People travel by the thousands to Mammoth Lakes every week during winter and spring to enjoy some of the best skiing and snowboarding in California. If you’re one of them, then you know that the mountains that surround Mammoth Lakes are some of the most beautiful in the world, but if you’re a winter visitor who doesn’t backcountry ski then you’ve likely only seen the Sierras from the resort or in town.
This summer is your chance to change that.
We’ve put together a quick guide to the best outdoor summer activities in Mammoth Lakes so you know what to do when you get here. Check it out, then visit ASO Mammoth for the best outdoor gear and bike rentals in Mammoth Lakes!
Hike the Sierras
One of the easiest ways to get into the mountains is by simply walking through them on a hike. Hiking doesn’t require much gear other than a good pair of shoes and water, can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be, and is a great activity for families.
On top of that, Mammoth Lakes is home to beautiful trails that will make you fall in love with the Sierras. If you want an easy but beautiful walking trail, then check out the path around Convict Lake. Another beautiful but more challenging hike is McGee Creek which can be as long or as short of a hike as you want.
Fish in a Stream or Lake
Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by streams and lakes (of course) filled with fish so that anyone from an experienced angler to someone completely new to fishing can fish them.
If you’re looking for a relaxed and beginner friendly fishing experience then you can fish in the Lakes Basin just down the road from Mammoth Lakes’ village. You can add an extra layer of fun to your fishing experience by renting a paddleboard and fishing from it!
You can also head into the backcountry on your own or with a guide to fish the streams where elusive trout swim in the cold and clear water.
Paddleboard or Kayak the Lakes
Once you see the waters around Mammoth, you may not be able to resist getting on them. One of the easiest ways to do that is by renting a kayak or paddleboard, launching it, and gliding through the waters.
Neither paddleboards or kayaks take much experience to do, and many of the lakes in the area either don’t allow boats are inaccessible to them so you don’t have to worry about wakes.
Try Climbing
If you’re unfamiliar with climbing then it may seem like the mountains surrounding Mammoth are the last place you’d want to learn, but there are several options for getting on the rock here.
If you want a beginner friendly climbing experience then you can try Mammoth Mountain’s Via Ferrata or you can hire a local guide to take you further into the wilderness.
Bike in Mammoth Bike Park and Beyond
Of course, Mammoth Mountain also has a famous mountain bike park that is great for learning so that you can bike throughout the Sierras!