by James W. Coates

Created on: May 19, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Mammoth Lakes, California The Name Says It All

Mammoth Lakes California, one of the Golden State's premier destinations, offers endless outdoor activities for the whole family any season of the year. Nestled in the Eastern Sierra Region, the perfect weekend getaway is easily accessible from major highways and the eastern gate into Yosemite National Park (Tioga Pass Hwy 120) sits only 45 minutes away.

In winter, the area transforms into a sparkling white paradise prime for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snow showing and sledding. Mammoth boasts an 11,053 foot summit with over 3,500 acres of wide open bowls and massive slopes beckoning skiers to tackle its heart-quickening chutes, back woods skiing as well as tamer, groomed trails. Mother Nature dumps an impressive average of 400 inches of lush white power each year over the Sierra giving this area the title of the best spring skiing in the country resorts often stay open as late as July 4.

Spring and summer bring a different breed of outdoor activity. The best way to soak up the scenery is on foot. Spring hikes offer the best views of waterfalls that overflow with melting snow from the mountain's high ridges and create unique opportunities to watch nature come alive that's sure to inspire even the most amateur of photographers.

In summer, vistas become even more spectacular with flourishing foliage, blooming flowers and the chance to spot some of the area's wildlife roaming in its natural habitat. Imagine stopping along a trail to let your eyes gaze at a flock of hawks swirling in the air above with white-capped mountains as a backdrop.

Other summer activities at Mammoth Lakes, California include climbing, horseback riding, biking, camping, wildlife observing, fishing and boating. For a true back to nature experience, allow workweek stress to melt away during a backcountry hike where solitude permits your senses to reawaken.

Family fun starts at the pool heated by natural springs. Pack the kids and a picnic and lunch under the blue summer sky. Miles of paved roads offer biking adventures for all ages and teens love the dirt trails and skateboard parks. Bring a bat and a ball and play a leisurely game of softball at one of the ball fields or schedule in a game of tennis at one of the courts.

Mammoth Lakes offers accommodation for all budgets from hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts and family-run inns. Shopping includes artisan fairs and festivals to well-known outlet stores. Coupled with exciting nightlife and divers dining at fine restaurants, Mammoth Lakes caters to the gourmet lover or the Saturday barbeque chef.

Grandiose in outdoor activities and civilized experiences, Mammoth Lakes, California offers everything adventure seekers from the Golden State or around the world can imagine.

Learn more about this author, James W. Coates.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.