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Things to Do Around Mammoth Lakes
With so much to see and do around Mammoth Lakes, the toughest decision is deciding what to tackle first! Best known for its stunning wilderness, the Mammoth Lakes area is also home to such attractions as natural hot springs, historic ghost towns, beautiful lakes, and national treasures including Yosemite National Park.
Owens River (15 minutes). The Owens River is a favorite spot for fly fishermen for its abundant trout and technical fishing. The river is divided into three main sections: upper, middle and lower. The Upper Owens River is most easily accessible from Mammoth Lakes. Anglers should note that much of the Owens River is private. Check with local outfitters for public fishing areas. Visit http://www.troutsource.com/RiversFolder/Owens.htm. [Top]
Convict Lake (20 minutes). The alpine lake is surrounding by towering granite peaks and features hiking trails, horseback riding and a marina with motor boat, pontoon and canoe rentals.Convict Lake is also an anglers’ dream. The California Department of Fish and Game stocks Convict Lake throughout the fishing season with rainbows and brown trout. Six times a year, Convict Lake is stocked with prized Alpers rainbow trout. Enjoy an Alpers trout at the popular Convict Lake Restaurant. Visit www.convictlake.com. [Top]
Natural Hot Springs (20 minutes). Natural hot springs are a unique attraction in the Eastern Sierra. These public pools are natural in state and their upkeep relies on conscientious visitors. An afternoon soak in the hot springs not only offers a memorable experience, but showcases beautiful scenery. Soak with caution. Natural hot springs can be scalding. Visit http://www.gonomad.com/destinations/0409/hot_springs_of_the_sierras.html. [Top]
Mono Lake (40 minutes). Birding is the major attraction at Mono Lake near Mammoth Lakes. Dedicated as an International Shorebird Reserve, Mono Lake is home to nearly 100 species of migratory birds. Mono Lake islands are closed from April to August to protect nesting birds. Boating is permitted at Mono Lake and is a fun way to observe birds in their natural habitat. Highly alkaline, Mono Lake does not contain any fish. Visit www.monolake.org. [Top]Yosemite National Park (45 minutes to Eastern Gate, 2.5 hours to Valley floor). Located less than an hour from Mammoth Lakes, a day trip to Yosemite National Park is a must. Admire famous awe-inspiring wonders such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Dozens of hiking trails are accessible from Yosemite Valley, or enjoy leisurely strolls through Curry Village, browse the Ansel Adams Gallery, participate in ranger-led tours, or enjoy a bike ride along the paved paths winding through the valley floor. There is a Mammoth to Yosemite shuttle available.Visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/. [Top]
Bodie State Historic Park (2 hours). Walk the streets of an authentic Gold Rush-era ghost town in Bodie, California. At its prime, Bodie was a thriving home to 10,000 residents. Today, the town is a skeleton of buildings frozen in time that tell the stories of miners’ dreams, their success and their failures. Bodie is open year-round, however, roads are primitive and winter driving conditions warrant only over-snow vehicles such as snowmobiles. There are no services in Bodie aside from public restrooms. Visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=509. [Top]
