Beyond the Slopes: Here’s How To Spend a Summer Vacation in Mammoth Lakes

Boasting unreal ski conditions, a 400+ inch average of snow per season, and the state’s highest lifts – Mammoth Lakes, California, is the peak of winter retreats, but the adventures don’t stop when the snow begins to melt. This award-winning ski destination has countless seasonal activities that make it the perfect place for a summer escape, too.

A Natural Playground

Fishing in San Joaquin River / Photo: Courtesy

Situated on the rim of a volcanic crater, Mammoth Lakes covers over three million acres of wilderness. Crisscrossed by glaciers, rivers, and the ancient Sierra Nevada mountains, the Mammoth Lakes Basin is home to some of nature’s most breathtaking feats. With boundless miles of trails coaxing you into the Ansel Adams, and John Muir Wilderness and beyond, this is a snapshot of Eastern Sierra’s finest. Enjoy scenic hikes, rushing alpine creeks and jaw-dropping mountainscapes.

Next try Hot Creek Geological Site. Located less than a 20-minute drive from town, this undulating plain of bubbling springs and steamy turquoise pools shows exactly why Mammoth Lakes is a mecca for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The site is formed from boiling pockets of underground rock, sprouting new springs overnight at scalding temperatures. There’s a short and well-maintained trail that descends 100 feet into the heart of the activity.

Water-Fueled Fun

Kayaking across Lake Mary / Photo: Courtesy

Where better to cool off from the Sierra rays than in the crisp waters of Horseshoe Lake? Framed by a thick pine forest, this sandy beach centers you in a natural oasis like no other. Its calm waters make a great place for families to swim, sunbathe, and even launch a kayak or paddle board. Local shops and marinas offer rentals for water sports, including motorboats and fishing supplies, so you can fill your itinerary with all the activities that Mammoth Lakes has to offer.

Dinner With a View

The Village at Mammoth / Photo: Samantha Lindberg Photography

Mealtimes at Mammoth Lakes deliver the perfect al-fresco experience with views to match. The destination has a range of unique dining spots, many of which have their own outside spaces, so you can dine to your heart’s content as you drink in the incredible vistas. Dos Alas is a cozy restaurant, full of character and surrounded by gorgeous panoramas of the towering mountain backdrop. You’ll find authentic comfort foods inspired by Puerto Rican, Cuban and Spanish cuisine, vibrant live music, and overall good vibes. Be sure to grab a reservation, this spot fills up fast for good reason.

Then there’s The Brasserie, an exceptional fine dining spot located above the iconic Mammoth Rock’N’Bowl bowling alley. This hidden gem is flanked with an open-air terrace, serving as an ideal spot to take in the iconic alpenglow sunsets the Sierra Nevada is known for.

Unplug and Unwind

No trip is complete without the perfect homebase to rest up after a day filled with all your favorite mountain activities. Find a wide variety of lodging options from quaint cabins, to comfortable condos and upscale resorts. There are plenty of accommodations to suite your unique tastes and set you up for a picturesque retreat you won’t soon forget.

Ready for the ultimate summer getaway? Go to VisitMammoth.com