Welcome Home to Mammoth Lakes California

Life in Mammoth is unique. Playing, staying and living in California's Eastern Sierra is different than any other experience in the world. Those of us who live here love it. Come on up and do what you love!

The Town of Mammoth Lakes, located in the heart of California's Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range in Mono County. Mammoth Lakes is about 325 miles north of Los Angeles, and about the same distance east of San Francisco, and is 164 miles south of Reno, NV. It is a small but lively spot of only four square miles, filled with a special brand of people who have chosen to leave behind their urban lifestyles and experience nature at its finest. We enjoy the finest recreational opportunities in the world every day, and of course, we believe that we live in the best place in the world!

Incorporated in 1984, Mammoth Lakes is a relatively young town located in the Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Ranger District. The town is surrounded by vast acres of forest and is bordered by the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas. Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance is located just 32 miles north of town and it is short 100-mile drive to the valley floor.

The town occupies a site in the southern half of Mono County, a stunningly diverse region of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Comprising 3,018 square miles, the County's area is marked by the startling contrast between its eastern and western boundaries. Bounded on the west by the Sierra Nevada crest, this region is characterized by its mountains, lakes, streams and forests. Unlike the gentle, rolling escarpment west of the crest, the eastern slope of the Sierra plunges dramatically to the valley floors. This is probably the characteristic of the Eastern Sierra most obvious to the first-time visitor. The Town of Mammoth Lakes is situated in the southwestern, mountainous region of the county, and many of its trails, campgrounds and roads either lie adjacent to or cross the crest of the Sierra. Included within is one of the finest ski resorts in the world - Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

With its many lakes and streams in the Mammoth Lakes Basin and surrounding areas, this region affords wonderful opportunities for oating, canoeing and kayaking. Summer brings both recreational paddlers, enjoying a relaxing day on the water and serious fishermen, trying to catch that prized trout. Rent a canoe, kayak or boat from one of the many local rental companies and have a great time. Take a guided tour via kayak on Mono Lake and learn about its fascinating history. Boat around Crowley Lake for a day of fishing or just to take in the amazing mountain scenery.

You can even sail, if that is your boating pleasure of choice. We've seen 24-foot sailboats on Crowley Lake and even Mono Lake. Not very often of course, but it's been done. More typically. you will see many fishing boats, canoes and the occasional catamaran, as well as people out kayaking. Any of the lakes that have road access allow fishing boats. Some don't allow motors, so you will have to check ahead on that. Water skiing happens out on Crowley and up in June Lake. Catamaran sailing works well on Crowley because of the often windy afternoon conditions during the summer.

It is truly a memorable day for the whole family to spend it on the water in the Mammoth Lakes area.

From the Owens River Gorge to world-famous Yosemite, climbing opportunities are plentiful and challenging throughout this region.

This guide will help you find a variety of interesting crags amidst the world's largest single-stand forest of sweet-smelling Jeffrey pines. on you will be pulling down on steep, pocketed faces with beefy 3/8" bolts and soft, pumice landings. This area boasts some of the best bouldering in California, as well as the finest granite climbing between Tuolumne Meadows and the Needles.

Much of the climbing in the Mammoth area is on welded volcanic tuff, similar in some respects to both the Owens River Gorge and Oregon's Smith Rock. The best of the welded tuff has a dark, smooth patina, with numerous pockets. There are also numerous formations that are high-quality featured granite.

The relatively high elevation of these crags (7,000'-9,000') and heavy local winters combine to make these primarily summer climbing areas. Furthermore, many of these areas are accessed by dirt logging roads which are not plowed (or graded) and may not be passable due to snowdrifts until late May or June. Daytime temperatures in summer are generally in the high 70's, with an occasional afternoon thundershower. Nighttime temperatures are chilly, and often dip below freezing. Fall usually starts with an Indian summer.

Fishing

The Mammoth area provides just about any kind of fishing experience you could want. Looking for BIG fish? Try some of the lakes, particularly Lake Mary. World-famous giant-size Alpers trout are planted on a regular basis in some of the more popular lakes. Those are big fish. The local rivers include the San Joaquin, Hot Creek, and the Owens river, all world-class fish producers. Then there are many, many backcountry lakes and streams, producing good fish. At many backcountry spots you may catch native trout — good eating and a good fight.

Owens River (Benton Crossing Road area)
Classic Mammoth river fishing. Lot's of fly fishing. Slow meandering water to test your technical fishing skills without a lot of trees around to steal your flies. Certain times of the year you will need mosquito repellant, but it is often windy down there, which keeps the little buggers at bay. This is reputed to be a world-renowned fishery, with some amazing number of fish per mile. Locals report mixed luck at times. Good place to fish, great scenery, ignore the hype and enjoy the place. South on HWY 395 to Benton Crossing Road (at the green church), then about three miles to the bridge. Turn left on the dirt road and drive as far as you want, look for dirt roads leading to the river every so often. Just pick one. It tends to be less crowded the further you drive (crowding is relative — here in the Eastern Sierra that usually means one fisherperson every 500 yards. Usually).

Crowley Lake
Everyone knows Crowley. Opening day is usually a sight to see. 6000 - 8000 people show up. This lake arguably provides some of the best trout fishing in California. This is a big lake, and a boat is useful. They are available for rent. Float tubes are common. Try crawling all the way across the lake in a float tube. That would make a good story. Crowley Lake is just a few miles south of Mammoth on HWY 395. There is a marina, general store, 70 rental boats, most with motors, campgrounds, RV sites, some with full hook-ups. Crowley gets planted a lot. In August 1995, they released 900,000. There are two fishing seasons on Crowley — from opening day until August 1 there is a five-fish per day, no-size limit, and 10 in possession rule. After August 1 thru October 31, it's two fish per day, 18-inches total length, and only artificial lures with barbless hooks can be used.

Convict Lake and Convict Creek
Spectacular scenery. Boat rentals available. Launch ramp. This is a deep lake, and you can try for big fish. South on HWY 395 a few miles from Mammoth to the Convict Lake turnoff. Easily accessible from the parking lot — this is a good place to go if you don't want to walk more than 50 feet or so (you can also hike the lake trail around the lake if you want to reach 'less populated' areas). The best fishing on the creek is just below the outlet. There are campgrounds here and a general store for fishing supplies, food, and beer. There's a good restaurant too.

June Lake Loop
Lots of lakes — June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake and Grant Lake. The June Lake loop area is usually one of the first 'high' country areas to clear of ice and snow. When the Lakes Basin in Mammoth and Convict Lake are still frozen, the June Lake loop is probably clear. By fishing opener in late April, it's almost always clear and a good bet on actually catching something. There are several fishable streams (Rush Creek, Alger Creek), marinas, campgrounds, restaurants, and supply outlets within walking distance. Definitely not a wilderness experience — but some of the best fishing around. Rush Creek is regularly planted. From Grant Lake Dam to Mono Lake it's an artificial lure, barbless hook, don't keep'em area. Reverse Creek is between Silver Lake and Gull Lake. Regularly planted, and easily accessible from local bars, restaurants, and other June Lake necessities.

Mammoth Lakes Basin
Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, Lake Mary, Lake George. Planted often, popular, scenic, accessible by car, with campgrounds, and lots of big fish. Food, accessories, and groceries are available in the area. There are several classic mountain lodge facilities offering nightly lodging and eating facilities. Up Lake Mary Road three or four miles. There are no fishing restrictions in these lakes, and fishing is good all season once they actually open. If you're up to it, try early season ice fishing. Hike 3 miles carrying all your stuff, including a big ice screw, drill a hole, and maybe catch something really big. Just be careful of dangerous ice conditions. More than a few snowmobiles or people have ended up IN the water. Lake Mary seems to be the best BIG fish producer — during the summer, the famous Alpers trout is planted quite often.

Owens/Bishop Area
Below Pleasant Valley reservoir, you can fish the Owens year round. During the winter, if you pick a good day, you'll have as much fun as during the middle of summer. Yes, there ARE hatches during the winter — you just have to really pick the right day. But no matter what, being outside surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere, throwing your line in the water, with snowy mountains in the background — well, it beats working. During the summer, the fishing can be very good here — sometimes it's very hot, but it can be worth the effort. The Wild Trout section of the river comes out of Pleasant Valley Reservoir and flows for 4.4 miles downstream towards Bishop. There's supposed to be 4,000 fish per mle living here, and if you catch one, you are supposed to release it so there continues to be 4,000 fish per mile.

Other Backcountry Lakes
Some are close by, some are overnighters, but none are THAT far away. Leave the crowd behind. Skelton Lake, Barney Lake, Duck Lake, Thousand Island Lake, and many, many others.

Hot Tubbing