Today I want to bring you my guide to things to do in Mammoth, California. I’m visiting this area in the Sierra Nevada mountains on a press trip with Visit California and I’m discovering the best places around.
Things to Do in Mammoth
California is full of surprises. For one, a lot of people don’t know you can ski here. For another, my home state is so big and geographically diverse that even natives like me discover new places in California all the time.
Like Mammoth, with its snow-capped mountains, eerie ghost towns, and spectacular lakes. I’ve heard so much about Mammoth from my friends in Southern California (or SoCal, as we call it) that I’m surprised I’ve never been here before.
It’s the go-to ski destination for SoCal residents, what with it being within driving distance of LA and San Diego, or a short flight if you’re pressed for time like me.
It’s also right next door to Yosemite, one of California’s most beloved national parks. That makes it all the more appealing to visit in any season.
Things to Do in Mammoth in Winter
This being winter, I’m here to discover the best things to do in Mammoth in the colder months. I’m going to spend a few days skiing on Mammoth Mountain and exploring the surrounding area.
I’ve heard so much about the lakes and ghost towns that in addition to hitting the slopes, I can’t wait to see a new part of my state. This is one of the best winter travel destinations for a reason.
Skiing in Mammoth
Skiing is the first thing I’m going to do in Mammoth. I grew up skiing in Lake Tahoe, Mammoth’s northern neighbor and the go-to ski destination for NorCal residents (yep, that’s short for Northern California).
As such, I feel a bit of a rivalry with Mammoth. Could it possibly be as good as Tahoe?
As it turns out, yes. My inner NorCal kid might hate to admit it, but skiing in Mammoth is pretty great. Visit California puts me up at the Westin Monache Resort, which is right by the tram that takes skiers up the mountain.
Even more convenient is the fact that my ski clothes are mailed to me by a ski clothing rental company that allows me to not have to haul my ski stuff all the way from London.
Similarly, Black Tie Ski Rentals comes straight to my hotel to outfit me with skis and boots on my arrival, saving me the time and hassle of having to go somewhere to get them. All my travel efficiency dreams have come true.
The skiing itself is great, too. We’re in Mammoth mid-week, so we have the entire mountain to ourselves. The California sun comes out to say a shiny hello as we bomb down the glistening white hills. It’s good to be home.
Mammoth Lakes
But if the skiing is great, the area around the resort is even better. Taking it in is one of the best things to do in Mammoth.
I’ve always been a big fan of California’s natural beauty, and as soon as I reach June Lake I wonder if I’ve ever seen anything this awe-inspiring in all my travels.
The reflection of the mountains in the glassy water is matched only by the profound silence of nature, and I want to stay forever and take it all in.
The same thing happens when I reach nearby Mono Lake. Its heavy saline water reflects the spotted clouds and bright blue sky like a mirror to the heavens.
Bodie
But perhaps the most enchanting thing to do in Mammoth is visit the ghost town.
Bodie was booming during the famous California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, but over time its residents trickled out, leaving everything they owned behind until all that was left was a perfectly intact town with nobody in it.
Bodie remains like that today, lost in time. Dust has settled over the desks in the school and the goods in the shops.
Rust has spread over the cars and rot over the farming equipment.
Buildings have started to tilt on their foundations, and the church pews sit empty, waiting for new souls to fill them.
I walk through Bodie quietly, afraid to disturb the ghosts that surely haunt this town. It’s a miracle I’m even here; in most years the road is snowed in during the winter.
But this year drought has made traveling down the dirt road possible, and as I press my nose against the dusty glass of Bodie’s abandoned houses and shops, schools and churches, I find myself peering into history. It’s haunting and magical.
Back on the road to Mammoth, I pass by more high desert scenery and stunning mountain lakes, all the while wondering how I spent the better part of my life in California without witnessing all this beauty.
Best Things to Do in Mammoth
I haven’t come close to experiencing all the best things to do in Mammoth, but even if I had, I know I’d be back. I’ve traveled to 100 countries, but there’s nowhere quite like California. And this particular part might just be the best.
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Wow it looks absolutely amazing! I actually had no idea that there was anything anywhere near Southern Cali that was good for skiing. It looks like a fantastic weekend. 😀
Yeah, a lot of people have told me that they didn’t realize there was skiing around there. It’s a great place to go!
Hi Lady, When I was in LA in December and one of my friend told me that she was goint to ski and I got suspried when she said, yes LA is more than sun and beaches..
Great pictures!
Thanks! Yeah, it’s amazing how much one state packs in!
So glad you had a great time! The Westin is indeed awesome, and you managed to hit all of the best winter day trips in the area. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Thanks! Hope to see you again soon, too!
Hi Julie, I didn’t know Mammoth Lake was so beautiful. A few years ago, on a Californian road trip, we stopped for lunch at a restaurant by the lake, but that was all. It’d have been great to see the ghost towns. Well, it gives me a reason to go back, surely. 🙂
Yeah, it’s definitely worth a trip back to see Bodie and the rest of the lakes.
If I’d known I could have been your tour guide on this trip. I was born in Hollywood and used to spend my summers at Mammoth Lakes – at the Tamarack Lodge overlooking the lower Twin Lakes. My fishing stories are legend….,I could go on….,
Nice! That’s a great place to spend summers.
I’ve never been down there either. Now I think I’ll have to plan a trip sometime. The ghost town looks especially interesting. How has no one stolen all that left behind furniture etc or is it a protected park or something?
Yeah, you would love it! Bodie is a park, but some of the houses are surprisingly open.
I have skied Mammoth (a long time ago) and I will say the Tahoe area is far more elite! If nothing else than because of the huge selection of resorts from Squaw Valley to Kirkwood. I see also have experienced our drought! My buddy was just in Bodie last week and I took a road trip there several years ago. Darn vandals have gotten at so much of it…that makes me sad. You should stop in Reno and I will buy you guys lunch, Julie! 🙂
Thanks Mike! Bodie was definitely a highlight!
That looks so creepy. Would love to visit it though – what an adventure. Have never heard of Mammoth – might have to put it on my list when I finally get to ski in the US!
Yeah, it was great to visit. Mammoth is worth a trip!
Stunning photos, Julie! What a fascinating mix of breathtaking scenery and a rustic ghost town. In true California style it looks out of a movie!
Thanks Denise! Yeah, it’s a great mix!
Never heard of Mammoth before neither about a skiing place in California 😀 so it’s a really interesting post and the place looks amazing!
Thanks! I hope you get a chance to visit sometime!
Never heard about it, but now, for sure, I WANNA GO THERE !
Thanks for sharing this with us 🙂
You’re welcome!