About Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is the only incorporated town in Mono County, California, United States. It is located immediately to the east of Mammoth Mountain, at an elevation of 7,880 feet (2,400 m). As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 7,191, representing a decrease of 12.7% from the 8,234 recorded in the 2010 Census.
Places to visit in Mammoth Lakes
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Mammoth Mountain
Entertainment · 4 mi from centreA major ski resort in winter and a hub for mountain biking and gondola rides in summer. The summit offers views over the Sierra Nevada and surrounding volcanic landscape.
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Devils Postpile National Monument
Nature · 6 mi from centreA unique formation of columnar basalt in the mountains near Mammoth. A short trail leads to the columns and continues to the scenic Rainbow Falls.
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Mammoth Lakes Basin
NatureA cluster of glacial lakes just above town, offering trails, fishing, canoeing and alpine scenery. Lake Mary and Twin Lakes are popular for picnics and short hikes.
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Convict Lake
Nature · 7 mi from centreA strikingly clear lake surrounded by rugged peaks south of Mammoth. A trail loops around its shore, making it a scenic stop for walking and fishing.
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Mono Lake
Nature · 25 mi from centreA saline lake north of Mammoth known for its towering tufa formations along the shore. The South Tufa area offers trails and great sunrise and sunset photography.
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Hot Creek Geological Site
NatureA creek running through a volcanic gorge with steaming hot springs and bright blue pools. Swimming is not allowed, but overlooks and a short trail offer good views.
Best time to visit Mammoth Lakes
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Mammoth Lakes is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 68–78°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Mammoth Lakes weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 52° 35° 87%
- Thu 22 Oct 44° 31° 74%
- Fri 23 Oct 48° 27° 7%
- Sat 24 Oct 51° 28° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 57° 33° 4%
- Mon 26 Oct 53° 35° 5%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Los_AngelesUTC−7
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Mammoth Lakes
These are the airports closest to central Mammoth Lakes. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MMH Mammoth Yosemite Airport7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
Getting around Mammoth Lakes
Between the city of Mammoth Lakes and the Mammoth Mountain resort, a bike will do fine in summer. Frequent trams run between the town and the slopes during the winter, with outside racks for skis and snowboards. For everything else, you need a car.
Mammoth Lakes travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Mammoth Lakes?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Mammoth Lakes is June to September, when average daytime highs are around 68–78°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Mammoth Lakes?
July is usually the warmest month in Mammoth Lakes, with average highs of 78°F (26°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 13°F (-11°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 181 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Mammoth Lakes?
Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) is the closest airport, about 7 miles (12 km) from the centre of Mammoth Lakes.
What time zone is Mammoth Lakes in?
Mammoth Lakes uses the America/Los_Angeles time zone (currently UTC−7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Mammoth Lakes?
Between the city of Mammoth Lakes and the Mammoth Mountain resort, a bike will do fine in summer. Frequent trams run between the town and the slopes during the winter, with outside racks for skis and snowboards. For everything else, you need a car.
What are the best places to visit in Mammoth Lakes?
Top sights in Mammoth Lakes include Mammoth Mountain, Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes Basin and Convict Lake. A major ski resort in winter and a hub for mountain biking and gondola rides in summer. The summit offers views over the Sierra Nevada and surrounding volcanic landscape.
