Mammoth Lakes in 7 days

California's year-round alpine playground in the Eastern Sierra Best time to visit: December to March for skiing, July to September for hiking. Average daily budget: $160 to $260.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: The Village, The lively hub with restaurants, shops, and the gondola to Canyon Lodge. Best for first-timers who want walkability.

Morning: Ride the Mammoth Mountain gondola to the summit. At 3,369 meters, the summit offers 360-degree views over the Sierra and the Minarets. In winter, ski or snowboard one of the longest seasons in North America.

Afternoon: Explore The Village, The lively hub with restaurants, shops, and the gondola to Canyon Lodge. Best for first-timers who want walkability.

Evening: Soak in a natural hot spring. Wild Willy's and Hilltop hot springs are free, clothing-optional pools with mountain backdrops. Go at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.

Eat: The Stove for giant cinnamon rolls and classic mountain breakfasts

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Old Mammoth, Quiet residential area near the lakes basin access road, close to trailheads and the hot springs.

Morning: Walk Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls. See the rare basalt columns of Devil's Postpile, then hike two miles to the 31-meter Rainbow Falls, famous for midday rainbows in its mist.

Afternoon: Explore Old Mammoth, Quiet residential area near the lakes basin access road, close to trailheads and the hot springs.

Evening: Kayak or SUP on the lakes basin. Convict Lake, Lake Mary, and Horseshoe Lake are all within 15 minutes of town. Rent gear in the Village and paddle among granite cliffs.

Eat: Mammoth Brewing Company for craft beer and pub food

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Juniper Springs, Slope-side condos with ski-in access in winter and a peaceful base in summer.

Morning: Drive the June Lake Loop. A stunning 16-mile loop past four alpine lakes, waterfalls, and aspen groves that turn gold in late September.

Afternoon: Explore Juniper Springs, Slope-side condos with ski-in access in winter and a peaceful base in summer.

Evening: Hot Creek Geological Site, where turquoise springs bubble alongside a trout stream. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Noodle-Ly for hand-pulled noodles after a cold day on the slopes

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Crowley Lake, A fishing and stargazing escape 20 minutes south, with huge Eastern Sierra views.

Morning: Earthquake Fault, a walkable fissure in the forest floor near the ski area. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Crowley Lake, A fishing and stargazing escape 20 minutes south, with huge Eastern Sierra views.

Evening: The Mammoth Brewing Company tasting room for post-hike IPAs. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Petra's Bistro for upscale comfort food in the Village

Day 5, Day trip

Base: The Village, The lively hub with restaurants, shops, and the gondola to Canyon Lodge. Best for first-timers who want walkability.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in The Village, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore The Village, The lively hub with restaurants, shops, and the gondola to Canyon Lodge. Best for first-timers who want walkability.

Evening: Dinner at The Stove for giant cinnamon rolls and classic mountain breakfasts, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in The Village.

Eat: The Stove for giant cinnamon rolls and classic mountain breakfasts

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Old Mammoth, Quiet residential area near the lakes basin access road, close to trailheads and the hot springs.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Old Mammoth, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Old Mammoth, Quiet residential area near the lakes basin access road, close to trailheads and the hot springs.

Evening: Dinner at Mammoth Brewing Company for craft beer and pub food, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Old Mammoth.

Eat: Mammoth Brewing Company for craft beer and pub food

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Juniper Springs, Slope-side condos with ski-in access in winter and a peaceful base in summer.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Juniper Springs, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Juniper Springs, Slope-side condos with ski-in access in winter and a peaceful base in summer.

Evening: Dinner at Noodle-Ly for hand-pulled noodles after a cold day on the slopes, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Juniper Springs.

Eat: Noodle-Ly for hand-pulled noodles after a cold day on the slopes

Hidden gems

Hot Creek Geological Site, where turquoise springs bubble alongside a trout stream
Earthquake Fault, a walkable fissure in the forest floor near the ski area
The Mammoth Brewing Company tasting room for post-hike IPAs

Getting around

A car is most convenient, but the free Eastern Sierra Transit trolley connects the town, the Village, and the lakes basin in summer. The free Reds Meadow shuttle serves Devil's Postpile and Rainbow Falls in season.

Safety

Altitude can affect visitors on day one, so hydrate and take the first afternoon easy. Check trail and road conditions in shoulder seasons, and be bear-aware when camping or picnicking.

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