By Hayley Helms
Explore the Eastern Sierra gem like a local to discover epic views, adrenaline inducting tracks and trails, and more
When many think of Mammoth Lakes they picture wintertime fun—think skiing and snowboarding and après ski galore—but the Eastern Sierra hotspot is also an outdoors lovers paradise in the summer. Whether you’re into rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking incredible trails, or soaking in natural hot springs, there’s no shortage of awesome things to do in Mammoth Lakes.
With so much to do near Mammoth Lakes—and both Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park just a short drive away—it’s tough to decide where to dedicate your time and energy. To help, we tapped one of the region’s most experienced outdoors writers for their perspective on activities not to miss when visiting Mammoth Lakes. Read on and see what this gem of the Sierra Nevada mountain has to offer. Then book a room at the new Outbound Mammoth, the perfect adventure basecamp located in Mammoth Village.
The 7 Best Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes This Summer
1. Horseback Riding
Embrace your inner cowboy this summer and book a horseback riding session at Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit, one of the most popular outfitters in the region. (Don’t forget to bring a wide brim hat—a key piece of gear in this scenario.) Sure, you can experience Mammoth’s breathtaking terrain from the comfort of your vehicle or the personal satisfaction of your own two feet, but I think there’s no more unique and memorable way to experience the magic of Mammoth than on the back of a horse.
Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit is open seven days a week in the summertime, and offers a range of trip types: You can opt for a shorter trip (think an hour-long, or a full day) or go all the way with a week-long pack trip, where everything is taken care of from cooking to camp setup and breakdown. Typically, horseback riding in Mammoth Lakes is offered early June through late September, but keep in mind that the season varies depending on snow pack and when the Mammoth Lakes Basin is open to vehicles. Trips range in cost depending on the size of your group and the duration of your trip, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 for a single rider on a one-hour trail ride, all the way to $1,000 or more for multiple animals and services. For all-inclusive pack trips or full day rides, you’ll need to call the outfitter for pricing. Yeehaw!
2. Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
Located just five and a half miles from town, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park’s extensive trail system is one of the best in the country—and riders of all abilities and skill levels can enjoy everything the bike park has to offer. It couldn’t be more convenient to access the trails, either; Mammoth Mountain ski area’s scenic gondola provides uphill access for mountain bikers throughout the summer, delivering access to over 80 miles of dirt singletrack trail. Riders can take the Mountain Mountain Bike Park shuttle from the Village—a short walk and shorter pedal from Outbound Mammoth. For anyone that purchases a Mountain Bike Park Pass ($29 for an adult single day pass), their mountain bikes are shuttled to the Main Lodge area, free of charge. There are tons of pass options at the Mammoth Bike Park website, so check out all your options before booking. Shoutout to 25/26 Ikon Pass holders: keep in mind you’ll get two free Bike Park tickets with your pass; Ikon Base Pass holders get one. Plus, both Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders save 20 percent on additional tickets.
3. Wild Willy’s Hot Spring
Although there are dozens of natural hot springs near Mammoth (not including Hot Creek Geological Site, which is a stunning place to take a photo but unsafe to enjoy a soak), there’s one iconic spot that everyone who visits the area must stop at for a soak: Wild Willy’s Hot Spring. If you’re driving in from the South, it’s the beacon that tells you Mammoth is near—and the hot water feels amazing after a long drive. Although there are at least six hot springs off Benton Crossing Road (where Wild Willy’s is located) this one is the easiest to get to by far. I like to hit this hot spring as I get into town, and as I leave; it’s a great bookend to begin and end a trip to Mammoth Lakes. Though fair warning: It’s a popular spot, so get there early to snag your place in the hot spring and be prepared to make some friends while you soak.
4. Rock Climbing and Mountaineering
Whether you’re an experienced climber or looking to try the sport out for the first time, Mammoth (and nearby Bishop) has mountaineering and rock climbing (and via ferrata) options for everyone. If you’d like to try your hand at some of the world-class outdoor climbing destinations in the area and aren’t comfortable exploring on your own, a climbing guide will be able to help you make the most of your day. Private guided climbs range from half day (4 hours) to full-day (8 hours) options, and all skill levels are accepted. Families can also book private guided climbs. Ground Up Climbing Guides or International Alpine Guides are two top-tier options. For a half day of climbing (about four hours) one climber will cost $255 at Ground Up—and a full day will run you $350. If the unexpected happens, don’t worry: Trips are fully refundable until 10 days before the date of the trip.
If you’d like to keep things a little mellower—or more kid-friendly—try out Mammoth Mountain’s rock climbing wall, which is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing close to town. The rock climbing wall is located in the Adventure Center at Main Lodge, just a 12 minute drive from Outbound Mammoth.
5. Hike Valentine Lake Trail via Sherwin Lakes Trail
The Mammoth Lakes area is appealing for so many reasons, but it is truly a hiker’s paradise, and there’s no better time to explore the vast selection of trails than summertime. Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by a whopping two million acres of Inyo National Forest, which includes both the iconic John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses.
Hikers of all ability levels can find incredible views and lake access in Mammoth, from drive-up viewpoints to short nature walks to challenging day hikes and multi-day backpacking trails. A little effort will go a long way here, rewarding with views of granite peaks, dense wilderness, and an abundance of iconic Eastern Sierra flora. Some of the most popular hiking spots include the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Red Meadow, Devil’s Postpile or the Little Lakes Valley to Gem Lakes route. Each of these can accommodate a variety of hiking skill levels, so if you’ve got kids or older adults in your group, everyone will have fun. I personally love the Valentine Lake out-and-back hike, which is just shy of 10 miles and is a super popular area for backpacking, fishing and of course, hiking. It’s not the most secluded hike around, but just make it to Sherwin Lake: most folks turn back at this point, so from this point onward, the trail becomes much more secluded and peaceful. You can even jump in the water, but be warned: it’s cold no matter how hot it is outside.
6. Fish Rock Creek Lake, the June Lake Loop and More
Mammoth Lakes bait and fly fishing is available year-round, but there’s nothing like the heady magic of summertime casting. Mammoth is known for its populations of rainbows, browns, brookies, and the hard-to-catch native golden trout. Well-known fishing areas include Mammoth Lakes Basin, Mammoth Creek, Crowley Lake, and the June Lake Loop, and the many small trout streams that lead into and out of the region’s many lakes. If you’re new to fishing or want the insider scoop, check out local outfitters including Fish Mammoth, The Troutfitter or Sierra Drifters Guide Service. You’ll shell out a couple hundred bucks on average for a guided fishing tour, but you’ll find it worth it to bring home a fresh catch.
If you want to fish like a local, these are my recommendations: Try fishing Lake George; your best bet is to fish just to the right of the dock. Convict Lake is also at the top of my list; I’ve had it recommended to me that the best bait fishing spot there is under the bridge/ spillway that leads to the stream. For Fly fishers, head to the far end where wind will be sheltered for easier casting. Finally, check out Rock Creek Lake: Bring waders with you, and walk out to the far side of the lake where the sand drops off. It’s a little more work than staying on the shore, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.
Just a quick reminder: All fishermen 16 years or older will need a California fishing license prior to embarking on a guided fishing trip.
7. Get Your Water Sports On
Do you love canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor, aquatic adventures? If the answer is yes, Mammoth Lakes offers virtually endless ways to spend a day on the water.
Visit Mono Lake, Grant Lake, or the stunning mountainscapes of Crowley Lake for canoeing, kayaking, and other water-centric fun. Rent your canoes, kayaks, or even jet skis, boats, and boating equipment to enjoy a fun-filled time with the entire family in the beautiful outdoors. Oru Kayaks are also available for hotel guests to borrow at Outbound Mammoth. Standup paddleboarding in particular is one of the most tranquil ways to experience the majesty of Mammoth Lakes — and you can rent a board from any of these outfitters: Footloose Sports, Mammoth Kayaks and Paddleboards, or Wave Rave Snowboard Shop.
If you have your own boat or jet ski, both Crowley Lake and Grant Lake allow waterskiing and jet skiing—but no rentals are available, so keep that in mind.
