by Tara Knudson

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

The mountain resort town of Mammoth Lakes, CA has amazing scenery and dozens of year-round activities for any kind of family. If you want to go really fast snowmobiling is for you. This sport is thriving in this area as second generation and new riders of all ages and genders embrace the exhilaration of flying through the sparkling powder on 100 miles of groomed trails.

For skiers and snowboarders of all skill-levels there are two ski hills-world-renowned Mammoth Mountain and nearby June Mountain. Spring skiing, and Mammoth Mountain's award winning West Coast Invitational annual pipe and rail competition draws Olympic and world-class athletes at the beginning of May and if the sunshine has been warm, the resort offers combination ski and golf getaway packages.

The resort's championship alpine golf course, Sierra Star, provides 18 challenging holes and spectacular views of mountains, lakes and creeks. Snowcreek is Mammoth's second course, a stunningly beautiful nine-hole golf course designed for golfers of all abilities and equipped with tennis courts.

Spring brings the opening of trout season and fishing is excellent all summer long in the 15 well-stocked lakes around Mammoth. Many lakes offer parking, rowboat rentals & tackle shops, and rent cabins. Many of the lakes and rivers also have picturesque campgrounds nestled in stands of aspens.

All summer long the Adventure Center at Mammoth Mountain offers something for everyone to do, see, or eat. Hop on the shuttle and ride to Devils Postpile, a popular geologic formation of towering columns of basalt. Take a short hike to Minaret Falls on a trail that intersects with the John Muir, and the Pacific Crest trails, and beside tenting sites with views of Minaret and the San Joaquin River. After visiting the falls ride the shuttle to Red's Meadow where the Pack Station offers horseback riders a variety of challenges with a packing school, a chance to take part in a horse drive, and tours for all group sizes and ability levels. Grab a sandwich at the Mule House Cafe, or ride back to the Adventure Center and sample the fine fare at the Yodler Restaurant.

Back in town there are a surprising number of trendy and delicious eateries including 3 pubs, a handful of steak and seafood places, a half-dozen ethnic restaurants and quite a few places to get good home-style cooking.

For those looking for less adventure and more culture there are well-organized festivals all summer long, and you especially don't wan to miss the Mammoth Festival of Wine Music and Food or the Sierra Summer Festival of Classical Music.

Whether the snow is falling or the sun is shining there are boutiques and sporting gear shops to wander through, quaint bookstores with friendly shop-owners, and fresh, pine-scented air all around. Mammoth lakes, CA is a place to enjoy the great outdoors, make memories and create adventures.

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