High up in the Sierra Mountains about 40 miles east of Yosemite National Park is the alpine wonderland of Mammoth Lakes. This ski town is one of the premier playgrounds for Californians who come to hike, bike and ride horses in summer and ski the slopes during winter. Mammoth is about 300 miles from both Los Angeles and San Francisco, putting this little slice of the magical Sierras within feasible striking distance for long weekend getaways.
Mammoth Lakes looks like your average American ski town. It’s compact, surrounded by stunning scenery, and has all the creature comforts you’ll need during your visit. Essentially a tourist destination, Mammoth isn’t short on excellent restaurants, trendy cafés, pubs and little shops where you can pick up mountain gear. Don’t expect an abundance of amenities, but count on a representative of just about everything important.
This town is right in the heart of a number of national parks, with the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area just to the east and the John Muir Wilderness Area bordering on the southeast. Both the Owens and San Joaquin rivers cut through Mammoth Lakes, and the towering Mammoth Mountain Ski Area rises up in the center. Naturally, you can walk anywhere in town, and plenty of amazing backcountry can be accessed right from the streets thanks to the Panorama Gondola, which whisks people straight into the mountains.
Highlights
Bodie: a short drive north of town is one of the American West’s most authentic ghost towns, conjuring up images of its past as a major gold mining center during the 1800s.
Mono Lake: the surreal tufa limestone towers which rise out of this impressive alpine lake are a big highlight of this part of the Sierras, made all the better by some 300 species of bird which migrate through the park annually.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area: with a peak elevation of 11,053 feet, this expansive ski resort provides serious outdoor adventure during all four seasons.
Panorama Gondola: if the weather permits, this state-of-the-art gondola takes passengers both midway and to the very summit of Mammoth Mountain for truly sublime 360 degree views.
Snowcreek Golf Course: golfing enthusiasts may find it hard to keep their eye on the ball with all the distracting alpine scenery surrounding this beautiful golf course.
Devil’s Postpile National Monument: interesting columns formed by lava, some of which are up-to 60 feet, sit just seven miles from Mammoth Mountain.