PADDLE BOARDING ON SILVER LAKE, opposite; kicking up the powder on June Mountain, right; casting for a big one at Lake Mamie, below.
Winter Sports As the name suggests, Mammoth Mountain ski resort is gigantic, with terrain descending from multiple peaks providing runs suitable for all levels of skiers. The resort creates more than a dozen terrain parks for snowboarders, and hosts regular competitions for those who just want to watch. Tamarack Ski Center and the Mammoth Lakes Nordic Trail System are destinations for cross-country ski enthusiasts. For non-skiers, Mammoth Lakes also connects visitors with dogsled rides, snow-
JOSH WRAY/MAMMOTH LAKES TOURISM; OPP CREATIVE/MAMMOTH LAKES TOURISM. OPPOSITE: JOSH WRAY/MAMMOTH LAKES TOURISM
mobiling, snowshoe tours, fat-tire snow biking and even snowcat rides to scenic picnic spots. Small kids can come to enjoy Mammoth’s tubing park, winter parades with mascot “Woolly” or a scenic gondola ride. June Mountain, a 20-mile drive from Mammoth Lakes, is a laid-back location for downhill fun (and kids 12 and under ski for free!). If it’s too cold outside, warm up with
people try for the “spring triathlon” of
a grilled cheese at the new Melt House at
skiing, biking and fishing in a single day.
the base of Chairlift #14, or leave the hill for
Spring is also a good time for birding, when
the Mammoth Rock ’n’ Bowl with its
visitors can see many of the 300 species of
bowling lanes, golf simulator, bar and
local and migratory birds that have been
restaurant. To quench your thirst, try the
spotted in the area, including the horde of
Eastern Sierra Brewery Tour of three local
50,000 California gulls nesting at Mono
microbreweries, or a whisky tasting at the
Lake each year. The new Bleu Market and
new Shelter Distillery, then explore the
Eatery can provide fresh provisions for any
always lively Mammoth nightlife.
day exploring the outdoors.
the June Lake Loop to see the spectacular colors in groves of aspens and cottonwood
Spring Activities
Fall Colors
trees below towering pine forests. You can
Often considered just a “shoulder season”
Fall foliage is a treat for the eyes around
soar above the colors on helicopter tours.
between skiing and fishing, spring around
Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy hiking through the
Or go back in time and join a multi-day
Mammoth Lakes offers great deals on
colors in the crisp fall air on the Mammoth
horseback ride down from the hills. For a
lodging and activities for those looking for
Rock Trail or the Heart Lake Trail, or even
spooky Halloween, or any quiet day, visit
some late-season sunny skiing (Mammoth
stay for a couple of days amidst the trees at
the ghost town within Bodie State Park, the
Mountain often stays open past Memorial
the Sherwin Creek Campground. Go for a
abandoned remnants of a gold mining set-
Day) or some early biking and fishing. Some
drive around winding mountain roads of
tlement about 60 miles north.
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