Mammoth Lakes vacation rentals

Mammoth Lakes is an outdoor lover’s paradise. It’s nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, guarded on the north by 11,053-foot-tall Mammoth Mountain, ringed by the Inyo National Forest, and located just 32 miles from Yosemite National Park. Hiking, biking, and high-altitude running all have a home here, but thanks to the miles of trails and powdery snow on Mammoth Mountain, this village is largely known as a mecca for skiing and snowboarding. In the evening, the quaint resort town comes alive with après-ski offerings, including a collection of homegrown breweries and distilleries with cozy tasting rooms and behind-the-scenes tours. In the summer, when the snow recedes, the vibe is more sedate, but there’s still plenty to do, including fishing and kayaking in the plentiful lakes.

Here in the mountains, temperatures are cooler. May and April bring temperatures in the low 50s and 60s Fahrenheit, June through September warm up with averages in the 60s and 70s, and from October through February you can expect weather in the 40s, even dipping into the 20s. Pack for cool nights year-round, and in the wintertime plan ahead for snow — lots of it.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area

With more than 3,500 skiable acres, record-setting snowfalls, and ski seasons that have occasionally extended into August, Mammoth Mountain is a wintry haven for snow sports. Twenty-eight lifts ferry visitors up the mountain to 150 trails ranging from beginner to expert. You’ll find 11 parks here, too, equipped with up to 50 jumps and two half-pipes, including a 22-footer. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and tubing are on offer, as well.

Panorama Gondola

Enjoy expansive views on this 3,100-foot ride to the summit of Mammoth Mountain. At the top there’s a cafe and interpretive center that hosts exhibits on the surrounding wilderness, as well as telescopes so you can get a closer look at things. From there you can hike back down the mountain, visiting a network of learning stations along the way that detail the area’s natural and cultural history. The gondola operates daily depending on conditions, so make sure to check ahead. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Hilltop Hot Spring

Drive just 15 minutes outside the village to luxuriate in a natural hot spring offering expansive vistas of mountains and meadows. From a parking lot located off Benton Crossing Road, it’s a short walk to this tub dug long ago by humans looking to take advantage of the hot streams coursing nearby. Crafted with stone and cement, the pool is fed by two pipes — which can be tinkered with to adjust the temperature — and even has a plug at the bottom so it can be drained and cleaned. About six people can fit at one time, and this clothing-optional pool can get crowded, so go with a game attitude. Hilltop is one of several hot springs in the area, so if soaking is on your to-do list, there’s plenty on tap.