Vacation Rentals in Mammoth Lakes
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Vacation Rentals in Mammoth Lakes
California's Mammoth Lake is probably the Sierra Nevada's leading vacation destination, and the area offers a wide range of vacation rental options. For example, there are rustic cabins in out-of-town locations featuring attractive timber designs, extensive yards, open fireplaces, and comfortable lounges.
Stay Closer to the Action in a Vacation ApartmentAnother option is to choose vacation apartments that are more compact and central. Some form part of larger cabin properties, while others are in condos in the town of Mammoth Lakes. Almost all of them have balconies and views across the lake, and have great access to the ski slopes as well.
Holiday in Mammoth Lakes, CA
Orientation
Mammoth Lakes is in central California, around 300 miles north of Los Angeles. Mammoth-Yosemite Airport caters for tourist routes, and connecting flights are available from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Alternatively, you can follow Route 395 north from LA, or drive the seasonal road east from the coast.
Getting Around the Mammoth Lakes RegionWith Yosemite not too far away, it helps to have your own set of wheels when visiting Mammoth Lakes. You'll find a number of rental outlets in the town itself. However, there's also the Inyo Mono Transit system, which connects a number of tourist sites.
Activities in Mammoth Lakes, CA
Located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, Mammoth Lakes offers something for all outdoor enthusiasts. It's a leading ski resort, a place to hike, and a sightseer's dream, while there are cultural events in the nearby area throughout the year.
A Fantastic Skiing DestinationWhen winter arrives, Mammoth Lakes is one of America's leading ski resorts. Boasting more than 3,500 acres of slopes to follow, an elevation of 3,300 meters, and 28 lifts, it's both accessible and impressively set up for different abilities.
An Excellent Hiking DestinationOut of ski season, the Inyo National Forest is a hiker's paradise. You can easily reach highlights like Rainbow Falls or the basalt columns of the Devil's Postpile - the resort's most iconic sight.
A Great Place for GolfersIf you don't fancy hitting the trails, why not hit the links? Mammoth Lakes has a thriving summer golf scene, with leading courses like Snowcreek and Sierra Star offering amazing mountain views.
Although you might think the name of the resort derives from a woolly mammoth found in the area, it actually comes from the Mammoth Mining Company, who bought the first claims in the region in the 1870s.
Top 5 Things to Do in Mammoth Lakes
So-called because it looks like a row of massive fence posts, this National Monument is made out of volcanic basalt, formed by eruptions millions of years ago. It's a breathtaking sight.
2. See Rainbow FallsRight next door to the Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls are no less stunning. Part of the San Joaquin River, the falls plunge for 31 meters, creatinge a rainbow-lake effect on certain days.
3. Ski at Mammoth MountainMammoth Lakes is full of places to hit the slopes, but Mammoth Mountain is recognized as the best of all. Suitable for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobile riding, it receives plenty of snow and dependable sunshine.
4. Visit the Mammoth Museum at Hayden's CabinHayden's Cabin was built in the 1920s, and is now a showcase for the area's history and scenery. Find out about gold mining, ecology, and catch regular music performances.
5. Make a Trip to YosemiteNot far to the north, Yosemite is famed for its massive sequoia trees, dramatic granite cliffs, the 2,400 foot high Yosemite Falls, and majestic peaks like Half Dome - as well as being the home of Yogi Bear.
Useful Information
Mammoth Lakes is high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, so the climate up there is very different to coastal California. As a rule, ski season tends to stretch from late November through to May. The summer season takes over in June and you'll find good hiking or golfing conditions into October.
Bear in Mind Seasonal ClosuresThe changing seasons in Mammoth Lakes mean that some activities and attractions aren't always going to be accessible. For example, the Scenic Gondola which scales Mammoth Mountain shuts down for the winter. Seasonal closures are worth bearing in mind if you're traveling as a family.
Catch Mammoth Lakes' Cultural HighlightsMammoth Lakes isn't just an outdoor destination, and events take place all the time. There's a Film Festival in late May, a Festival of the Arts and Music around Labor Day weekend, and the Bluesapalooza Music Festival in August.