Mammoth Magic: California's Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain is an 11,053-foot peak some 300 miles north of Los Angeles along U.S. Highway 395. While it is a year-round playground found amidst the Inyo National Forest it also features numerous lakes, streams geological wonders, and countless recreational opportunities.

In the summer expect, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, bouldering, boating, and fishing top. In spring and fall, seasonal beauty offers special allure for hikers, photographers, and artists. In winter a snowy cloak drapes the landscape, beckoning visitors to the world-famous Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort. As for accommodation, there are numerous public and private campgrounds in the area as well as resorts.

The easiest way to get here is to fly into Sacramento then jump on highway 50 to highway 395 to highway 158. As you transverse your way through the mountains you can take in all the golden colored leaves, lakes, and scenic views. When you get to Highway 158 it is even more beautiful in the fall and it also leads you the Double Eagle Resort & Spa or if you are more of an RV’er or Camper then there is also the historic Silver Lake Resort. Once in this area you can take hikes around the various lakes like Lundy Lake to take in the stunning natural beauty of the area, take the June Lake loop (just off Highway 158) to visit Bodie Ghost Town, or continue down Highway 395 to visit Mammoth Mountain.

Locals head up here for the perfect, Instagram worthy images and the reason for this is the natural beauty, the colours of fall with the changing leaves - reds, gold, oranges – really make the area pop against the evergreens, blue sky’s, and grey mountains. The fall is a great time to go too as it is not as hot as the summer but it is not cold enough for snow so driving around and hiking is easy. (If you are a hiker then Minaret Vista is a popular spot for a sunset view.) It does get cold at night however so you will need your favorite comfy sweater before heading out to enjoy hot chocolate or pumpkin spiced lattes while exploring.

At Mammoth Mountain there is a lot more places to stay and things to do. The Village at Mammoth features a variety of shops, restaurants, spas, and a variety of events throughout the year. Old Mammoth is known for its Restaurant Row which is just a famous for its historic location as much as its independently restaurants that serve some amazing meals. In between the two Mammoth halves is the Main Street which is also full of shops, restaurants, and bars. Across these three areas you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for! If you are more interested in activities then there is the bowling alley, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, climbing, and more.