Mammoth Lakes is more than 370mi/600km from Los Angeles (approached via the U.S. 10, U.S. 15, CA 395 and CA 203 highways) and almost 310mi/500km from San Francisco (via the U.S. 80, U.S. 50, CA 395 and CA 203). Although Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding countryside, including the 12,080ft/3,680m high Mammoth Mountain 4mi/6km away, can be enjoyed at any time of the year, it is one of the best winter sports resorts in the country, where you can ski from the end of November until the beginning of July.
With 17,000 skiers finding their way here on one working day - there are correspondingly more at weekends and on public holidays - Mammoth Lakes, although perhaps less well-known than Vail (Colorado) and Squaw Valley, is the busiest ski resort in the United States. This region, southeast of Yosemite National Park, lies within the Inyo National Forest. By taking the cablecar (which continues in operation throughout the summer and is reached from Mammoth Lakes village by following the signs for Devils Postpile National Monument) it is possible to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view gained from the summit.
The Consolidated Gold Mine and gold processing mill, built in the early 1900's, was the largest gold mining operation east of the Mississippi River. Most of the mill buildings are gone but the tunnels deep below in gold bearing rock still remain.
The Devils Postpile is a 65ft/20m high vertical rockface formed of basalt columns. Another feature worth seeing in the National Park is the 98ft/30m high Rainbow Fall on the San Joaquin River. A shuttle-bus service operates between the cablecar station and Devils Postpile from June to September.
Tips: Detours:
During the snow-free months a visit to Mammoth Lakes can be combined with highly recommended detours; for example to the John Muir Wilderness Area (many footpaths), Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake and Bodie.
Transport
There are flights to and from Los Angeles, Oakland and San Jose. Local bus services operate in Mammoth Lakes as well as to the ski slopes.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
At 200,000 acres the Mammoth Lakes Recreation Area has much to offer the visitor. Just about every type of outdoor activity including skiing, hiking and fishing is offered here.
Address: Mammoth Lakes Visitors Bureau, Box 48, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546-0048, United States
Phone: 1 (760) 934-2712, Fax: 1 (760) 934-7066
Hours:
July 1 to September 7: 8am-6pm; Fri:8am-8pm
September 8 to June 30: 8am-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area features a base elevation of 7,950 feet and a vertical rise of 3,100 feet. The skier capacity is 60,000 per hour. There are 29 lifts: Eight quads, seven triples, 11 doubles, two gondolas and one surface lift. This gives the resort the largest lift capacity in North America.
Address: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, 1 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, United States
Phone: 1 (760) 934-2571, Fax: 1 (760) 934-0603
The Mammoth Museum in Mammoth Lakes is located in a log cabin built in 1927 by the pioneer Emmet Hayden. It features mining equipment with weekend demonstrations in the summer.
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