Accessible Activities in Mammoth Lakes

May 22, 2024

Mother Nature’s adventureland is accessible to everyone in Mammoth Lakes. From thrilling adventures with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra to quiet afternoons spent exploring the many accessible paths and nearby waterways, there are so many options for getting to enjoy your time in the mountains.

Adaptive Sports With Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) offers year-round activities and custom programs to people of all ages and disabilities. Programs include skiing, kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, cycling, mountain bike rides, horseback riding and other activities you may be interested in exploring.

"Our main purpose is to open the doors and make everything accessible for people with special needs. We want everyone to enjoy the experience of being active," said Kathy Copeland, former Executive Director and active volunteer with DSES.

The staff is trained in adaptive techniques for each activity offered so that assistance will be readily available while still maintaining the ultimate goal of personal independence for all those who participate.

Accessible Winter Activities

Get out on the snow with adaptive winter sports. Check out the following list for ideas. Calling ahead for specific accessibility information is highly recommended.

Skiing and Snowboarding at Mammoth Mountain

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra (DSES) offers adaptive skiing and snowboarding lessons at Mammoth Mountain. The instruction and equipment—mono-skis, bi-skis, snow sliders and more—can all be tailored to your abilities and goals. Lessons include a lift ticket, equipment and instruction. All lessons require a 24-hour advanced reservation by phone. Call 760-934-0791 to book.

Cross-Country Skiing

If you'd rather ski uphill than downhill, DSES also offers adaptive cross-country ski lessons. All lessons require a 24-hour advanced reservation by phone. Call 760-934-0791 to book.

Biathlon

Train for biathlon events (or try the sport for the first time!) with help of DSES staff. All lessons require a 24-hour advanced reservation by phone. Call 760-934-0791 to book.

Scenic Gondola Rides at Mammoth Mountain

The Scenic Gondola at Mammoth Mountain can accommodate disabled visitors. Ride to the top of Mammoth Mountain to enjoy scenic views of the signature Mammoth Lakes skyline and explore the Eleven53 Interpretive Center, which teaches about the geology of the region.

Indoor Swimming

Swim indoors throughout the year at Snowcreek Athletic Club. Assistance may be required.

Accessible Summer Activities

During the summer months, Mammoth Lakes offers a variety of activities including biking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, horseback riding and sightseeing. Check out the following lists for ideas. Calling ahead for specific accessibility information is highly recommended.

Biking

Mammoth Lakes has more than seven miles of paved multi-use path, known as the Town Loop, that runs throughout the town. Some sections of the Town Loop are hilly, however, the path can easily accommodate adaptive bikes.

An additional 5.3 miles of paved multi-use path run into the Mammoth Lakes Basin. This section of the path, called the Lakes Basin Path, is mostly uphill on the way to Horseshoe Lake and downhill on the way back into town.

Boating & Kayaking

Rental boats, including pontoon boats, small motorized fishing boats and kayaks are available at local marinas. Call for specific offerings and to confirm availability and to learn more about the accessibility of boat launches at each location.

Looking for a guided experience, Caldera Kayaks and Mammoth Kayaks offer guided kayak tours just outside of Mammoth Lakes at Mono Lake and Crowley Lake. Disabled Sports is also able to organize private paddling excursions.

Fishing

For accessible fishing from shore, Convict Lake, just south of Mammoth Lakes, and Silver Lake, just north of Mammoth Lakes, both have wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms.

If you don't know how to fish or just want to get some local inside fishing tips, you can hire a guide. The Troutfitter offers guided fly fishing trips for disabled anglers on Crowley Lake.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular summer activities in Mammoth Lakes. Check out these trails that are either paved or well-maintained flat, dirt trails that can accommodate disabled visitors.

  • Lakes Basin Path – more than five miles of hilly paved path in the Mammoth Lakes Basin
  • Town Loop – more than seven miles of mostly flat paved path throughout town
  • Convict Lake Loop – some paved sections
  • Minaret Vista Trail – well-maintained dirt path, gentle uphill slope
  • Horseshoe Lake Loop – partially paved with well-maintained dirt sections, mostly flat
  • Sotcher Lake Loop – well-maintained dirt path, mostly flat
  • TJ Lake Trail – well-maintained dirt path, mostly flat
  • Hot Creek Geological Site – steep paved path
  • Devils Postpile – well-maintained dirt path, mostly flat
  • Mono Lake South Tufa – partially paved with flat board walks and well-maintained dirt sections

Indoor and Outdoor Swimming

Swim indoors throughout the year at Snowcreek Athletic Club. Or, during the summer months, Whitmore Pool is a heated outdoor option for swimming, weather permitting. Assistance may be required at both locations.

Scenic Gondola Rides at Mammoth Mountain

The Scenic Gondola at Mammoth Mountain can accommodate disabled visitors. Ride to the top of Mammoth Mountain to enjoy scenic views of the signature Mammoth Lakes skyline and explore the Eleven53 Interpretive Center, which teaches about the geology of the region.

Sightseeing

Most sightseeing areas in and around Mammoth Lakes are accessible. Here's a list of nearby attractions that can be accessed by car, wheelchair or other methods of mobility assistance.

Visit Mammoth
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Visit Mammoth
Unreal. There is no better way to describe Mammoth Lakes, California. A place so majestic that breathtaking views surround you in every direction. The staff at Mammoth Lakes Tourism is committed to stewardship, education, providing the ultimate visitor experience, and keeping the Real Unreal.
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