Ski runs, hot springs, alpine lakes, one of California’s most dramatic mountain landscapes, and incredible things to do: here’s how to make the most of 3 days in Mammoth Lakes.
By Outbound Hotels
There aren’t many places in California where you can ski 12,000 vertical feet in the morning, soak in a geothermal hot spring in the afternoon, and cap the day off with a great meal under a sky full of stars. Mammoth Lakes is one of them. Sitting at the edge of the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, this small mountain town ranks high in terms of sheer adventure per square mile, with Mammoth Mountain anchoring it all with a summit that reaches to 11,053 feet—and all within an easy road trip from Los Angeles.
Whether you visit in winter for the legendary snow or in summer for the wildflowers, hiking trails, and mountain biking, the pace of life in Mammoth moves at the speed of the outdoors. It’s fast when adrenaline is what you seek, and slow and scenic when it’s time to recharge. Near the center of it all, Outbound Mammoth puts you close to everything: the mountain, the lakes, the hot springs, and the town. With gear partnerships, a free mountain shuttle, and on-site dining and drinks, it’s the ideal base camp for three full days of exploration in Mammoth Lakes.
Here’s how to make the most of a three-day getaway, from enjoying downtime at the hotel to taking on all of Park City’s top attractions and things to do.
Day 1: First Tracks & Fire Pits
Morning — Hit the Mountain
There’s only one way to start a winter trip to Mammoth, and that’s getting up on the mountain as early as possible. Before you go, fuel up at Outbound’s on-site Café Crêpe food truck. A sweet crêpe with Nutella and banana or savory one with a brie and prosciutto is the kind of fuel a ski day here calls for. Check in with the front desk to book your ski or snowboard rentals through Black Tie Ski & Bike Rentals, which offers hotel guests a 20% discount and will deliver your equipment straight to the hotel. They’re open at 7:30 AM, which means you can be first in the lift line.
Mammoth Mountain has more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, with the longest run stretching nearly three miles from summit to base. Beginners can carve gentle groomers off Chair 7, while more experienced skiers will want to ride the Panorama Gondola to the 11,053-foot summit for views across the Eastern Sierra and into Nevada. Hit Broadway on a powder day and you’ll understand why this mountain has a cult following.
Afternoon — A Soak at the Hot Springs
After a full morning on the slopes, a soak at one of Mammoth’s natural hot springs is practically mandatory. The Long Valley Caldera, a short drive east on US-395, is a geological wonder where geothermal water seeps up through the volcanic landscape and collects in a series of pools at places like Wild Willy’s Hot Springs. Here, you can ease into steaming water while staring up at the Sierra skyline—it’s free, it’s wild, and it works wonders on tired legs.
If you’re hungry afterwards, Noodle-Ly is a local favorite, serving up big bowls of pho, khao soi, and other Asian noodle classics. For grab-and-go, Elixir is the spot for healthy bowls and juices to take on the next leg of your adventure.
Evening — Drinks and Dinner at Bar Sierra
Back at the hotel, get cleaned up and pull up a stool at Bar Sierra, Outbound’s on-site restaurant and bar serving California comfort food with local beers on tap. The arcade room makes it easy to linger and challenge your travel companions to a game of Pac-Man between rounds of drinks. Afterward, grab a s’mores kit from the front desk, stake out a spot at one of the outdoor fire pits, and toast marshmallows under the stars. At this elevation and in this darkness, the night sky is something else entirely.
Day 2: Tracks, Lakes & Local Flavor
Morning — Backcountry with Trek Sierra
Day two is for going deeper. Trek Sierra, another one of Outbound’s adventure partners, offers premium guided backcountry experiences in the Inyo National Forest and surrounding wilderness, and guests receive a 15% discount on any guided outing. In winter, that might mean a snowshoe tour through snow-draped pines or a backcountry ski day to terrain that’s way off the resort map. In summer, they run guided backpacking trips into the legendary John Muir Wilderness, and handle all permits, gear, and gourmet camp meals so you can focus entirely on the mountains.
If you’d rather go it alone, the Mammoth Lakes Basin is a short drive from the hotel and has trails for every ability level. In winter, the Lakes Basin Road is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In summer, it opens up to one of the most stunning hiking corridors in California, connecting five alpine lakes (Twin, Mary, Mamie, George, and Horseshoe) in a few miles of trail.
Afternoon — Kayaking on the Lakes
After a morning in the mountains, head into town and grab lunch (and maybe a sip of something) at Shelter Distillery. Not only does it make tasty whiskey, gin, and agave spirits, but it’s known for its seasonal menus ranging from hefty pizzas to bingeable tacos. Mammoth Brewing Co. is another classic featuring local brews, comfort food, and a casual après vibe.
In summer, hit the lakes on a foldable Oru Kayak, available to borrow through Outbound’s gear program. These lightweight, foldable kayaks are easy to transport to any of the lakes in the basin (Outbound guests receive up to 20% off at Oru if you want to get a boat for home). Check availability at the front desk and grab a Yeti cooler (complimentary for guests) to pack snacks and drinks. Twin Lakes and Lake Mary are two of the most beautiful paddles in the area, ringed by granite peaks that reflect off the water on calm mornings.
Evening — Dinner at The Mogul
For dinner, head to The Mogul, a beloved Mammoth steakhouse that’s been a local fixture for decades. Known for their oak-fired steaks, fresh seafood, and honest American cooking, it’s the kind of place where you order a martini, get a massive cut of prime rib, and feel like you’ve earned every bite. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Day 3: Wide Open Spaces
Morning — A Slow Start & A Scenic Drive
You’ve earned a slow morning. Pour yourself a coffee from the lobby and ease into the day with a proper sit-down breakfast at The Stove Restaurant, a Mammoth institution that’s been serving hungry locals and visitors for over 50 years. The French toast is legendary, the huevos rancheros will set you up for the day, and the fresh-squeezed orange juice makes a compelling argument for arriving before the line forms. It’s the kind of place that feels like the soul of the town.
When you’re ready, head north on US-395 toward Mono Lake, one of the most otherworldly landscapes in California. This ancient saltwater lake is roughly 700,000 years old, and the tufa towers (calcium carbonate spires that rise from the water’s surface) look like something out of another planet. The Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve has a short trail along the south shore with interpretive signs that give the geological and ecological story of this remarkable place. Come in early morning for the best light.
Afternoon — One Last Adventure
On the way back south, detour through the June Lake Loop, a 16-mile scenic highway that winds past four glistening alpine lakes (June, Gull, Silver, and Grant) and the small village of June Lake. This area is less visited than Mammoth and feels noticeably quieter, but its ski hill, June Mountain, is nothing to scoff at. If you’re hungry or thirsty, hit June Lake Brewing while you’re in town for solid eats and local craft beer.
Back at the hotel, use the afternoon to squeeze in one more adventure. In summer, pick up bikes through the front desk and ride over to Mammoth Mountain Bike Park, where the gondola provides uphill access to more than 80 miles of dirt singletrack. Riders can descend more than 3,100 vertical feet—a pretty spectacular send-off. In winter, check with the front desk about a snowmobile tour through the Inyo National Forest, with over 100 miles of groomed trails and 75,000 acres of open terrain to navigate.
Evening — Wind Down at Mammoth Tavern
For your last night, head back to Bar Sierra to try something else from the menu that you missed on night one, followed by a sauna session with Mammoth Sauna Co., which does a poolside pop-up in the summers, and a nice soak in the year-round open air hot tub while gazing up at the stars. If you’ve got the energy and desire to try something new, though, head into town and grab a seat at Skadi, a small Nordic- and Alps-inspired restaurant that makes an excellent date spot. If the sky is clear on the walk home (and it often is), take a moment to look up. The Milky Way over the Eastern Sierra is about as good a sendoff as anyone could ask for.
