There are small cities or towns in California that serve as bases to visit other places, and they prove to be especially useful, because they give you somewhere to spend the night so that you can focus your time and energy on U.S. nature parks, and the other trip destinations.
The problem is that on the West Coast there is such a great number of attractions that we risk treating destinations that deserve more time as quick stops (and then discover when it’s too late what we missed out on). This is typically the case when people go to Mammoth Lakes, a gem too often used only as a base to visit the nearby Yosemite National Park. What I want to demonstrate in this article is it is worth it to devote more time to it. Let’s see if I can convince you…
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Mammoth Lakes: Below the Peaks of Sierra Nevada
Mammoth Lakes enjoys a very fortunate geographical position, located to the east of Mammoth Mountain (more than 10,800 ft) and surrounded by a beautiful coniferous forest. Its proximity to Long Valley Caldera has made the surrounding area rich in hot springs and ancient volcanic formations (for example Inyo Craters and Obsidian Dome).
As if that weren’t enough, the large Inyo National Forest, and the tall snow-capped peaks of the Sherwin Range contrast the many crystal blue mountain lakes in the area. This magnificent scenery makes Mammoth Lakes not only a paradise for experienced skiers, but also a true gold mine full of hidden treasures to be explored either on foot or on a scenic drive.
The town itself is not that different from other typical American mountain towns, but what makes the difference are above all the views that surround it and the diverse wildlife, of which the most striking example is the Black bear (not to be confused with the even more dangerous Grizzly). It is impossible not to notice the numerous signs warning about the correct response in case of a bear sighting. You should definitely consider Mammoth Lakes, which has all the ingredients to make it an unforgettable stop. Let’s find out how to get to this paradise:
Directions
If your California road trip includes a stop at Mammoth Lakes, it’s for the basic reason that you plan to visit Yosemite National Park, and Yosemite’s access on the eastern side (Tioga Pass) is less than an hour from Mammoth Lakes. You can arrive at this small mountain town from the west, most likely from San Francisco, or from Monterey (in which case I recommend following this route from Monterey to Yosemite). Alternatively, you could come from the opposite direction by traveling up the Sierra Nevada after visiting Death Valley. Either way, I think you might want to know the travel time for each route:
- Mammoth Lakes – San Francisco: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Mammoth Lakes – Monterey: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Mammoth Lakes – Yosemite National Park: 50 minutes (from Tioga Pass)
- Mammoth Lakes – Death Valley: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Mammoth Lakes – Las Vegas: 5 hours 20 minutes
If your trip to California takes place in winter, it is much more complicated to include this town in your itinerary, since Tioga Road, the beautiful scenic road in Yosemite National Park that crosses the Sierra Nevada, is closed (it is usually open from April to October) so you’ll be forced to go around the Sierra, which lengthens the route considerably. The positive side of visiting Mammoth Lakes in the winter is that Mammoth Mountain is one of the ideal destinations for those who love skiing, so if that includes you, organize your trip accordingly…
Attractions in Mammoth Lakes
We will now look at what awaits you in this fascinating mountain destination. You will discover there is a whole day’s worth of activities and perhaps, even more. Here is a list with directions and distances:
Earthquake Fault
Let’s start this tour with the easiest attraction to reach, Earthquake Fault, a chasm in the ground caused centuries ago by the eruption of some craters. The drive to get there from Mammoth Lakes takes less than 10 minutes. It is covered by a blanket of snow for most of the year and this is why Native Americans used it to freeze food. You can decide to observe it from above or to enter it.
- Directions: It’s very easy to reach Earthquake Fault. From Mammoth Lakes head west on State Route 203 and after about half a mile, you’ll find the sign for Earthquake Fault, turn right and continue for the short stretch. During the winter, this road may not be visible, since it will probably be completely covered by snow. Once you have parked you will take a short walk to Earthquake Fault.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: About 7 minutes
Hot Creek Geological Site
Here is another attraction that is easy to reach and enjoy without much effort. This is the point where Mammoth Creek reaches the Long Valley Caldera and changes from a fresh mountain stream to a multicolored bubbling pool. The view in front of it is not very different from that of the many hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, so be mindful of the water temperature (no swimming, of course).
- Directions: Hot Creek Geological Site is located near Mammoth Yosemite Airport and to get there from the town you will need to take SR 203 and then head east on Highway 395. Turn left onto Hot Creek Hatchery Road and continue until you reach the conveniently located parking lot. From there, there is a short trail that will take you down to Hot Creek Geological Site. Be careful because if you continue straight on Hot Creek Hatchery Road it will become School Road and if you are on School Road, it means that you have gone too far (or maybe somebody made a mistake naming the roads?) and you should have turned right first to continue in the right direction.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: About 15 minutes
Minaret Vista
While on the subject of natural landscapes that can be easily reached, you can go west of Mammoth Lakes to Minaret Summit, a viewpoint located at an elevation of 1,986 ft that allows you to admire Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak, the beautiful peaks between 9,800 ft and 13,000 ft that surround Mammoth Lakes.
- Directions: Starting on Main Street in Mammoth Lakes go west on SR 203 (Minaret Road), pass the ski resort and after about half a mile, you will find the Minaret Vista Entrance Station. Turn right on Lookout Point Road and you will reach the beautiful viewpoint. Please note: The section of Minaret Road past the ski resort closes in winter, so if you are in the area during this period you will not be able to go.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: About 15 minutes
Hilltop Hot Springs
There is a magnificent view waiting for you in Long Valley Caldera, in a region of vast plains and hot springs enveloped by the picturesque mountains of the Eastern Sierra. The best way to enjoy all this is to soak in the Hilltop Hot Springs thermal pool and to enjoy the view inside the hot water. Bring your bathing suit and towel and follow the maintenance instructions on the sign. The pool is small, so if you find it already occupied you can look for other hot springs in the area (in addition to the hot springs in the immediate vicinity there are also Wild Willy’s Hot Springs or Shepherd Hot Springs).
Don’t confuse Mammoth Lakes Hot Springs with Mammoth Hot Springs, because the latter hot springs mentioned are far away… they are located in Yellowstone National Park!
- Directions: There are no signs for Hilltop Hot Springs, so I suggest you to follow these directions carefully. From Mammoth Lakes, continue east and turn left immediately after the airport on Benton Crossing Road, where you will see a picturesque little green country church. After about 2.5 miles, you will see a dirt road on your left (to be on the safe side, you can enter the coordinates for “Turn for Hilltop Hot Springs” found on the map above). Turn onto the dirt road, keep to the right and park after about 300 yards. From there, take a short trail to a wooden footbridge that leads to the pool. Taking a walk while immersed in the silence and beauty of nature is a wonderful experience.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: About 20 minutes
June Lake and the other Lakes of Mammoth
Mammoth Lakes (the name says it all) is full of crystal clear water lakes below peaks and mountain ranges that create extraordinary views. One of the most beautiful and popular lakes for swimming is June Lake, a really nice place to spend a few hours, but if you prefer to explore the surroundings, there is a lot to discover in the area as well. First, stop just before reaching the lake, at June Lake Overlook, the best place to take a nice picture of the lake, to observe the view and enjoy seeing the bizarre slot machine set in the rock (it is said that in the 40s, just before a raid, bar and café owners threw their slot machines into the lake. In fact, many divers have inspected the lake without success, but the legend has been handed down …).
Next, go down, cross the lake and the town of June Lake and continue to discover the other numerous lakes around Mammoth Lakes. Take the 20-mile round trip (June Lake loop) through Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake.
- Directions: Exit Mammoth Lakes heading east on SR 203 and then turn left (northbound) on Highway 395. Turn left at June Lake Junction and continue on SR 158 until June Lake Overlook. From there continue on the same road to see the other lakes. After Grant Lake, you can choose to go back to June Lake Junction (and then down to Mammoth Lakes), but you will miss the most beautiful lake, which we talk about in the next paragraph. Therefore, my advice (unless you have already visited it coming from Yosemite) is to continue north on 395. Where to? Mono Lake, of course.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: About 25 minutes
Mono Lake
On our website, we have mentioned to you several times this surreal lake on the outskirts of Yosemite. The tuff formations emerging from the surface make it one of the most unique lakes in the world It can also be explored on canoes (however, many rock formations are clearly visible from the mainland). I won’t spend too much time talking about Mono Lake here, because all the information to visit this lake can be found in our guide on how to visit Mono Lake.
- Directions: Instead of completing the loop of the lakes, once past Grant Lake, continue on Highway 395 north to Lee Vining. If you don’t want to go around the lakes, just don’t turn on June Lake Junction. However, it is very likely that by the time you get to Mammoth Lakes, you have already had a chance to stop and visit the lake. If you are coming from Yosemite on Tioga Road, you will arrive at Mono Lake after about 12 miles.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: About 35 minutes (without going on the lake loop)
Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls
I will now talk about 2 of Mammoth Lakes’ most famous attractions. Devils Postpile National Monument is an unusual rock formation made of basalt columns that closely resembles the imposing Devils Tower in Wyoming. The strange shape of this national monument was produced by volcanic lava and once you get there you can admire it both from below or by climbing to the top (just walk up the steps).
Rainbow Falls, on the other hand, are beautiful waterfalls that are 100 ft high. The name comes from the fact that on sunny days during the summer months, it is very likely that a rainbow will appear. You can either reach the falls from shuttle stop 9 (about 1.5 miles one way) or you can walk 2.5 miles (one way) directly from Devils Postpile National Monument.
- Directions: Unlike other attractions, you will not be able to get there by car. Instead, you will have to use the paid shuttle service from the Adventure Center in Mammoth Lakes. The shuttle stops near both attractions and there is also a free shuttle bus from the center of town to the Adventure Center. For information on the shuttle schedule, departures and prices, you can have a look at the official website.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes (center): 15 minutes (Adventure Center).
Crowley Lake Columns
Here we are, we have arrived at the most difficult to reach and, as it often happens, the most remote areas are the most remarkable. Along the eastern shore of Crowley Lake, there is a colonnade of rock that seems to be skillfully chiseled by human hands and yet it was Mother Nature who made this little masterpiece. Researchers from Berkeley have been beating their heads for a long time and it seems that they have been able to figure out that they were created by a volcanic eruption 760,000 years ago. The erosion of the lake’s waters has gradually exposed these columns. There are about 5,000 columns and even if not all of them are clearly visible, and you can freely walk in them as if you were walking on a porch. Before adding this place to your itinerary, however, read carefully the directions below.
- Directions: Getting to the Crowley Lake Columns is quite challenging and you will need a 4×4 vehicle (to rent such a car, you can use the car rental websites listed in our guide on how to rent a car in USA). Do you remember the now familiar Benton Crossing Road, the road with all the hot springs? Well, when you are on Highway 395, turn on Benton Crossing Road when you see the green country church that I mentioned earlier and keep going straight, pass the spa and after about 11 miles, you will find a dirt road on the right (Layton Springs Road), from this point on reset the odometer and pay attention. About two miles after this point, you will find another small dirt road on the right (here are the coordinates: 37.641038, -118.685265), that you can also find on your GPS, alternatively, you can use an app like Google Maps with satellite view. From here on you will need to use four-wheel drive. You have to turn right, then take the second right and continue on the dirt road for about 15 minutes until you reach the beach. There are nearly 2 miles of caves and colonnades waiting for you on the lake shore. There are other ways you could get there, for example, by taking Owens Gorge Road (located 1.2 after the dirt road), but this dirt road will be longer.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: About 40 minutes
Nearby Attractions
Here are a number of natural wonders beyond Mammoth Lakes, which can be easily included to create a longer itinerary:
Yosemite National Park
Granite monoliths, crystal clear lakes, roaring waterfalls and towering peaks await you in one of California’s most spectacular parks. The park is so huge and full of attractions that we have dedicated an entire page of our website to it. For advice on how to plan a visit, see our Yosemite National Park section.
- Distance from Mammoth Lake: 50 minutes (Tioga Pass Entrance)
Bodie Ghost Town
If you love western movies or you are fond of the Old West, you can’t miss this treasure. An authentic and perfectly preserved western town, that can be easily accessed and explored in complete freedom. Would you like to know more? Read our article on what to do in Bodie Ghost Town.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: 90 minutes.
Lake Tahoe
The emerald waters framed by the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the green forests that surround the beaches make this lake on the border between Nevada and California one of the most beautiful in the United States. Its location is a bit off the beaten track, but the beauty that awaits you is well worth the detour (if you decide to go to Lake Tahoe, it may be convenient to visit it after Yosemite and then descend south to Mammoth Lakes). We’ve also written a guide to explore it in depth the attractions in Lake Tahoe.
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes: 2 hours 45 minutes.
To Death Valley…
As I have already mentioned, Mammoth Lakes can be an excellent stop between Yosemite and Death Valley. From Death Valley, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to get to Mammoth Lakes and the road along the Sierra Nevada is spectacular. When planning your daily itinerary, also take into account that Death Valley is visited by car, which will further lengthen your driving time.
Also, unless you have accommodations in Death Valley, you will need to drive further to find a place to stay overnight. If you want to stay in Las Vegas, it will be a real challenge, because the city is about 2 hours away, but luckily there are towns much closer. For all the accommodations inside and outside of the park, read our guide on where to stay in Death Valley.
Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes
I don’t know if I was able to convince you, but that you want to just use Mammoth Lakes as a short stop or spend more time to visit it, you will surely understand that staying overnight here is a good solution in every sense. In my article on where to stay in Yosemite National Park, you will also find all the towns around Mammoth Lakes where you can look for accommodations. Click on the button below to see all the places available to stay overnight in this corner of paradise in the mountains:
