Planning your Mammoth Lakes Vacation in California!

Visiting Mammoth Lakes California

Mammoth Lakes, boasting a colorful history, sets high in the magnificent Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The soaring mountains, hundreds of lakes, 1,000 plus miles of streams, and incredible snow season make Mammoth Lake a great place for a vacation. The pictures of celebrated master landscape photographer Ansel Adams and the writings of renowned naturalist John Muir have made this area famous. The people of Mammoth Lakes are laid back and seem bonded by their love of nature. The rich prospecting and Native American history of the area has sculpted the town into what it is today. Mammoth mountain soars to an unbelievable 12,000 feet at its peak and rises over the town below, which sets at 7,800 feet. This town is a winter playground and lays claim to one of the top rated ski resorts in the world. Known as a winter sport haven, Mammoth Lakes offers world renowned skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. And when the area warms up, Mammoth Lake turns into an outdoor playing field for activities like fishing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. In summer the snow free slopes are transformed into an enormous playground for mountain bikers. Mammoth Lakes hosts activities on a year round basis from festivals to fairs to chili cookoffs. When it comes to shopping this small town offers up a mammoth shopping experience. From beautiful photographs that emphasize the natural beauty of Mammoth Lakes to gear from one of the top rated ski shops in the United States Mammoth Lake has it all. The dining experience here is no less grand. Whether you are looking for world class cuisine prepared by an internationally trained chef and served with incredible lake views or a good old fashioned burger in one of those "little hole in the wall" places, Mammoth Lakes has something to please the taste buds and suit the budget.

Mammoth Lake Climate

At Mammoth Lake the summer average high temperatures range between 75 and 80 degrees with average lows in the 40s. Fall usually begins with an Indian Summer and daytime highs in the 60 to 70 degree range as fall progresses low averages dip down into the high 20 to mid 30 degree range. Winter daytime highs are usually in the low to mid 40s with plenty of sunny skies. Night time temperatures on average fall a few degrees below the freezing point. Spring low averages usually don't break the thawing point until May with daytime high ranges of 47 to 60 degrees.

Mammoth Lake as Popular for Snowboarders as it is for Skiers

Mammoth Lake has been long revered by the outdoor enthusiast for its incredible winter season. The ski and snowboard season has been known to last from October to August. The spectacular Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains are usually blessed with over 40 feet of snow annually. Snow packed mountain slopes have beckoned for the attention of skiers and snowboarders alike. No one can deny the beauty of Ansel Adams country as it unfolds before the winter sports enthusiast as they glide down the wondrous mountain under azure sun drenched skies. The many runs of Mammoth Lake cater to all skill levels of skiers as well as snowboarders. If you are an avid skier and have thought about trying snowboarding or vice-versa there are instructors in the area who can train you to use your skills at one sport to learn the other. Although the attire is quite different for the two don't let worries about the fashion police stop you from experiencing the exhilaration of mastering the runs in a whole new way. You can count on one thing, whether you choose to snowboard or ski down the incredible slopes, the panoramic views are sure to leave your senses reeling.

Mammoth Lake Travel Tips

The climate of Mammoth Lake allows visitors to enjoy outdoor activities year round. Temperatures can be chilly and visitors should dress warmly and dress in layers so they can take off and put on clothes as needed. The temperature range drops considerably in the evenings. Whether participating in winter or summer sport you should avoid exceeding your physical fitness level, a pulled muscle could put a damper on your vacation. When participating in outdoor sport and not going with a group or being directed by a guide, you should always know where you are going, make sure the route you have chosen is safe, check the weather conditions, and never go alone. Before you set out whether it is snowmobiling, cross country skiing, mountain biking, or any other outdoor sport you should always let a reliable person know where you are going and when you will return. Do not deviate from your itinerary and make sure the person will notify the proper authorities if you do not return on time. The area is vast, dense and mountainous so if you stray too far off it may be difficult if not impossible for someone to find you if you get lost. Make sure you always take a first aid kit, water and some non perishable staples. Mammoth Lake is a safe place to visit, but it’s still a good idea to use traveler’s checks instead of cash. Do not to leave valuables in your car. Even though Mammoth Lake is small there is ATM access around town.