Sun-Soaked Activities

Summer Activities

Summer in Mammoth Lakes means long days, clear alpine air, and endless opportunities to explore the mountains.

From hiking high-elevation trails and riding the bike park to paddling, fishing, and relaxed lake days, summer is when the Eastern Sierra truly opens up. Whether you’re chasing big adventures or planning easy outings with family, Mammoth Lakes offers a wide range of summer activities. Use the maps and guides below to find classic experiences, discover lesser-known spots, and plan your time outdoors with confidence.

Looking for more summer planning tips? Explore the Summer Ready Guide.

Find Your Way Into the Outdoors

If you love to put the great in the great outdoors, then you’ll find plenty of unreal adventures and beautiful scenery during the summer months in Mammoth Lakes.

You can enjoy everything from heart-pounding mountain bike rides to fly fishing on peaceful lakes and streams, or a wilderness camping trip to a pleasant afternoon hike.

Start your summer adventure by checking out our maps—so you can spread out, explore places you’ve never heard of before, and have a slice of this adventureland all to yourself, even if it’s just for a while. Mammoth Lakes is so much more than the classic (but sometimes busy) places you’ve seen on Instagram.

Explore Maps of Mammoth Lakes

Essential Summer Insights

Summer Activities

Summer Updates: Reds Meadow Valley and Yosemite National Park

Changes are coming that will impact visiting two of the Eastern Sierra’s most popular summer destinations: Reds Meadow Valley and Yosemite National Park. Bookmark this page for the most up-to-date information about closures, reservations, and more.

Mammoth Lakes Summer Guide: Weather, Travel & Tips

Planning a summer trip to Mammoth Lakes? This seasonal guide brings together everything you need—from weather and road conditions to transportation, wildfire updates, and travel tips—to help you plan with confidence…

Wildfire Prevention & Education

Wildfires are a real and growing risk across California, including the Eastern Sierra. In Mammoth Lakes, most wildfires are human-caused, which means prevention starts with everyday decisions. Whether you're visiting for a…

Certified Unreal

EXPLORE WHAT’S OUT THERE

Discover geological marvels — all documented, investigated and verified to be Certified Unreal. And all within a short drive from Mammoth Lakes, California.

Hiking & Backpacking

Mountain biker riding along a trail

Summer Activities In Mammoth Lakes

woman smiling holding a fish on a boat

Boating, Kayaking & Paddle Boarding

Girl swimming in blue water lake off a rocky shore in Mammoth Lakes CA

Horseback Riding

Horseback riders on a trail through a green meadow with mountains in the background.

Popular Trip Ideas for Summer

30 Unique Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes This Summer

No matter your interests or ability level, this iconic Eastern Sierra mountain town has something for everyone. Mammoth Lakes sits at 7,880 feet in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, surrounded by two million acres of Inyo National Forest—making it one of the best summer destinations in California. Whether you're planning a family trip, a weekend with friends, or a…

Guide to Reds Meadow

Located just 40 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes, Reds Meadow is known for its Devils Postpile National Monument, 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The valley scenery is filled geological wonders, the meandering San Joaquin River, towering pine trees and spring wildflowers.

Explore the Mammoth Lakes Basin

Although there isn’t a lake actually called “Mammoth Lake,” the Mammoth Lakes Basin is home to more than 100 alpine lakes, with five main gems that stand out: Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Lake George, and Horseshoe Lake. Just minutes from the town of Mammoth Lakes, these lakes offer everything from fishing and kayaking to hiking and picnicking.

Beginner’s Guide to Camping in Mammoth Lakes

So you are heading to Mammoth Lakes to spend some time mountains. There is no better way to experience the great outdoors than pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars.

5‑Day Eastern Sierra Itinerary: What to See from Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is a perfectly situated springboard to the ultimate in sightseeing adventures.

3 Days of Land Adventures in Mammoth Lakes

Play big in our massive mountain paradise, where endless adventures await.

Activity Updates in Mammoth Lakes

No matter when you arrive, Mammoth Lakes is ready to play. Each season brings a new way to experience the mountains, from snow-covered slopes and sun-soaked trails to wildflower blooms and golden…