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These are things to do that require more eyework than
legwork. After that eight-hour day, when you knew you
should have quit at noon, you can check out the sights.
For further sightseeing information, you should visit
the Forest Service Visitors Center and the Mammoth Lakes
Visitors Bureau when you are in town.
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Minaret Vista Point
This is the best spot to view Mt. Ritter and Banner,
the Minarets, and the San Joaquin River drainage
area. Spectacular views, easy access by car, picnic
tables, and a bathroom. Trailhead for San Joaquin
ridge starts here. Take HWY 203 past Mammoth Mountain
all the way up to the vista point.
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Mono
Lake
The center of much controversy between Mono County
residents and the Los Angeles Water District.
About 25 miles north of Mammoth on HWY 395. Stop
at the Visitors Center first so you know how special
Mono Lake really is, then go to the South Tufa
Area and walk around the real thing.
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Yosemite
Most people don't realize how close Mammoth is
to Yosemite. We're only about an hour south of
Tuolumne Meadows, and the drive from here to there
is absolutely one of the most spectacular in the
whole USA. Take HWY 395 to Tioga Pass road (HWY
120) and up into Yosemite. Tioga Pass Road is
worth the price of admission all by itself —
one of the Eastern Sierra's true engineering marvels.
You can drive another hour or so and be in the
valley. You can also walk
there from here. Mammoth is often used as a lodging
base for Yosemite exploration.
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Reds Meadow
Up HWY 203 past Mammoth Mountain and down Minaret Summit
Road to the end. Reds/Agnew Meadows is a very popular
camping area. Lots of trailheads in this area. The San
Joaquin river offers fishing and sightseeing. Devils
Postpile, Sotcher Lake, Rainbow Falls and other good
stuff. During the summer you must take the required
Shuttle, for a fee from Mammoth Mountain, or enter the
area before 7:30 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m. You can also
do the HARDMAN bike ride
into the valley.
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Hot
Creek
No visit to Mammoth is complete without a trip
to the Hot Creek. Fantastic geologic happenings,
spouting geysers, and world famous fishery. Swimming and soaking are no longer permitted at Hot Creek and visitors will be cited for jumping the fence.
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Owens River
A world-class fishery.
The easiest place to see the river is from Benton
Crossing. Take Benton Crossing Road about 2 miles
south on HWY 395 out to the bridge. There is a
small campground and general store there (you
can buy fishing flies there cheaper than anywhere
else). A dirt road parallels the owens more or
less to the north. This is a great fishing spot.
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June
Lake
Just a few minutes north of Mammoth on HWY 395.
Nestled snug below spectacular rugged mountains.
A very scenic place. Great fishing. June Mountain
Ski Resort islocated here. This is a very nice
morning or afternoon trip.
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Earthquake Fault
This isn't really an earthquake fault. It was formed
many years ago when the earth opened up, probably through
some seismic event on other nearby real faults. But
don't tell the kids it isn't real. Take HWY 203 about
1.5 miles towards Mammoth Mountain.
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Convict Lake
Good fishing, great views. Good restaurant. Boats
and launching facilities. |
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Mammoth
Mountain Ski Resort
World-class skiing in winter, mountain biking in
summer, rock climbing, scenic gondola rides, lodging
and eating facilities, and a summertime performing
arts tent offering special activities. HWY 203 to
the Mountain. |
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Fish Hatchery
Especially nice to visit if you have been skunked fishing.
There are a lot of fish here, some very very big ones.
Self-guided free tours. Take HWY 395 south to Hot Creek/Airport
turnoff, follow Hot Creek road. The fishery is on the
left about 1 mile from HWY. Fun visit for kids. No,
they won't let you fish here.
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Devils Postpile
Interesting rocks in Red's Meadow. You've probably
never seen anything like it. Take HWY 203 past Mammoth
Mountain, down Minaret Summit Road and follow signs.
About 10 miles from town. |
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Rainbow Falls
Another Red's Meadow sight. Tall natural falls on
the San Joaquin river. Short hike from the road.
This is a good destination if you have small kids
and can't hike a long ways, but want to experience
the forest. |
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Bodie
One of the great things to do if you like this kind
of thing. Bodie is probably one of the best preserved,
least commercialized ghost towns remaining in the
West. You won't find a MacDonalds here. Walk around
the streets and you can really get a sense as to
what it might have been like to live in a place
like that in the 1800's. Take HWY 395 north almost
to Bridgeport. Look for HWY 270. Take that and watch
for the Bodie signs. The road turns to gravel for
about three miles, but any passenger car can do
it. There is a small entrance fee, but well worth
it. It takes a little over an hour to get there.
Bring lunch with you. |
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Death
Valley
Death Valley is about four hours away. Yup, it's
hot and dry and barren — it's also one of the
most beautiful and unique spots on earth. Go see
it. One of the really fascinating sites to visit
is Scotty's Castle, nine buildings constructed between
1921 to 1931 and costing $2 million dollars. |
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