Things to do

Seven Mammoth Lakes Outings by Season and Terrain

Compare Mammoth Mountain, the Lakes Basin, Reds Meadow, Hot Creek, Convict Lake, bike terrain, and the June Lake Loop.

Three defining outings

Choose the ski area, the four-lake basin, or the Reds Meadow corridor.

Snow season

Ski or snowboard Mammoth Mountain

Main, Canyon, and Eagle reach different sides of the ski area. Lessons, nearby lodging, wind, and lift status determine which base makes sense that morning.

Compare the three base lodges →

Warm season

Walk, paddle, or climb in the Lakes Basin

Lake Mary Road climbs past lake shores, campgrounds, marinas, trailheads, and crags above town. Lake Mary paddling, a Crystal Lake hike, or a long Horseshoe Lake picnic can each fill the center of the day.

Compare the four basin lakes →

Volcanic country

See Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls

Columnar basalt and the 101-foot falls share the Reds Meadow corridor. Road construction sharply limits 2026 access, and the current National Park Service schedule—not a normal summer calendar—controls the outing.

Altitude matters

A short trail at 9,000 feet is not a lowland stroll.

Mammoth Lakes begins near 7,900 feet, and many trailheads are higher. Hydrate, start measured, use sun protection, and descend or seek medical advice when headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue persists.

Beyond the mountain

Four outings reach south, east, around town, and north on Highway 395.

Easy lake detour

Convict Lake

The short drive south reaches a clear alpine lake beneath a sheer Sierra wall. Walk part or all of the shoreline, picnic, or use it as a lighter day after a high trail.

Geology

Hot Creek Geological Site

Blue pools, steam, and active geothermal features line a volcanic gorge east of town. Stay behind barriers; water temperatures and vent locations can change without warning.

Bike day

Mammoth Bike Park and town trails

Lift-served downhill routes and the wider Mammoth trail network cover different ability levels. Check each trail's rating, surface, current status, and bike requirements before choosing a rental or route.

Scenic drive

Highway 395 and June Lake Loop

Northbound 395 opens toward the June Lake Loop, Mono Basin, and the eastern Sierra escarpment. Winter closures and seasonal services narrow the choices.

Bookable experiences

GetYourGuide activities