Recently, I traveled to Mammoth Lakes, California in celebration of one of my best friend’s 40th birthdays. It was a wonderful trip filled with tons of outdoor adventure and much needed respite. Most know Mammoth Lakes as a popular winter destination because it offers unbelievable skiing. But after a week, I came to realize that Mammoth Lakes has a lot to do during the summer. Here are my 11 reasons everyone should make Mammoth Lakes California – A Summer Bucket List Destination.

#1 Mammoth Lakes is a great place for Hiking

According to Visit Mammoth, the area has over a dozen hiking trails amid the 2 million acres of Inyo National Forest. With the Sierras as a backdrop, you are bound to find beauty everywhere you hike. Depending on when in the summer you hike, you’ll find most trails easily marked and generally clear. One particular hike we enjoyed was catching the John Muir trail around Sherwin Lakes.

Please note that with any outdoor adventure you should be prepared. Before heading out, check the weather and communicate your path with friends and family. It is also recommended you bring sunscreen, bug spray, plenty of water, a snack, and a map.

#2 It is a great Summer Destination for Fishing

For those of you that know me, fishing is one of those activities that tends to push the limits of my attention deficit. However, spending a day fishing in Mammoth Lakes was an unbelievable experience, even for me. In Mammoth, trout fishing is a wonderful adventure even if you don’t catch anything. I recommend going to Lake Mary with your gear, a chair, plenty of sunscreen, and a picnic lunch. Not only do you have a chance to catch the “big one” but the views alone will take your breath away.

Please Note that it is required to have a valid fishing license for anyone fishing over the age of 16 in California. A day license is around $15 and can be obtained at many stores in Mammoth Lakes or online at https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing

#3 It has great Bucket List Mountain Biking Routes

Whether you are an avid mountain biker or just like cruising around town on your beach cruiser, Mammoth Lakes has tons of options for you. You will find everything from paved routes to wild trails through the scenic forest. There are plenty of shops in town that will be more than happy to facilitate your desire to roll around on two wheels. We were able to rent bikes along with proper safety gear from Footloose Sports off of Main Street.

Please note that with any cycling adventure you should be prepared. Before heading out, check the weather and communicate with friends and family about your planned route. It is recommended you bring sunscreen, bug spray, plenty of water, a snack, and a map. Also, please wear proper safety gear like your helmet, protective pads, and possibly gloves at all times. Also, we strongly recommend that you consider getting Travel Insurance from World Nomads.  It is simple and flexible insurance to keep you safe while tackling any bucket list adventure.

#4 Mammoth has some unbelievable Hot Springs in all California

One of my favorite things to do while travelling is finding and swimming in hot springs! There is nothing better than soaking your sore muscles after a long day of hiking in a hot spring and due to Mammoth Lakes’ volcanic past the area is still full of hydrothermal springs. One of the best options is to visit Wild Willy’s Hot Spring off Benton Crossing Road. After parking, you take a leisurely stroll along a board walk and gravel path until you arrive at two separate pools. Each pool is shallow enough to sit down in most spots and just relax in the warm waters.

Another Hot Springs option that you should visit is the Hot Creek Geological Site. Known as Nature’s Cauldron, this spring is “hot” due to the rising of heat from vents leading to large magma below. It is a picturesque site and was also the location of several movies including John Wayne’s True Grit.

Please Note that it is strongly ill advised to swim in or around the Hot Creek Geological Site because of its extreme high temperatures. Also, there have been records of “geysering” of very hot, sediment-laden water as high as 6 feet which can cause injury and even death. PLEASE DONT SWIM AT THE HOT CREEK GEOLOGICAL SITE!

#5 You can see a real Earthquake Fault

Located off Highway 203 between the town of Mammoth Lakes and the ski resort, you can easily drive to see an amazing feat of nature. More properly known as the Earthquake Fissure, you can stand near the edge where the earth separated and revealed a gap due to a series of strong quakes perhaps from about 600 years ago. For us, it was a unique viewing experience as you are able to walk around the fenced off fissure exploring into its dark depths.

Most know Mammoth California as a popular winter destination but it's also great during the summer too! Discover 11 reasons everyone should make Mammoth Lakes, California a Summer Bucket List Destination. #VisitMammoth #MammothStories
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#6 You can explore another world at Mono Lake

Mark Twain once called Mono Lake “one of the strangest freaks of nature to be found in any land.” This is perhaps due to the Tufas. Tufas are calcium-carbonate formations created by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. Along the 65 square miles of lake, you will find these amazing land masses that will make you feel like you are on the surface of the moon. One of the highlights of our visit was to watch the Ospreys. They flew around the tops of the Tufa spires where they had made their nests.

#7 You can see where the Devil keeps his Posts in Mammoth

One of the coolest features in Mammoth is a collection of basalt columns collectively known as the Devil’s Postpile. These 60-foot basalt columns were formed when lava flowed through the valley some 100,000 years ago. Devil’s Postpile National Monument is open during the summer and offers fun for the whole family. To get to the Devil’s Postpile you need to take a shuttle from The Village. When you arrive, just hike about half a mile to the base. But be sure to take your time because there are countless birds, animals, and unbelievable flowers everywhere.

#8 Try the tons of Water Activities on the Mammoth Lakes

If you are a water baby like me, then you will love the various water adventures around Mammoth Lakes. You can easily find all kinds of rental services if boating is your thing too. They will hook you up with everything from kayaks to full on motorboats as Lake Mary is a perfect spot for boating. In most places, you will also be able to find Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) rentals so you can cruise the lakes on your own power. However, if you would rather get into some water than on top of it, then put on your bathing suit and head on over to June Lake Beach. Here you can take a dip in the pristine nippy mountain lake while enjoying the incredible scenery.

Please note that with any water adventure you should be prepared. Before heading out, check the weather. It is recommended you bring sunscreen, bug spray, plenty of water, and a snack. Also, please notice that there aren’t lifeguards present, so be careful.

#9 Golf amid the Sierras with the occasional bear hazard

So I am not a golfer at all, but my good friend Brian loves it. One of his favorite golfing experiences is to playing at the Sierra Star Golf Course in Mammoth Lakes. As he said, Sierra Star offers a great opportunity for high altitude golfing. Here he can hit the ball a ton and work through the challenge of ball control on the approach of shots. This unique experience is only enhanced with the beautiful Sierras as a backdrop. Plus the occasional bear walking near the course is a fun “hazard” to say the least.

From beautiful Hikes along the John Muir Trail to swimming in secret Hot Springs, discover 11 activities that make Mammoth Lakes, California a Summer Bucket List Destination! #VisitMammoth #MammothStories
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#10 Return to civilization in The Village at Mammoth

After all that hiking, fishing, and just getting muddy outdoors, you might need a break from the woods. That is why I liked exploring the Village at Mammoth. With all the great restaurants, bars, and shops, the Village allowed us to clean up and just leisurely stroll through a beautiful outdoor mall. They also have all kinds of entertainment for the whole family which is a great bonus. Obviously, you will find fun concerts and festivals in their Plaza on the weekends. But one of my favorite things was the family Summer Movie events they put on in the Plaza every Thursday and Sunday. You can see what movies, festivals, comedy shows, or other events are happening in the Village at Mammoth by visiting http://villageatmammoth.com/events.

#11 Unplug & Reconnect with loved ones

Not all of my Bucket List items are about travel and adventure. Many items on my list are designed to help me reconnect with friends and family. So, often I pursue opportunities like spending a week in a cabin in Mammoth Lakes with my closest friends. During the week, we enjoyed sitting on the porch amid the wonderful aroma of the trees without any distractions of television, computers, or cell phones. There is just something about staying in a cabin in Mammoth Lakes. It makes you want to read a book or play board games with your family.

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