Things to Do
In winter, Mammoth Mountain is the main event. With a summit elevation of 11,053 feet, over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, and an average of 400 inches of snow per year, it is one of California’s premier ski destinations. Lift tickets run $150-$200 per day, though the Ikon Pass ($1,100-$1,300 season) covers unlimited Mammoth days. The mountain has runs for every level, from gentle groomers to extreme chutes off the summit. On clear days, you can see 100 miles from the top.
In summer, we head straight to Devils Postpile National Monument, where a 60-foot wall of geometric basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity looks like it was carved by hand. The mandatory shuttle ($15) from the Main Lodge takes about 45 minutes. From Devils Postpile, a 2-mile trail continues to Rainbow Falls, a gorgeous 101-foot waterfall where you can often see actual rainbows in the mist around midday. The round trip from the shuttle stop is about 5 miles and moderate in difficulty.
The natural hot springs scattered around the Eastern Sierra are one of our favorite Mammoth experiences. Wild Willy’s Hot Springs (free, always open) is the most popular, with a wooden boardwalk leading to pools overlooking the snow-capped Sierra. Hilltop Hot Spring and Shepherd Hot Spring are also free and less crowded. For Convict Lake ($0 to visit), we bring folding chairs and spend an afternoon fishing or just soaking in the scenery of this stunning alpine lake surrounded by 12,000-foot peaks.
Where to Stay
The Village at Mammoth ($200-$450 per night) is the social hub and our go-to for ski trips. Condo-style units with full kitchens surround a pedestrian village with shops, restaurants, and a gondola to Canyon Lodge. Mammoth Mountain Inn ($150-$300) sits right at the Main Lodge and is perfect for first-run-on-the-mountain people. Both are operated by Mammoth Mountain and offer ski-and-stay packages that can save significantly.
Convict Lake Resort ($180-$350) offers a completely different vibe — rustic-elegant cabins on the shore of an impossibly beautiful alpine lake, about 15 minutes south of town. The on-site restaurant is one of the best in the Eastern Sierra. For a more traditional hotel experience, the Westin Monache ($200-$400) has upscale rooms and a heated pool.
Budget travelers can find motels along Main Street in the $80-$150 range, and the Davison Street Guest House ($50-$80) is a solid hostel-style option with a shared kitchen. Vacation rentals and cabin rentals ($120-$300) are abundant and offer good value for groups — many come with hot tubs and mountain views. Camping opens in summer with options at New Shady Rest ($26) and Lake Mary Campground ($26), both bookable on recreation.gov.
Where to Eat
The Mammoth food scene has matured beyond basic ski fare. The Lakefront Restaurant at Tamarack Lodge ($28-$45 entrees) serves refined American cuisine on Twin Lakes — their elk tenderloin and pan-seared trout are outstanding. For something more casual, Mammoth Brewing Company ($14-$22) pours excellent craft beer alongside elevated pub food like bison burgers and fish tacos.
Toomey’s ($16-$28) at the Alpenhof Lodge is a local favorite for creative breakfasts and dinner. Bleu Handcrafted Foods ($12-$20) does fantastic gourmet sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods that are perfect for taking on the trail. Roberto’s Mexican Cafe ($10-$16) has been a Mammoth institution for decades — their burritos are massive and perfect after a long day on the mountain.
At the Village, Shelter Distilling ($13-$18 cocktails and small plates) is a fun apres-ski hangout with house-made spirits. Campo Mammoth ($18-$32) serves wood-fired pizza and pasta that hits the spot on cold nights. For morning coffee, Black Velvet Coffee ($4-$7) and Looney Bean ($4-$7) are both excellent. In summer, the Saturday farmers market near the Village has local produce and prepared foods ($10-$20 for a market lunch).
Getting Around
The town of Mammoth Lakes is compact but spread out enough that driving between areas is easier than walking, especially with ski gear. In winter, a free shuttle system connects the major lodges, the Village, and the ski area every 15-20 minutes — we use it exclusively during ski trips and leave the car parked. The Red Line runs to the Main Lodge, and the Blue Line serves Canyon Lodge.
In summer, the mandatory shuttle to Devils Postpile ($15 adults) operates from the Main Lodge. Beyond that, a car is the best way to explore the surrounding lakes, hot springs, and Highway 395 attractions. The June Lake Loop (a gorgeous 16-mile drive past four alpine lakes) is 20 minutes north, and Mono Lake and Bodie Ghost Town are each about 45 minutes away.
Highway 395 is the main artery for the Eastern Sierra, and the drive itself is spectacular — the wall of the Sierra Nevada rises dramatically to the west. Gas up in town, as the next gas stations are far apart heading north or south. Car rentals are limited in Mammoth — book early or rent in Reno ($60-$90 per day). In winter, carry chains and check Caltrans road conditions, as Highway 395 can close during major storms.