The Best Lakes for Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking in Mammoth Lakes

Enjoying yourself while stand up paddle boarding or kayaking is as easy as finding some water, putting in, and seeing where the water takes you, right?

Maybe that’s true in most places, but when you’re visiting somewhere with as many spectacular mountain lakes as Mammoth you have the luxury of choosing the water that best suits your needs and tastes with little risk of being let down. With so many good options in the area, the ASO Mammoth team has put together a quick guide to help you make a decision on where to stand up paddle board, kayak, or just float in a tube. Check it out and stop by the ASO shop on your next trip to Mammoth Lakes for your outdoor gear needs!

Horseshoe Lake

Whether you’re biking, hiking, or camping nearby, Horseshoe Lake is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty of Mammoth Lakes. During the summer, you can add stand up paddle boarding and kayaking to that list too.

Although every lake in the Mammoth Lakes area is beautiful, Horseshoe Lake is also located in the Lakes Basin which puts it close to roads, hotels, and camping. Beyond how easily accessible Horseshoe Lake is, it is also near several sports shops that offer paddle board and kayak rentals. If that wasn’t enough to get you on the water at Horseshoe Lake, then the fact that the lake is surrounded by a family friendly trail and has a sandy beach perfect for taking breaks from the water on should be enough to put you over the edge. Don’t believe us? See for yourself why Horseshoe Lake is one of the most popular in the area!

Convict Lake

If you’re willing to head out of Mammoth Lakes, then Convict Lake is another must visit spot for stand up paddle boarders and kayakers. Like Horseshoe Lake, Convict Lake is home to spectacular views as well as facilities such as a campground, marina, store, and resort that make it easy to get on the water. Plus, Convict Lake is also one of the largest on this list, so if you’re more comfortable on water than land then you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy here. Like Horseshoe Lake, you can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards at Convict Lake.

Lake George

Looking to beat the heat? Then Lake George is the place to float on your kayak or stand up paddle board.

Located at 9,000 feet, Lake George is the highest lake in the area that is still accessible by car. The elevation, along with Lake George’s depth which can reach up to 200 feet, makes for one of the coolest lake experiences in the area. Although Lake George is smaller than the other lakes in the Lakes Basin, it makes up for its size in mountain views and accessibility that you’ll appreciate when you are hauling a kayak or paddle board. If you do want to explore other areas though, then Lake George is also an excellent starting off point thanks to its proximity to trailheads that lead to other lakes.

Stan Up Paddle Boarding in Lake Mary

Lastly, Lake Mary is the largest Lake in the Lakes Basin and as a result gives you the most space to paddle and explore. Along with an easily accessible location, Lake Mary offers two marinas where you can rent and launch paddle boards or kayaks.

Although you can’t go wrong while choosing a lake for kayaking or paddle boarding in the Mammoth Lakes area, the wrong gear can ruin your day, so stop by ASO Mammoth for the best gear and rentals in Mammoth Lakes!

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