Page 150 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

MAMMOTH LAKES
Super-sized fun for all seasons
»HIKE, FISH,
GOLF, SKI!
Mammoth Lakes
Visitor Information
visitmammoth.com
Mammoth Mountain
Skiing & more
mammothmountain.com
TWO HOURS NORTH of Mt. Whitney,
the Continental United States’ highest
point, and only 45 minutes from
Yosemite’s east entrance, the Mammoth
Lakes region is an epicenter for outdoor
activities throughout the year.
ALPINE JEWELS are just a short hike
away in Mammoth Lakes, above;
attacking the powder on Mammoth
Mountain, opposite.
Summer Fun
Up in the hills and meadows of the Eastern
Sierra mountain range, hikers and bikers
can explore the extensive Mammoth Lakes
Trail System, whether it be for rugged
multi-day adventures or a gentle walk
through a park. Golfers enjoy extra-long
drives in the high elevations of Sierra Star
and Snowcreek Golf Courses. The Mam-
moth Lakes area is well known for fishing,
so much so, that some local hotels feature
fish-cleaning facilities. Fly fishing in
streams, and lure-based fishing from boats
in lakes gives everyone a chance to try their
specialty or pick up a new skill. A variety
of trout await your arrival at Convict Lake
and other lakes in Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Or you can just paddle a kayak, canoe or
stand up paddleboard through the lakes
148 2014 T R AV E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A
B Y B I L L F I N K
and take in the scenery, or enjoy a floating
historical tour of Mono Lake. Explore the
wonders of geology at Devils Postpile
National Monument and gaze at its tow-
ering basalt columns, then cool off in the
spray of the hundred-foot-tall Rainbow
Falls just downstream. Summer is also fes-
tival time, the calendar filled with music
events and food and drink gatherings,
including the combination of “blues and
brews” for 2014’s 19th annual Festival of
Beers and Bluesapalooza.
Winter Sports
As the name suggests, Mammoth Moun-
tain ski resort is gigantic, with expansive
terrain suitable for all levels of skiers, a
huge terrain park for snowboarders, and
regular competitions for those who just
want to watch. Tamarack Ski Center and
the Mammoth Lakes Nordic Trail System
are destinations for cross-country ski
enthusiasts. For non-skiers, Mammoth
Lakes also connects visitors with dogsled
rides, snowmobiling, snowshoe tours and
even snowcat rides to scenic picnic spots.
REBECCA GARRETT/MAMMOTH LAKES TOURISM. OPPOSITE: MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT