Learn More

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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, snow melt 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… Learn More

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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

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Devils Postpile National Monument

End of CA-203 West
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

760-934-2289

Please Note: The mandatory shuttle runs through September 5, 2022. After that time, visitors can enter in their own vehicle. Starting on October 1, 2022, please be prepared for up to 30 minute delays due to tree work along the road. The road will close for the season on October… Learn More

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Yosemite National Park

Tioga Road
Lee Vining, CA 93541

209-372-0200

A spectacular day trip, Yosemite National Park is just a 45-minute drive from Mammoth Lakes. Hike through famous Tuolumne Meadows and dip your toes in Tenaya Lake. Iconic Half Dome , El Capitan and Yosemite Valley waterfalls are a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the park from Tuolumne Meadows. Check the… Learn More

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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

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MAWS Transportation

126 Old Mammoth Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

760-709-2927

Friendly and professional passenger transportation and shuttle services to or from Mammoth Lakes along the Eastern Sierra corridor. Our range of services provides point-to-point car service, door to door airport shuttles, long distance shuttle service, trailhead transfers for hikers and backpackers, summer sightseeing tours, and limousine services for weddings and… Learn More

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Mammoth Museum at the Hayden Cabin

5489 Sherwin Creek Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

The Mammoth Museum, located in the Hayden Cabin on the banks of Mammoth Creek, invites you to experience local history in the setting of this 1920s log cabin. Exhibits include mining implements, photos, art, intriguing memorabilia and glimpses into the lives of the people and industries that shaped Mammoth long… Learn More

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Mammoth Lakes Basin

Lake Mary Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

888-466-2666

Glacier-carved lakes form the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Lake George and Horseshoe Lake are nestled below jagged peaks and pine forests. Easily accessible by public transportation, the basin provides hiking, biking and picnicking. Accessibility: Driving tour in summer and fall. Learn More

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