Peak PERFECTION
Exploring Mammoth Lakes during the summer months is the ultimate escape
Mammoth Lakes might be famous for the snow and its incredible ski season, but there’s more to this picturesque spot than meets the eye. In fact, the summer months from June onwards are just as amazing – it’s hard to believe that at this time of year, locals can be skiing in the morning and mowing their lawns in the afternoon. Such is the beauty of this magical natural playground, perfect for hikers, mountain bike riders and families camping, y- shing for trout and canoeing in the crisp, rocky lakes at the foothills of some of the most magni cent mountain ranges on Earth – the Sierra Nevada.
While Mammoth Lakes boasts the thirdbiggest ski slopes in the US, it’s also the perfect place to escape Australia’s winter and experience a Californian summer.
DAY TRIPPER
What was originally planned as a short detour from the West Coast to see the famed Yosemite National Park fortuitously brought us to Mammoth Lakes, which in our estimation was equally as magical a setting. As it turned out, we spent four days at Mammoth, including a private guided day tour to Yosemite, an easy 40-minute drive away.
ere’s no doubt Yosemite is a must-see, and touring with a local, such as our guide Ian from MAWS (Mammoth All Weather Shuttle), is the way to go if you want to experience the four, ever-changing geographic areas of the park in one day. From the High Sierra area with its glacier sculptured mountains to the granite cli s, including the famous Half Dome, which has been climbed for centuries by thousands of adventurers from around the world, to the stunning Mammoth Valley (where you’ll never nd a more picturesque picnic spot along the owing river), there’s something for everyone. Our highlight was the sequoia groves, where we stood in awe amongst the ancient line of trees with trunks as thick as seven metres. It’s like they have been preparing for our visit for more than 2000 years (and some have been growing as long). It truly is the experience of a lifetime.
GETTING AROUND
An e-bike hire from one of the many bike places in town (we got ours from Footloose
Sports) for three hours or a full day is highly recommended to see all of the seven adjoining lakes in Mammoth, along with spectacular waterfalls.
e photo opportunities are endless around every corner, picture perfect views, and for a family who has had the opportunity to see the Swiss Alps and the Andes Mountain Ranges, we rated Mammoth Lakes as gold star.
DON’T MISS
Do yourself a favour and take the gondola ride to the highest peak of Mammoth Mountain on day one of your stay so you can get a sense of the magnitude and beauty from more than 3353 metres above sea level (the ride costs about $70, but is well worth it and takes about 15 minutes up and back). Stop at the top for breathtaking views, and if you’re early enough in the season, a fun snowball ght, which the kids will love! It’s not uncommon for there to be snow right up until July 4, despite an average temperature of 26 degrees.