Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is the premier mountain resort destination in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, offering world-class outdoor recreation in every season. Located about 2.5 hours north of Ridgecrest on US-395, this alpine town sits at 7,880 feet elevation and serves as the gateway to some of the most spectacular high-country scenery in California. For Ridgecrest residents seeking an escape from desert heat, Mammoth is the go-to mountain getaway.

In winter, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is the main draw — 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, 28 lifts, and an average annual snowfall of 400 inches make it one of the top ski resorts in the western United States. The ski season often extends from November through June, and in big snow years, the mountain has remained open into July. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are also popular winter activities.

Summer transforms Mammoth Lakes into a hiking, mountain biking, and fishing paradise. Pristine alpine lakes dot the landscape — Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Convict Lake, and dozens of smaller gems offer exceptional trout fishing and kayaking. Devils Postpile National Monument, accessible via shuttle from the town, features a remarkable 60-foot wall of columnar basalt and the stunning Rainbow Falls, where the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River plunges 101 feet over a volcanic cliff. The town itself has excellent restaurants, shops, and lodging, making it a comfortable base for any mountain adventure.