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Nestled in the heart of acres of wilderness and natural forests, with the Sierra Nevada crest to the West, Mammoth Lakes city is a relatively young, small and energetic region. On arrival, I was awe struck by the breathtaking plunge of the eastern slope of the Sierra to the bottom of the valley, and the surrounding, awesome, natural wonders to behold.

If you love the outdoors, you will be at home in the natural paradise that is Mammoth Lakes, California. It is home to some 7,000 year round residents who have escaped urban lifestyles to live in the beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Enjoy the magic and splendor of the natural landscape that features majestic mountains, hilly terrain, springs and ranges. It is a landscape that provides unlimited opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities to suit every taste and for every season. Here are just a few of my favorite activities.

Horseback Riding. This is perhaps one of the best ways to truly enjoy the serenity and beauty of the Eastern Sierra. Sign up with one of the many tour companies operating in Mammoth Lakes that offer horseback riding adventures for the whole family. Trips can be anywhere from 2 hours to all day. If you can, try taking a trip that will allow you to view the landscape by day and the beautiful sunset in the evening. I felt as if I was somehow transported in time to the Wild West era, as my gentle horse Pink Lady, meandered past emerald lakes, transparent streams, open ranges, virgin forests and beneath the majestic mountain ranges.

Golfing: If you are a golf fanatic like my husband or just the occasional golfer like me, the golf courses in Mammoth Lakes will not disappoint. If it is a challenging golf course you crave, Mammoth Lakes takes pride in having two of the highest 18 and 9 hole golf course in California. Tee off at a golf course where fairways are lined with trees, streams and flowers. The Sierra Star golf course is great for those golfers looking for a highly challenging alpine course featuring a 18 hole par 71. Warning! It may be difficult to concentrate on your putt as you could easily get lost in the magnificent mountain views. The Snowcreek golf course is a nine hole, par -35 course that challenges a variety of skill levels with enticing views of the White Mountains, the Sherwin Range, the Mammoth Mountains and the Mammoth Meadows that encircles it.

Hot Air Ballooning: Another great way to enjoy the beauty of the High Sierra is with a hot air balloon ride. Be sure to bring a camera as you would want to share the remarkable views with the folks back home. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park. But before you take flight, you get the rare opportunity to participate in getting the balloon ready for flight. Mammoth Balloon adventures encourage its passengers to help unfold the 1,000 square yards of nylon that makes up the balloon envelope. And again when you land, you are involved in deflating and folding the balloon. It is truly a remarkable and entertaining experience from start to finish.

I have listed only a few of the numerous outdoor activities available for your enjoyment when visiting Mammoth Lakes. Take some time to plan the activities that are of interest to you and create a schedule based on the time you have to spend on each activity. Book ahead if possible and where necessary. Planning ahead ensures that you get to enjoy the best that Mammoth Lakes have to offer and allows you to arrive prepared so you can fully enjoy the unique outdoor experiences of Mammoth Lakes.

Learn more about this author, Joan Schroeder.
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