The Town of Mammoth Lakes, located in the heart of California's Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range in Mono County. Mammoth Lakes is about 325 miles north of Los Angeles, and about the same distance east of San Francisco, and is 164 miles south of Reno, NV. It is a small but lively spot of only four square miles, filled with a special brand of people who have chosen to leave behind their urban lifestyles and experience nature at its finest. We enjoy the finest recreational opportunities in the world every day, and of course, we believe that we live in the best place in the world!
Incorporated in 1984, Mammoth Lakes is a relatively young town located in the Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Ranger District. The town is surrounded by vast acres of forest and is bordered by the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas. Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance is located just 32 miles north of town and it is short 100-mile drive to the valley floor. The town occupies a site in the southern half of Mono County, a stunningly diverse region of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Comprising 3,018 square miles, the County's area is marked by the startling contrast between its eastern and western boundaries. Bounded on the west by the Sierra Nevada crest, this region is characterized by its mountains, lakes, streams and forests. Unlike the gentle, rolling escarpment west of the crest, the eastern slope of the Sierra plunges dramatically to the valley floors. This is probably the characteristic of the Eastern Sierra most obvious to the first-time visitor. The Town of Mammoth Lakes is situated in the southwestern, mountainous region of the county, and many of its trails, campgrounds and roads either lie adjacent to or cross the crest of the Sierra. Included within is one of the finest ski resorts in the world - Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.
With the peak of Mammoth Mountain at 11,053 feet, Mammoth offers over 3,100 feet of vertical skiing servicing over 3,500 skiable acres. With an annual snowfall of over 385 inches, Mammoth offers some of the best snow in the world sure to satisfy every type of skier.
The Town of Mammoth Lakes itself occupies a special place both within the history and geography of California's Eastern Sierra. Its locale has been home to generations of peoples, and the land bares witness to the histories of both the Paiute and Shoshone Indians and the Gold Mining Boom and Bust.
ELEVATION
The Town of Mammoth Lakes sits at an altitude of 7,800 to 8,200 feet, with some lodging up to 8,900 feet. Some visitors may experience minor side effects due to the high elevation. If you experience headaches, insomnia or fatigue you might be experiencing altitude sickness. To acclimate to the altitude, eat lightly, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, and take it easy the first 24 hours you are here.
The surrounding mountains rise to elevations exceeding 14,000 feet. Only 100 miles to the south lies Mt. Whitney, towering at 14,494 feet as the tallest mountain in the contiguous 48 states.
POPULATION
Approximately 7,500 people reside in the Mammoth Lakes area year-round. During the peak winter season, the population swells to over 35,000.
CLIMATE
In summer, temperatures average 75-80 degrees for a high and seldom dips below 40 for a low. Winter temperatures average 30-40 degrees for a high and 10-20 degrees for a low with mostly sunny skies. We average over 300 sunny days a year and with an average of 385 inches of snow we are often are skiing until July 4th. It is much easier to sunburn your skin and eyes at this altitude. SPF 30 sunscreen and UV glasses or goggles are a must for all children and adults.
DRIVING, PARKING, & TOWN TRANSPORTATION
Traffic during busy times of the year can be a bit hectic. Please remember that town roads were not designed to be driven like the 405 in Southern California. As soon as you turn onto Hwy 203 it is time to take a deep breath, relax, slow down and go with the flow. Start your vacation as soon as you exit 395!
Winter driving can be a new experience. The key is to carry required chains at all times, obey all chain control signs, give yourself plenty of room to stop, and slow down. Most winter accidents are caused by driving too fast for the road conditions. To check CA road conditions call 800-427-7623.
Parking on town roads is not permitted from November 1st to April 30th to enable efficient snow removal during snow storms.
The Town of Mammoth Lakes has free Bus Service in the winter and a free Trolley service in the Summer. The bus or trolley will drop you in front of most venues, saving you the walk with all your gear. Help save the environment and cut down on traffic by taking the bus or trolley!
RECREATION
Winter Amenities
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Snowmobiling & Dog Sledding
Sledding & Snow Play
Nature and Wildlife
Points of Interest (Day Trips)
Shopping and Spa days
Dining Out & Nightlife
Ice Climbing & Winter Mountaineering
Summer Amenities
Fishing
Camping, Hiking & Backpacking
Rock Climbing & Mountaineering
Mountain and Road Biking
Art, Wine, Beer & Jazz Festivals
Nature, Wildlife & Geology
Points of Interest (Day Trips)
Dining Out, Shopping & Spa Days
Horseback Riding & Pack Trips
Swimming & Boating
Golf & Tennis
We welcome you to experience all our town has to offer!
|
