Mammoth Lakes California is best known as a ski town but is also a great place to visit in the summer. There are plenty of outdoor activities and The Village at Mammoth is a happening place in the summer with a multitude of shops and restaurants. We definitely recommend staying at The Village Lodge which is right there in the heart of the village.
Summer Activities
Scenic Gondola Ride – The Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola Ride is just a few minutes drive from The Village at Mammoth and is well worth it, The Panorama Gondola takes you up to an elevation of 11,053 feet with 360-degree views,
Make sure to take a picture with the famous totem sign at the top of the mountain and take in the views of the Minarets in the distance.
Check out the Eleven53 Interpretive Center while you are at the top and if you are hungry there is a cafe as well. The other option for food is to wait until you get down to the bottom and have lunch at the Yodler Restaurant & Bar with its Bavarian-inspired menu featuring bratwursts, fondue, schnitzel, and large pretzels. The docents at the top were very knowledgeable about the area so do not be shy to ask them questions.
You can also hike down the mountain if you desire to do so, instead of taking the Gondola back down. There are several hiking trails on the mountain.
When taking the Gondola back down stop at the mid-station to see Wolly Mammoth inside the building and outside see the old chairlift and snow machines. There is a small station with the history of the ski area which is pretty interesting as well.
Earthquake Fault – The Inyo National Forest’s Earthquake Fault is a quick stop just 2.6 miles east down the road from the Scenic Gondola Ride on Route 203 (Minaret Road). The fault which is technically a fissure is up to 10 feet wide and 60 feet deep. It is a short hike to see the effects of nature’s power.
Devils Postpile – Devils Postpile National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located near Mammoth Mountain in California. It is an unusual rock formation of columnar basalt created by cooling molten lava and includes two main attractions: the Devils Postpile formation and Rainbow Falls, a waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. The hike to Devils Postpile is .8 miles roundtrip and Rainbow Falls is 5 miles roundtrip.
Also, an interesting fact is that the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail merge into one trail as they pass through the monument.
Make sure to make the short hike up (additional 10 to 15 minutes) to the top of the postpile as the view looking down at the mainly hexagonal-shaped basalt columns is very interesting. I think of it as nature’s pavers and the overall view looks like a giant soccer ball because of the domed smooth shape with the hexagonal patches.
On the drive out of Devils Postpile try to stop along the road when you see a pullout, there are amazing views of the Minarets. The other option a little further up the road is to hike the 2.6-mile Minaret Vista Trail, drive to the start of the hike from the Minaret Vista Entrance Station on Lookout Point Rd.
Other Activities – Mammoth Mountain Bike Park, rent or bring your own mountain bike. There is a variety of different tickets and options available so check out the website here Mammoth Mountain Bike Park | World-Class XC & Downhill. The bike park has over 80 miles of single track and terrain for all levels of experience.
Rock climbing is another great summer activity along with camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and golfing.
Winter Activities – Downhill Skiing at Mammoth Mountain, tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skating, and snowcat tours.