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If you're a nature lover and you've never been to Mammoth Lakes, California, you're missing out on one of the most beautiful areas in these United States. A true nature lover's paradise, Mammoth Lakes offers everything from golfing, mountain biking, skiing, sailboarding, whitewater rafting, fishing, horseback riding, and much more. Whatever the season, Mammoth Lakes offers numerous outdoor activities against a backdrop of beautiful mountain scenery.

Of the myriad of things you can do to enjoy the outdoors in Mammoth Lakes, three merit a special looksie: camping, canoeing, and hiking.

If you like to hear the howl of the wolf and the hoot of the owl while snugly snoozing in your sleeping bag under the dome of your handy pop-tent, then camping in the Inyo National Forest is for you. Over 800 campsites await you, some along streamsides and others adjacent to Alpine lake areas. While some prefer the close-to-home feel of a modern RV, others enjoy the more back-to-nature feel of tent camping. And if you really want to get closer to nature, try camping in the forest's primitive wilderness areas. (no shower, no problem!)

Call me crazy, but I've always preferred the silky sound of wooden paddles cutting calm lake waters over ear-deafening outboard motors. It's just the communion with nature; perhaps an eagle calling in the distance, or even a hungry bass splashing out of the water to chow down on a surface-floating mosquito. If you enjoy nature at a slower, yet more personal pace, canoeing or kayaking might be exactly what you're looking for. Mono, Grant, and Crowley are three breathtakingly beautiful lakes you can explore with a paddle and a boat. If you don't own your own watercraft, some lakes offer rentals. Take a guided kayak tour, or classes if you're not up to speed with your paddling skills.

To some, no outdoor experience beats the feel of a rocky dirt path below a pair of well-heeled hiking boots. When you're hiking, you can truly take the time to observe the natural world around you. Is that a spooky snake hiding underneath that rotting tree trunk? What kind of rock is that outcropping, and how and when was it formed? Can I tell what kind of tree is towering above me based on its leaves and the feel and appearance of its bark? What species of bird is singing that sweet song, and what's that strange smell? When you're hiking, who knows what you'll discover next!

If you want a short hike, try walking the .25-mile Inyo Crater trail (Mammoth area) that begins on the Mammoth Scenic Loop road. A few minutes through forest scenery and you'll land at the edge of the craters. Or if you're especially adventurous, try hiking the 5-mile Duck Lake trail (Mammoth Lakes Basin Area) located above Coldwater Campground. This trail will lead you through the steep switchbacks of Duck Pass and past several scenic lakes, ending at the deep azure-colored Duck Lake. Take plenty of time to stop, look around you, and listen. Drown yourself in the moment and let yourself go!

Mammoth Lakes is the ideal place for nature lovers, adventurers, and people who just want to have fun. For more information, visit the official website for Mammoth Lakes @ http://www.visitmammoth.com.

Learn more about this author, Daniel J. Gansle.
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