Mammoth Lakes, CA

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of the Mammoth Lakes CVB.
Photo provided by Photo courtesy of the Mammoth Lakes CVB.
Photo provided by Mammoth Lakes Tourism
Photo provided by Mammoth Lakes Tourism

Experience the great outdoors at one of California’s premier mountain resort areas, where winter and summer promise adventures that are fun for the whole family.

Mammoth Lakes is a small mountain resort town encircled by towering mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes and flower-filled meadows. Visit in winter for some of California’s most outstanding skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Arrive in summer to enjoy first-rate mountain bike trails, hiking, fishing and horse riding.

Take the lifts up Mammoth Mountain, which reaches a dizzying height of 11,053 feet (17,788 meters). Experience breathtaking views and begin an exhilarating downhill ride. Mammoth has more than 3,500 skiable acres, nearly 30 lifts and 150 snow trails. Slopes for all levels of experience offer powdery snow long into spring. If you don’t care for downhill skiing, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through dense alpine forests. Get away from the crowds and seek out your piece of wintery wonderland.

More gentle activities also abound in the area. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the wilderness, lounge in natural hot springs, take a leisurely horseback ride through the Inyo National Forest or play golf at Snowcreek Golf Course.

Summer brings hiking, biking, fishing and sightseeing opportunities. Hike in the Mammoth Lakes Basin area, where trails such as Panorama Dome Trail, Duck Lake Trail, and Inyo Craters Trail promise picturesque alpine scenery. Mammoth Mountain transforms into a maze of bicycle paths. See some of the world’s best riders in September’s Kamikaze Bike Games.

For more serenity, hop in the Gondola and soar up the mountain for panoramic views. With a stop midway up the mountain and 360-degree-views from the summit, it is a must-do activity.

Mammoth Lakes is located 40 miles (60 kilometers) east of Yosemite’s perimeter and about 300 miles (500 kilometers) from both San FranciscoOpens in a new window and Los AngelesOpens in a new window and their international airports. The full-service resort has upmarket hotels and restaurants. Getting around is easy with free shuttles from the town to the slopes. Nestled in the heart of California, Mammoth Lakes is one of the country’s most acclaimed all-season resort towns.

Where to stay in Mammoth Lakes

Default Image

Mammoth Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mammoth Village and surrounding area, you can visit Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Mammoth Village
Central Interior California featuring hiking or walking and mountains as well as an individual femail

Downtown Mammoth Lakes

While Downtown Mammoth Lakes might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sierra Star Golf Course and Village Gondola Station.

Downtown Mammoth Lakes
Default Image

Starwood

Though Starwood might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sierra Star Golf Course and Eagle Express Ski Lift.

Starwood
Default Image

Stonegate

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Stonegate and surrounding area, you can visit Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course.

Stonegate
Default Image

Mammoth Vista

5/5(2 area reviews)

While Mammoth Vista isn't home to many top sights, Eagle Express Ski Lift and Sierra Star Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Mammoth Vista
Default Image

Crooked Pines

While there might not be top attractions in Crooked Pines, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sierra Star Golf Course and Eagle Express Ski Lift.

Crooked Pines
Outbound Mammoth
Outbound Mammoth
3.5 out of 5
164 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The price is ¥15,288 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
¥15,288
¥21,428 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (401 reviews)
"Excellent place to stay if you are seeking to spend your time with family. All the amenities provided the comfort of home in an adventurous and fun setting!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Outbound Mammoth
The Village Lodge
The Village Lodge
3.5 out of 5
1111 Forest Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The price is ¥59,669 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
¥59,669
¥74,102 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star ski hotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy 13 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Just a beautiful get away"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Village Lodge
Mammoth Mountain Inn
Mammoth Mountain Inn
3 out of 5
10400 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The price is ¥34,868 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
¥34,868
¥44,605 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy 4 hot tubs, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,023 reviews)
"Would have been rated 5 star had the room been equipped with a microwave."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Mammoth Mountain Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Convict Lake Resort
Convict Lake Resort
3 out of 5
2000 Convict Lake Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Convict Lake and Hot Creek Fish Hatchery are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (251 reviews)
"The cabins were in very good shape, they had all the items we needed. Also, housekeeping was quick to change towels. The property has absolutely beautiful scenery; our family fished and really enjoy the pontoon rental/lake experience. I would recommend Convict Lake to anyone."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Convict Lake Resort
Eagle Summit Collection
Eagle Summit Collection
3 out of 5
3235 Meridian Blvd, 249, 260, & 264, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Stay at this 3-star condo in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Mountain Ski ...
Eagle Summit Collection
Discovery 4
Discovery 4
3 out of 5
25 Lee Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, private hot tubs, and a free area shuttle. Popular attractions Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (54 reviews)
"The property was cozy and close to everything and had plenty of parking. The rooms and beds were comfortable and the place was clean. It definitely has an older cabin feel but we didnt mind it. It could use some newer linens and sheets and pillows."

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2025

Discovery 4
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Mammoth Lakes

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
628
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
262
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
51
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

God’s Almighty created this place for us to enjoy and give glory to His name. Thank Him.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love it here! Beautiful scenery, and the drive up is just as good.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

No recommendations. Wind and lack of visibility closed the mountain on Saturday. Covid 19 closed the mountain on Sunday on very short notice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Staying in Mammoth is EXPENSIVE during ski season. The cheapest places I've stayed at are still well over $100 on weekends & are poor quality. Paying a bit more for something like Shilo Inn provides a huge gain in the overall experience. Worth it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We go to ski, each time we go there is no snow, people are not friendly, they should be thankful we come. All there was was Ice base and slosh by non. Kind of common. We have being to Mammoth may be ove a dozen times. Large and beautiful mountain.

Cities near Mammoth Lakes