Some stops in California serve mainly as a base for exploring other places — small towns or villages that are especially useful for spending the night before visiting the national parks, the real destinations where you’ll want to devote your time and energy.
The problem is that the entire West Coast is so packed with attractions that we risk treating places that deserve a closer look as mere stopovers — only to realize what we missed when it’s too late. Mammoth Lakes is a perfect example: a gem that is too often reduced to nothing more than a base for visiting nearby Yosemite National Park. In this article, I hope to show you why it’s worth spending more time here. Let’s see if I can convince you…
Mammoth Lakes: Among the Peaks of the Sierra Nevada
Nestled on the slopes of imposing Mammoth Mountain (over 11,000 feet) and surrounded by a beautiful conifer forest, Mammoth Lakes enjoys an exceptionally fortunate location: its proximity to the Long Valley Caldera has made the surrounding area rich in hot springs and ancient volcanic formations, such as Inyo Craters and Obsidian Dome.
As if that weren’t enough, the vast Inyo National Forest, together with the Sherwin Range’s towering snowcapped peaks, creates a striking contrast with the area’s many crystal-clear blue alpine lakes. This magnificent scenery makes Mammoth Lakes not only a paradise for experienced skiers, but also a veritable treasure trove of hidden gems, all waiting to be explored either on foot or on fascinating road trips.
The town itself is not much different from a typical mountain resort; what truly sets Mammoth Lakes apart are its spectacular surroundings and abundant wildlife, especially the American black bears that inhabit the area. You’ll notice plenty of signs explaining how to behave in bear country and what to do if you encounter one.
As long as you follow the proper precautions, Mammoth Lakes has everything it takes to be an unforgettable stop. So, let’s start by looking at how to get there.
How to Get There
If your California road trip includes a stop in Mammoth Lakes, there is essentially one reason: your travel plans include visiting Yosemite National Park, whose eastern entrance (Tioga Pass) is less than an hour from Mammoth Lakes. You can reach this small mountain town from the west, most likely from San Francisco, or from Monterey on the coast (in this case, I recommend following this Monterey to Yosemite itinerary). Alternatively, you could travel in the opposite direction, heading north along the Sierra Nevada mountain range after visiting Death Valley. Either way, you may find it helpful to know the driving times:
- Mammoth Lakes–San Francisco: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Mammoth Lakes – Monterey: 5 hours and 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 California trip takes place in winter, however, adding this town to your itinerary is much more complicated. Tioga Road, the beautiful scenic road through Yosemite National Park that crosses the Sierra Nevada mountain range, is closed (it is usually open from April through October), forcing you to detour around the park and significantly lengthening your route. The upside of visiting in winter is that Mammoth Mountain is an ideal destination for ski enthusiasts, so if that includes you, plan accordingly…
Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes
Now it’s time to see what awaits us in this fascinating mountain destination. As you’ll discover, there’s enough to fill an entire day — and why not, even longer. Here’s a list with directions and distances:
Hot Creek Geological Site
This attraction is one of my favorites in Mammoth Lakes, and it is also fairly easy to reach, which is why I recommend including it in your itinerary. This is where Mammoth Creek enters the Long Valley Caldera, transforming from a cool mountain stream into a colorful, bubbling pool. The scenery before you is not all that different from the many hot springs in Yellowstone National Park, so be mindful of the water temperatures (swimming is obviously out of the question).
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However, don’t just follow the trail down into the valley, as many visitors do. There’s a scenic viewpoint (known as Brees Lookout) that few people know about, and it offers a spectacular view. From above, the Hot Creek Geological Site looks like a little slice of paradise framed by the mountains.
- How to get there: Hot Creek Geological Site is located near Mammoth Yosemite Airport. To reach it from town, take Highway 203 and then Highway 395 south, turn left onto Hot Creek Hatchery Road, and follow it until you reach a convenient parking lot. From there, a short trail leads down to the site. To reach Brees Lookout, continue a little farther and park near this spot. I parked shortly before it because the road was starting to get rough. One note about the road conditions: near Hot Creek Geological Site, the paved road turns into a dirt road (if I remember correctly, near this spot). I recommend driving very slowly because, at least during our most recent visit (June 2026), a section of pavement had broken away, creating a fairly “traumatic” drop for the car’s suspension.
- Distance from downtown: approximately 15 minutes.
Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls
Here are 2 of Mammoth Lakes’ most famous attractions: Devils Postpile National Monument is an unusual rock formation made up of basalt columns that closely resembles Wyoming’s imposing Devils Tower. This natural monument’s unusual shape was created by volcanic lava, and once you arrive, you can admire it both from below and from the top (just climb a flight of stairs).
Rainbow Falls, meanwhile, is a magnificent 101-foot waterfall whose name comes from the rainbows that are easy to spot on sunny summer days. You can reach the falls from shuttle stop 9 via a roughly 1.5-mile one-way trail, or hike there directly from Devils Postpile National Monument along a 2.5-mile one-way trail.
- Getting there: unlike other attractions, you cannot drive there and must use the paid shuttle service departing from the Mammoth Lakes Adventure Center. The shuttle stops near both attractions, and a free shuttle also connects downtown Mammoth Lakes with the Adventure Center. For information on schedules, departures, and fares, visit the official website. A short trail from the Devils Postpile Ranger Station stop leads to Devils Postpile. From here, you can admire it from both the base and the top, or continue along the trail to the falls (which also have their own shuttle stop).
- Distance from downtown: 15 minutes (Adventure Center).
Minaret Vista
Continuing with the theme of natural landscapes that require minimal effort to reach, west of downtown you can drive to Minaret Summit, a scenic overlook at an elevation of 9,200 feet that offers views of Mammoth Mountain, the Minarets, Mount Ritter, and Banner Peak—the magnificent peaks rising between 10,000 and 13,000 feet that surround Mammoth Lakes.
- How to get there: From Main Street in Mammoth Lakes, take Highway 203 (Minaret Road) west. Pass the ski resort, and after about 0.6 miles you’ll reach the Minaret Vista Entrance Station. Turn right onto Lookout Point Road to reach the spectacular overlook. Please note: Minaret Road is closed beyond the ski resort during the winter, so if you’re visiting at that time of year, you’ll have to skip it.
- Distance from downtown: approximately 15 minutes
Hilltop Hot Springs: The Hot Springs Area
A magnificent view awaits you in Long Valley Caldera, a region of vast plains and hot springs framed by the striking Eastern Sierra mountain range. The best way to enjoy it all is to soak in the Hilltop Hot Springs pool while taking in the scenery from the warm water. So bring a swimsuit and towel, and follow the maintenance instructions posted on the sign. The pool is small, so if it is already occupied, you can try one of the other hot springs in the area (in addition to those nearby, there are also Wild Willy’s Hot Spring and Shepherd Hot Springs).
Warning: Don’t confuse the hot springs in Mammoth Lakes with Mammoth Hot Springs. The latter are actually very far away… in Yellowstone National Park!
- How to get there: this is the location of the site, which is not well marked, so if you find yourself without GPS, I recommend following these directions carefully. From downtown Mammoth Lakes, head east and turn left onto Benton Crossing Road just past the airport, by a picturesque little green country church. After about 2.5 miles, you will come to a dirt road on your left (to be on the safe side, you can enter the coordinates for “Turnoff to Hilltop Hot Springs,” shown on the map above). Take it, keep right, and park after about 1,000 feet. From there, a short trail leads to a wooden boardwalk that takes you to the pool. The walk, surrounded by the silence and beauty of nature, is wonderful.
- Distance from downtown: approximately 20 minutes
Mammoth Lakes Basin: The Lakes Along Lake Mary Road
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Mammoth Lakes is a mountain lake paradise. There are literally countless lakes, but what truly stands out is their beauty. The natural setting surrounding each one makes it a little gem in its own right. That’s why it’s important to narrow down your choices — and that’s no easy task. Let’s start with those located practically a stone’s throw from downtown, which are convenient and easy to visit.
The area I’m referring to is the Lakes Basin, a beautiful natural area southwest of Mammoth Lakes, made up of a chain of alpine lakes nestled among forests, granite mountains, and glacially sculpted landscapes. The lakes are connected by the scenic Lake Mary Road, and the spectacular views begin just five minutes from town. Here are the lakes and scenic viewpoints where I recommend stopping (this route will take you just 15 minutes):
- Twin Lakes: twin lakes nestled at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by pine forests and granite peaks. There are 2 scenic viewpoints you absolutely shouldn’t miss:
- Twin Lakes Vista, which offers a picture-perfect view of the lakes, with the granite spire of Crystal Crag rising dramatically above them and Twin Falls cascading below the peak toward the water;
- Twin Falls Overlook, a spectacular viewpoint next to the falls where you can take in the full expanse of the Twin Lakes.
- Lake Mamie: almost in the same spot is the Lake Mamie Vista Point, where you can admire another beautiful alpine lake and get a closer view of Crystal Crag;
- Horseshoe Lake: This horseshoe-shaped lake is one of the most unusual in the area. What stands out is the large number of dead trees along its shores, a phenomenon caused by volcanic gases that still rise from beneath Mammoth Mountain, suffocating the trees’ roots. To see it, simply head to this parking lot;
- Lake George: nestled at the foot of the spectacular, ever-present spire of Crystal Crag, Lake George is another true gem of the Lakes Basin, with its clear waters reflecting granite cliffs and pine forests. There are plenty of picnic areas around the lake. You can reach it from the dedicated parking lot.
June Lake Loop
Here we are farther from downtown, about halfway between Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake, making it a perfect addition if you’re following this itinerary.
The June Lake Loop is a roughly 20-mile loop that takes you past several beautiful lakes, as well as the town of June Lake itself and a few historical curiosities. The lakes along the route are Gull Lake, Silver Lake, June Lake, and Grant Lake, but in my opinion, only the first two are worth stopping to photograph. Here are the stops I recommend:
First, head to the June Lake Overlook, which is interesting not so much for the view it offers, but rather for its bizarre slot machine embedded in the rock. What is it doing here? Apparently, in the 1940s, shortly before a raid, local bar and café owners threw their slot machines into the lake to avoid trouble with the authorities. In reality, many divers have searched the bottom of June Lake without success, but the legend has lived on…
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Next, you’ll pass through the small town of June Lake (a bit more interesting than the lake of the same name, which you can skip without too many regrets), known as the “Switzerland of California” for its alpine setting. Along Main Street, you’ll find a handful of restaurants, bait shops, and historic lodges popular with anglers and hikers. If you’re a beer lover, stop by June Lake Brewing, one of the best craft breweries in the area. This small village was once a favorite getaway for Hollywood luminaries, including Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers, and director Frank Capra.
The third stop worth making is Gull Lake, surrounded by granite peaks and pine forests reflected in the water, with a marina that preserves the laid-back atmosphere of California’s old mountain fishing resorts. The lake is best known for its trout fishing and has been nicknamed the “Home of the Monster Trout” because a 6-pound, 12-ounce brook trout was caught here in 1968, setting a U.S. record at the time.
The last quick stop I recommend is Silver Lake. Since you’ll drive right along its shore, it’s easy to pull over and take photos of this scenic lake nestled at the foot of the imposing Carson Peak and surrounded by groves of quaking aspens.
There are many other stunning lakes in the area, although you’ll need to hike to reach them. Two examples are Parker Lake and the more challenging Thousand Island Lake.
- Getting there: leave downtown Mammoth Lakes heading east on Highway 203, then turn left (north) onto Highway 395. Turn left at June Lake Junction and continue on Highway 158 to the June Lake Overlook. From there, stay on the same road to see the other lakes. After passing Grant Lake, you can choose to return to June Lake Junction (and then head back down to Mammoth Lakes), but you would miss the most scenic lake of all, which we’ll discuss shortly. So my advice—unless you have already visited it on your way from Yosemite—is to continue north on Highway 395. Your destination? Mono Lake, of course.
- Distance from downtown: approximately 25 minutes
Mono Lake
We’ve talked about this otherworldly lake just outside Yosemite several times on this site: the tufa formations rising from its surface make it one of the most unusual lakes in the world, and you can even explore it by canoe (many of the rock formations are also clearly visible from shore, especially in the area known as South Tufa). I won’t go into too much detail here, because you’ll find all the information you need in our guide on how to visit Mono Lake.
- How to get there: Instead of completing the lake loop, after passing Grant Lake, continue north on Highway 395 toward Lee Vining. If you don’t want to drive the lake loop, simply don’t turn at June Lake Junction. However, by the time you reach Mammoth Lakes, you will most likely have already had a chance to stop and visit the lake: if you are coming from Yosemite via Tioga Road, you will find Mono Lake waiting for you after about 12 miles.
- Distance from downtown: about 35 minutes (without the lake loop), about 1 hour with the loop.
Convict Lake
Among the other lakes that are easily accessible by car and well worth a photo stop, Convict Lake is a must in my opinion. Located south of town, it is about a 15-minute drive from downtown. The lake is nestled in a glacial canyon dominated by the imposing Mount Morrison, which rises over 12,000 feet and is reflected in the lake’s crystal-clear waters. You can simply park and enjoy the view, or hike the easy 3-mile loop trail along the lakeshore, taking in the ever-changing scenery along the way.
- How to get there: Take Highway 203 and then Highway 395 southeast to reach the marina parking lot.
- Distance from downtown: about 15 minutes
Crowley Lake Columns
Here we are at the most difficult attraction to reach—and, as is often the case, the most remote places are also the most incredible. We are south of Mammoth Lakes, not far from Convict Lake, making it easy to visit both on the same trip. Along the eastern shore of Crowley Lake stands a series of rock columns that look as though they were skillfully carved by human hands, yet this small masterpiece is entirely the work of Mother Nature. Berkeley researchers puzzled over them for quite some time and appear to have traced their origin to a volcanic eruption 760,000 years ago.
Erosion by the lake’s waters has gradually exposed these columns to view. As many as 5,000 of them await you, although not all are clearly visible, and you can freely walk among them as if through a real colonnade (provided the water level is low enough).
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The easiest way to reach them is by taking a boat tour of Crowley Lake. The tour lasts about 2 hours and includes a landing on the beach by the columns, as well as exploring a canyon and making several other interesting stops. If you prefer to reach them by car, I recommend carefully reading the directions below.
- How to get there: reaching the Columns is fairly challenging, and you will need a 4×4 vehicle (to rent this type of vehicle, you can use the online car rental websites listed in our guide on how to rent a car). Remember the now-familiar Benton Crossing Road, the road with all the hot springs? Well, take it from Highway 395 as usual, turning by the aforementioned little green country church. Continue straight through the hot springs area, and after about 11 miles, look for a dirt road on the right (Layton Springs Road). From this point, reset your trip odometer and pay close attention: about two miles farther on, you will come to another small dirt road on the right (here are the coordinates: 37.641038, -118.685265). It should appear on your GPS; alternatively, you can use an app such as Google Maps in satellite view. From here on, you will need four-wheel drive. Turn right, then take the second right and follow the dirt road for about 15 minutes until you reach the beach. 2 miles of caves and rock colonnades await you along the lakeshore. There are probably other ways to get there, such as taking Owens Gorge Road (which you will find 1.2 miles after the small dirt road), but the unpaved stretch will be longer.
- Distance from downtown: approximately 40 minutes
Earthquake Fault
Here’s another easy-to-reach attraction: Earthquake Fault, a chasm carved into the ground centuries ago by the eruption of several craters, just a few minutes’ drive from town. Snow accumulates inside it for much of the year, which is why Native peoples used it to freeze food. You can view it from above or venture partway inside.
- How to get there: Earthquake Fault is very easy to reach. From the town of Mammoth Lakes, take State Route 203 west. After about 0.6 miles, you’ll see a sign for Earthquake Fault. Turn right and continue for a short distance. In winter, this road may not be visible because it is completely covered in snow. Once you’ve parked, it’s a very short walk of about 1,000 feet.
- Distance from downtown: approximately 7 minutes
The Village at Mammoth
An alpine village-style pedestrian plaza located at the base of the Village Gondola, which connects downtown to the Mammoth Mountain ski resort. It is a true open-air shopping center, with restaurants, coffee shops, stores, hotels, and bars where you can unwind after a day spent exploring lakes and trails or skiing. In summer, it often hosts concerts, festivals, outdoor movies, and family events. If you can’t do without a little shopping even in the mountains, this is probably the place for you.
Nearby Attractions
Here are several natural wonders outside the Mammoth Lakes area that can easily be included in a broader itinerary:
Yosemite National Park
Granite monoliths, crystal-clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, and towering peaks await you in one of California’s most spectacular parks. The park is so vast and packed with attractions that we’ve dedicated an entire section to it. For tips on planning your visit, check out our section on Yosemite National Park.
- Distance from downtown: 50 minutes (Tioga Pass Entrance)
Bodie Ghost Town
If you are fascinated by the Old West, you won’t want to miss this true gem: an authentic Western town, perfectly preserved, easy to reach, and yours to explore at your leisure. Want to learn more? Check out our guide to Bodie Ghost Town.
- Distance from downtown: 1.5 hours.
Lake Tahoe
Emerald waters framed by the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the lush forests lining the shores make this lake on the border between Nevada and California one of the most beautiful in the entire United States. Its location is somewhat off the beaten path, but the spectacular scenery awaiting you is well worth the detour (it may be convenient to visit it after Yosemite, then head south to Mammoth Lakes). We have also written an in-depth guide to exploring it: what to see at Lake Tahoe.
- Distance from downtown: 2 hours and 45 minutes.
On to Death Valley…
As mentioned, Mammoth Lakes can be an excellent stopover between Yosemite and Death Valley. Mammoth Lakes is about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Death Valley, and the drive south along the Sierra Nevada is truly spectacular. When planning your daily itinerary, keep in mind that Death Valley is explored by car, which will add even more time behind the wheel.
In addition, unless you have found accommodations inside Death Valley, you will have to drive even farther to reach your hotel. If you want to stay directly in Las Vegas, it will be quite a trek, as the city is about 2 hours away. Fortunately, there are towns much closer by: for all the options both inside and outside the park, read our guide on where to stay in Death Valley.
Best Places to Eat in Mammoth Lakes
Where should you eat in Mammoth Lakes? There’s one place in particular that I recommend: Liberty Sports Bar and Grill, right in the heart of town. We had a very enjoyable evening there thanks to our friendly waitress and the excellent food, including a tri-tip sandwich and chili con carne. Overall, it offers good value for the money, especially considering prices in the area.
If you’re looking for good BBQ, head to The Mammoth Smoke Shack, where you can enjoy smoked tri-tip and pulled pork. For breakfast, consider Breakfast Club, which serves all the classic brunch dishes, including pancakes, eggs Benedict, French toast, omelets, and more…
Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes
I don’t know if I’ve managed to convince you, but whether you plan to use Mammoth Lakes merely as a stopover or spend more time exploring it, you’ve surely realized that staying here overnight is an excellent option in every respect. In my article on where to stay near Yosemite National Park, you’ll also find all the towns around Mammoth Lakes worth considering.
For accommodations in Mammoth Lakes, I recommend the two hotels where I stayed during my two visits:
Cinnamon Bear Inn
At this hotel, I found the atmosphere of a typical mountain chalet, with thoughtfully decorated rooms and a warm, welcoming ambiance. Rather than focusing on amenities, it emphasizes the charm and hospitality of a small alpine lodge. It is within walking distance of restaurants, breweries, shops, and equipment rentals, so you can easily go out to dinner without having to drive. It is also close to a free trolley stop, which connects downtown with The Village at Mammoth and the Mammoth Mountain ski lifts. Breakfast is not particularly substantial, but it is still enjoyable.
Mammoth Mountain Inn
A historic hotel on Mammoth Mountain, opened in 1958 to provide the first skiers with accommodations right by the slopes. It stands at an elevation of 8,860 feet, directly across from the scenic gondola and ski lifts and, during the summer, the shuttle to Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. It is therefore an excellent choice not only for visiting these two famous attractions, but also for taking the scenic gondola to the summit of Mammoth Mountain and enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. The property, which also features a swimming pool, was designed to recreate an Alpine atmosphere, with spacious lounges featuring fireplaces, wood furnishings, and large windows overlooking the slopes.
Other Hotels in Mammoth Lakes
The town offers a wide range of accommodations. Click the button below to view all the available places to stay in this mountain paradise:
