This weekend I will be heading to Mammoth Lakes for some springtime snowboarding. I was thinking back on all of my wonderful memories from family trips and snowboarding adventures and it inspired me to share my favorite things about each of the four seasons in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Summer

Summer in Mammoth Lakes, California is a magical time. All of the hiking trails are open to the public with the exception of planned closures or unforeseen events. This is the ideal time for camping, barbecues, rock climbing, and outdoor family fun. Mammoth Lakes is home to many great campgrounds that offer activities for families and adventurers alike. Much of the wildlife is visible during this time of year and fishing season is in full swing. Mammoth Mountain also opens their Bike Park to mountain biking enthusiasts and beginners. This area of the Sierra Nevada is also home to many famous 4×4 trails that cover all levels of difficulty and allow camping along the way. The best way to end a summer day in Mammoth is a trip to Mammoth Brewing Company for a cold beer and some good eats.

Autumn

Autumn in Mammoth Lakes is a favorite time of year for many people. The changing colors of the Sierra Nevada landscape is a sight not to be missed. Before the weather gets too cold, Autumn is an ideal time to hike in the area. Most of the trails are open, uncrowded, and in their most beautiful state of the year. This is also a time for photographers to visit the area and capture the spectacular changes taking place. Mammoth has several easy hikes that pay off with amazing views of the fall foliage. Many of the colors can be seen from viewpoints accessible by car. For those who prefer to see the back country from a different perspective, there are helicopter tours that offer expansive and breathtaking views of the forest. This is a great opportunity to get to places that are not easily reached on foot and offers a chance for aerial photography.

Winter



When I think of Mammoth in winter, I only think of one thing…snowboarding! Mammoth Mountain is home to one of the best terrain parks in the country, backed by numerous awards. The ski area is one the the largest in the region and offers terrain for all skill levels. Not to mention, Mammoth Mountain is host to many professional athletes during the winter season for competitions, training, or just some time with friends on the slopes. On any given day, a word champion athlete could be on the chairlift ahead of you. Mammoth Mountain usually receives excellent snowfall, especially in El Nino years, making it a destination for powder seekers. Snowboarding and skiing isn’t all there is to do in Mammoth Lakes in the winter. Families can enjoy the tubing park or playing in the snow building snowmen. For the more adventurous, there are snowmobiles for rent and even cross country skiing tours.

Spring

Springtime in Mammoth Lakes, California varies based on snowfall totals. If the area has received a significant amount of snow over winter, many hiking and sightseeing areas will remain closed later, limiting the things to do, but also making for better spring runs on the slopes. There have been epic snowfalls that kept the mountain open throughout all of spring and well into summer, even as late as the 4th of July. One particularly fun springtime event in Mammoth is the Annual Pond Skim. Skiers and snowboarders attempt to cross a 110 foot pond. The catch? You have to be in costume to participate. This is a family friendly activity that does not involve gear rentals or lessons. Also, mid spring, at the end of April, Fishing Season begins in the area. Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding area offers wonderful fishing with even better views. Plus, many lakes and ponds in the area are stocked with fish.

I hope you now feel inspired and excited to visit Mammoth Lakes, California. If you have any questions about the area, I am happy to answer them for you. If you enjoyed this post, please follow my blog. For more pictures of my Mammoth adventures, follow me on Instagram.