30 Unique Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes this Summer

September 12, 2024

No matter your interests or ability level, this iconic Eastern Sierra mountain town has something for everyone.

***Travel to Reds Meadow Valley will be impacted during the 2024 summer season & beyond. Click here to learn more about closures, access, and limitations to this region.

From sightseeing and adventuring to fishing and biking, here are 30 ways to spend your summer in Mammoth Lakes.

Be sure to check with the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center to see when certain areas, such as the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Reds Meadow and the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park, open for the summer, as the date changes each year based on snowfall.

Remember to recreate responsibly when you visit. Mammoth Lakes is more than just a fun destination; the surrounding forests, lakes, peaks, and meadows support a diverse array of flora and fauna. Learn more about how to keep Mammoth Lakes unreal.

1. Hike in the Mammoth Lakes Basin

With trails that criss-cross stunning forests and alpine terrain, Mammoth Lakes is a top hiking destination. The region offers hikes for adventurers of all abilities. Start with the Mammoth Rock Trail for mountain and valley views or challenge yourself on the short but steep Crystal Lake Trail.

2. Ride the Mammoth Bike Park

Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has more than 80 miles of single track for downhill and cross country mountain biking. Beginners will love the meandering Downtown Mountain Bike Trail, while more advanced riders will enjoy the fast descent from the summit on Off the Top bike park trail.

3. Go road biking

For great aerobic exercise and stunning scenery, explore the roads of the Eastern Sierra on your road bike. Benton Crossing Road (known locally as Green Church Road) is a popular spot for road biking year-round. Experience the best of summer with the approximately 30-mile ride around the June Lake Loop.

4. Walk the dog at horseshoe lake

Bring your pup to Mammoth Lakes! With a wide sandy shore, Horseshoe Lake and the 2-mile Horseshoe Lake Loop is a top destination for dogs and their human companions.

5. Go backpacking

The Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas are our backyard. There are countless miles of hiking trails and backcountry regions to explore. All you need is to pack up your gear, get a permit, and go backpacking. Take the Shadow Creek Trail to the Minarets for an overnight trip, or hike the John Muir Trail to Tuolumne Meadows.

Woman with a pack and trekking poles hikes along the water with mountains in the distance

6. Kayak at Lake Mary

Head up to Pokonobe Resort and Marina or the Lake Mary Marina and rent a kayak for a few hours. The water is generally calm and the views from the lake are stunning. Don’t forget a waterproof case for your camera.

7. Go rock climbing

Whether you're a true first-timer or taking your climbing skills from the gym to the crag for the first time, Ground Up Climbing Guides offers visitors a chance to try out the sport on a guided trip. In addition to custom, guided climbing trips, Ground Up Climbing Guides offers camps and clinics for a variety of skill levels.

8. SUP the lakes

Rent a stand-up paddle board from one of the outdoor stores in town and enjoy the tranquil water of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Can't haul a board? Make a reservation at the Pokonobe Marina at Lake Mary.

9. Boat on Convict Lake

Fill up a cooler with cold drinks and snacks, bring some fishing rods, and spend a lazy summer afternoon on Convict Lake. To rent a pontoon boat, be sure to book ahead. No boat? No problem; there's plenty of shoreline for lounging and taking in the views.

Dock and boat at Convict Lake on a sunny day

10. Ride the Lakes Basin Path

You don’t have to be an experienced bicyclist to enjoy the Lakes Basin Path. The paved downhill trail is popular among all ages and abilities. Take the free town trolley up to Horseshoe Lake with your bike and coast all the way back to The Village.

11. Go horseback riding at Rainbow Falls

The San Joaquin River plunges more than 100 feet at Rainbow Falls and the mist casts a stunning rainbow. A great way to see the waterfall is on horseback. Reds Meadow Resort and Pack Station offers mule rides to the waterfall and longer rides to other popular destinations in the area. If you prefer to walk to the falls, the Rainbow Falls Trail is about 3-miles round trip. Note: In Summer 2024, access to Reds Meadow Valley will be limited. Read all updates here.

12. Explore Devils Postpile National Monument

See the 60-foot tall basalt columns that were formed when a cooling lava flow cracked the basalt. The hike to the Devils Postpile is a short and easy walk from the ranger’s station at the Devils Postpile Trailhead. Note: In Summer 2024, access to Reds Meadow Valley will be limited. Read all updates here.

geometric basalt columns at Devils Postpile

13. Skate at Volcom Brothers Skatepark

The 40,000 square foot Volcom Brothers Skatepark features smooth concrete bowls, a giant cradle, a Burnside wall, lumps, humps, a love seat wall, and a variety of transfers.

14. Walk the Agnew Wildflower Loop

As you descend into the Reds Meadow Valley, hop off the shuttle at the Agnew Meadows stop and take the Agnew Wildflower Loop. The short trail circles a nice meadow filled with seasonal wildflowers.

15. Golf

With two golf courses and a driving range, Mammoth Lakes is a great destination for a golfing getaway. Play a round at the 18-hole Sierra Star Golf Course, or try the 9-hole course at Snowcreek Resort. Please check the website for the most up-to-date opening information.

16. Go fly fishing at Hot Creek Geological Site

Pack your fly rod to and adventure to picturesque Hot Creek. Book a beginner or advanced guided trip with the Troutfitter Guide Service or the Sierra Drifters Guide Service.

A man enjoys fly fishing in the middle of Hot Creek Geological Site

17. Bowl

The Mammoth Rock N Bowl is a popular night hangout among the locals and a great option for inside activities during the winter. There’s also an indoor golf simulator, two restaurants, and a bar.

18. Check out the new CRC

The Town of Mammoth Lakes has a new Community Recreation Center (CRC) at Mammoth Creek Park. The Community Recreation Center (CRC) is a Sprung Performance Arena enclosing an Olympic size ice rink that operates in the winter. In the summer, the rink converts to a 20,000 square foot RecZone with the potential for basketball, volleyball, and more.

19. Explore Mono Lake

This spectacular alkaline lake is a nesting and resting place for migratory birds. Nearly 2 million birds visit Mono Lake each year, so it’s an iconic place for bird watching. Stop at the Mono Lake State Nature Reserve and take a self-guided walk along the boardwalk to learn about the stunning tufa towers and history of the basin.

20. Day trip to Yosemite National Park

America’s third national park is an easy and scenic 45-minute drive north of Mammoth Lakes. Stop in Tuolumne Meadows for a hike, or take a scenic drive to into the valley to see the iconic granite monoliths and waterfalls. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Yosemite National Park for more ideas. Note: In summer 2024, Yosemite National Park will be instituting a reservation system for park entries. Get all the updates here.

21. Groove to live music

Almost every summer weekend in Mammoth Lakes brings a new festival. Check out this summer's events at the outdoor stage in The Village.

View from the stage as a band performs for a large crowd during Villagefest in Mammoth

22. Go on a trail running adventure

Runners -- pack your shoes! There are hundreds of miles of trails in our backyard here in Mammoth Lakes. Try the local’s favorite Mammoth Rock Trail for a great introduction to trail running and if you are ready to go longer, run the High Trail to Thousand Island Lake.

23. Go beer or spirit tasting

Grabbing a local beer or spirit after a day of summer activities is a great way to unwind. Stop by Mammoth Brewing Company or Distant Brewing for a pint. If spirit tasting or locally-crafted cocktails are more your thing, check out Devils Creek Distillery or Shelter Distilling. Check out these establishments and more along the Eastern Sierra Ale Trail.

24. Go shopping

Spend an afternoon browsing local shops in Mammoth Lakes. Kids will love the Mammoth Fun Shop, filled with unique toys and games. The shops at The Village at Mammoth are also a favorite stop for visitors. Stop by Booky Joint and the Book Chalet to find the perfect lakeside read.

25. Take a photo journey

The Eastern Sierra is Ansel Adams country. Bring your camera equipment and set out for a day of photographing the unreal landscape. Start your tour at Minaret Vista is for panoramic views of the Minarets at golden hour.

26. Visit Bodie State Historic Park

The gold-mining ghost town was once a booming town of ten thousand in the late 1800s. The park has been preserved in a state of arrested decay. Take a day trip back in time to Bodie State Historic Park. Bring your camera and take a tour of the stamp mill.

27. Visit Hot Creek Geologic Site

You’ll see plenty of fishermen at Hot Creek, but the turquoise pools and billowing steam make it a spectacular sightseeing destination. Osprey, egrets and bald eagles soar above the canyon to hunt for fish, all while Mount Morrison towers in the background. Enjoy a walk along the paved path or view the canyon from the parking area above.

28. Take a scenic gondola ride

Watch mountain bikers descend the single track trails as you ride up the Panorama Gondola to the summit of the 11,053-foot Mammoth Mountain. At the top, there is an interpretive center to learn about the surrounding mountains and geology of the region. Enjoy the views of the Minarets and the Ritter Range, then ride back down the gondola or hike down on the Mammoth Mountain Trail.

29. Ride the Mountain Coaster at Woolly's Adventure Summit

Discover endless adventure and excitement at Woolly's Adventure Summit. Whether you're looking for high-speed thrills or family-friendly fun, it's got it all. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, don't miss the new Mountain Coaster. With 5,455 feet of twists, turns, and speeds up to 25 mph, it's a thrilling ride through mountainous terrain.

30. Relax and treat yourself

After all these adventures, your body will need some relaxation and recovery. Head to Smoketree Massage and Apothecary, where you can book a massage and peruse their stock of wildcrafted herbs, teas, and tinctures. The Double Eagle Spa at Snowcreek Athletic Club offers massage, body therapies, facials, nail services, microdermabrasion and spa products.

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Exploring The Village at Mammoth Lakes in Summer
The Village at Mammoth Lakes a hub for pre- and post-summer adventures, including dining, shopping and events.
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Monica Prelle
Monica Prelle is an outdoors, wine, and travel writer who would rather be running, climbing, or mountain biking.
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