Is seems like the recreation and general outdoor activities in Eastern Sierra are limitless and in an attempt to share some of the more popular activities, we have provided this page just for you.
Summer/Fall
Yosemite National Park – The Eastern Gateway to Yosemite is only a 35-40 minute drive from Mammoth, with the entire trip presenting unbelievable scenery. Yosemite is particularly spectacular during the Spring months when the waterfalls are gushing and during the Fall months when the park is less crowed.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
Devils Postpile State Park– This is one of Mammoth’s own treasures featuring Rainbow Falls waterfall, Devils Postpile rock formation, Soda Springs, and trailheads to some of the most spectacular hikes in the Sierras. http://www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm
Hiking – You need not even get into your car to set out on beautiful high altitude day hikes. Mammoth Lakes is abundant with trails (mountain and paved) most well marked, maintained, and offering detailed way-finding and signage. Our local Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access (MLTPA) has worked in cooperation with the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Forest Service and others to create and maintain a phenomenal trail system. Want to plan a hike, visit Mammoth’s new trail website MLTS and see what hike suits you best. http://mammothtrails.org/
Walking, Biking, Running – Just as fun as a hike in the forest, Mammoth Lakes also has a recently completed and very popular paved trail system. This system connects nearly every neighborhood in town to one another and the Lakes Basin. http://mammothtrails.org/
Fishing – Whether its wading in shallow river with a fly rod or sitting at the bank of a high altitude lake, Mammoth has a fishing story waiting for you to discover. Visit Mammoth has a webpage that you may find helpful; fishing licenses, location, guides, and local tackle shops. http://www.visitmammoth.com/things-to-do/fishing/
Bodie State Park – Commonly referred to as just “Bodie”, this is one of California’s original gold mining ghost towns. A walk though this State park allows you to imagine how life must have been in this rough and deadly part of the west. If the tough miners and outlaws didn’t kill you, the bitter winters were next in line. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509
Mono Lake – Scenery at this ancient lake is like taking a trek back in time, with its white desert surroundings, tufa tower formations, and calm brine waters. Mono Lake is a unique ecosystem hosting unique wildlife and biology. This historic lake was frequented by figures such as Mark Twain, Ansel Adams, and even Clint Eastwood during his filming of High Plains Drifter (filmed at the lakes edge).
Summer Festivals – There is rarely a summer weekend that is not filled with athletics, food, music and art. Festivals such as the Mammoth Festival of Beers, Mammoth Bluegrass Festival, Villagefest, Mammoth Rocks and others have become more than festivals, but destinations for Mammoth Lakes. For a list of signature events and access to all events please go to http://www.visitmammoth.com/events/summer-festivals/
Fall Colors – As the saying goes, “some of the best things in life are free”. Fall colors in the Eastern Sierra are no exception to this old saying. Keep an eye out for Fall Color Guide published by both Mono County and Mammoth Lakes Tourism. These will keep you in the loop as to the best locations and timing of the color changes. http://www.monocounty.org/fall-colors/
Mountain Biking – Since the original Kamikaze biking event was originally created in Mammoth Lakes, this sport is growing in popularity nationwide. Mountain bikers can ride the local single tracks within the county, or try their skills on any number of trails at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area’s mountain bike park.
Scenic Rides – Gondola rides to the top of Mammoth Mountain are not only breathtaking, but an easy way to gain perspective of just how vast and beautiful the Sierra Nevada Mountains can be.
Winter/Spring
Skiing/Snowboarding – The single thing that Mammoth Lakes is best known for its skiing and snowboarding. With over 3,500 acres of terrain, Mammoth Mountain truly lives up to its name. http://www.visitmammoth.com/things-to-do/winter-activities/skiing/
(I still need to expand on these)
sledding
Snowshoeing
Cross Country/Nordic Skiing
Snowmobiling
Scenic Rides
