5 Places You Can’t Miss in the Mammoth Lakes Region

Planning your weekend getaway to Central California? Check out these 5 places in and near Mammoth Lakes you simply can’t miss.

^{Last updated: February 19, 2025}

Welcome to the Mammoth Lakes Region

Mammoth Lakes is a small town in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Placed inside one of the most gorgeous sections of the Golden State, Mammoth Lakes is a gateway to many astonishing natural wonders. But the town is not the primary focus of this blog post. Its magnificent surroundings are.

The mountainous Mammoth Lakes area is famous for snow-capped peaks and scenic lakes nestled at their feet. To be exact, the majority of the lakes here fall into the category of alpine or subalpine sites. And this is what we are about to explore.

TOP 5 PLACES YOU CAN’T MISS IN THE MAMMOTH LAKES REGION

1. Lake Mary

No trip to the Mammoth Lakes region can be complete without visiting Lake Mary. As the most developed lake in the area, it offers a profusion of activities for families, active outdoor enthusiasts, and anybody longing for a relaxing weekend by the lake.

On top of its spectacular scenery and easy access, Lake Mary provides campgrounds, picnic spots, and rental cabins within a walking distance. Moreover, this beautiful lake in the Mammoth Lakes area offers boat rentals and scenic trails you don’t want to miss when spring and summer roll around.

2. June Lake

About one mile long and half mile wide, June Lake is one of the most beautiful places in the Mammoth Lakes area you come across while road-tripping across Central California.

I would encourage you to spend at least a couple of hours here, especially if you visit the area in the late spring or early summer. Set about 20 miles north of Mammoth Lakes, June Lake offers a striking contrast to still snowy Lake Mary at this time.

3. Silver Lake

Nestled about 4 miles west of June Lake, Silver Lake invites all visitors to the Sierra’s oldest fishing and vacation resorts. Hikers also find this place irresistible. Known as one of the best hiking places in the Mammoth region, Silver Lake is home to such a spectacular trail as the Rush Creek Trail. The trail runs past Agnew and Gem Lake and connects you to the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail.

4. Mono Lake

Of all the places you shouldn’t miss in the Mammoth Lakes region, Mono Lake is the most popular one. Apart from being the biggest lake within a 30-mile distance, it surprises with its uniqueness and diversity. And with that comes a wide range of activities such as swimming, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching.

But the biggest attraction here is the Mono Lake – South Tufa area. Here peculiar rock formations composed of calcium carbonate rise from the surface of the saline lake like small mountains.

5. Twin Lakes

Some people insist that Twin Lakes in Bridgeport are actually one lake with a narrow stretch of land in the middle. The majority, however, regard this place as two separate alpine lakes with plenty of opportunities for hiking and water activities.

Regardless of which side you take, Twin Lakes should top the list of the places to visit near Mammoth Lakes. Bring your friends and family and spend a few days camping, hiking, mountain climbing, boating, and fishing in this alpine wilderness.