You may already know plenty about Mammoth Lakes’ winters and its phenomenal downhill skiing and snowboarding that overlook breathtaking views. This comes as no surprise when Mammoth Mountain reports an average of 400 inches of snow per season while simultaneously boasting over 300 days of sunshine. Did somebody say bluebird days? What winter lovers may have yet to discover is how much the adventure never takes a season off in Mammoth Lakes. Summer into fall offer absolutely unreal experiences that will keep you feeling the stoke all year long.

This region benefits from high elevation, which means ideal summer temps with low humidity and a range of about 70-80°F during the day and then cooler evenings in the 40s. This sets you up with the perfect mountain climate to get active and turn up the fun, breaking a sweat on your own terms.

They Don’t Call It Mammoth Lakes for Nothin’!

The area has plenty of amazing hikes for all levels, many leading to secluded pristine alpine lakes, and most showcasing the jaw-dropping views that seem endless here. We are in the Sierra Nevada, after all, and Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by two million acres of Inyo National Forest. Countless trailheads are accessible by free shuttles, and some are even within walking distance, giving you that instant care-free vacation vibe, where you can easily park the car and leave it behind for the whole trip.

The Local Low-Down

Local’s tip: although there is no lake actually called “Mammoth Lake,” there are over 100 lakes throughout the area. The five main lakes that tend to grab visitors’ attention, for good reason, are Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Twin Lakes, Lake George, and Horseshoe Lake. These alone can keep you occupied for your entire stay, giving you ample opportunity for fishing, swimming, kayaking, SUPing (stand-up paddleboarding), or of course, just posting up with a hammock to enjoy the picturesque scenery. The town of Mammoth Lakes has an impressive number of independent outdoor gear shops to get you set up with equipment rentals, fishing licenses, and pretty much anything you could want to take full advantage of your time in the great outdoors.

Take a Chill Pill

Ok, but now that we’ve covered the namesake, you should know the possibilities are too numerous to count for summer activity, and when that season does begin to wind down, fall will keep your full attention with the brilliant gold aspen trees changing color, crisp autumn air, and that “slow down, take it all in pace.” This Eastern Sierra gem sets the perfect stage for recharging from the hustle and bustle of daily life. No matter what time you visit Mammoth Lakes, you are sure to leave feeling the real benefits of recreating in this unreal natural landscape.