Lake with Farmhouse at sunrise

Mammoth Lake Vacation Rentals

Mammoth Lake

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Mammoth Lake
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Why Rent On Mammoth Lake

While there’s no single body named “Mammoth Lake,” the Mammoth Lakes Basin is home to five stunning alpine lakes—Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake George, Horseshoe Lake, and Lake Mamie—each offering a piece of high-elevation heaven. Set within the Inyo National Forest and flanked by the towering Sierra Nevada, these lakes are ideal for kayaking, fly fishing, and paddleboarding. Rainbow trout and brown trout are the stars of the local angling scene. Campgrounds dot the area, and the Tamarack Lodge offers rustic cabins near Twin Lakes. Nearby Mammoth Mountain adds hiking and skiing, making this a year-round alpine wonderland. Don’t miss dinner at The Lakefront Restaurant, a cozy upscale eatery right on Twin Lakes.

Best time to go
In late September, as summer's warmth lingers, Mammoth Lake transforms into a serene escape. The trails burst with autumn hues, ideal for tranquil hikes. Delight in fishing without crowds, savoring the crisp air while basking in golden sunlight. This enchanting transition invites peaceful contemplation amidst nature’s resplendence.
Water Quality
Mammoth Lake, located in California's Mammoth Lakes Basin, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that exhibit a deep blue hue, reflecting the surrounding alpine scenery. The lake's pristine clarity offers a mirror-like surface, providing stunning reflections of the towering peaks and lush forests that encircle it.
Surface area (mi)
0.3
Max depth (ft)
89.99
Elevation (ft)
7880.58

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
  • Ice Fishing
  • Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on Mammoth Lake

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Mammoth Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, there are specific safety precautions to take when swimming in Mammoth Lakes. Always swim with a buddy or in groups, and if possible, where a lifeguard is on duty or someone knows CPR. Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer, and enter the cold water slowly to avoid shock.

  • Mammoth Lakes is a popular destination because of its diverse natural attractions. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, as well as hiking trails, scenic lakes like Convict Lake, and unique geological sites such as Devils Postpile National Monument and the Hot Creek Geological Site. These attractions cater to a wide range of outdoor activities and interests.

  • The fishing season for catching and keeping trout in Mammoth Lakes, California, is from the last Saturday in April to November 15th. The daily bag and possession limit is 5 fish, unless otherwise specified. Some waters, like Crowley Lake and Upper Owens River, have a minimum size limit of 18 inches and a reduced bag limit of 2 fish from August 1st to November 15th.

  • Horseshoe Lake is the best beach for families at Mammoth Lakes. It has a beach where kids can play and swim, and it’s safe because no motorized boats are allowed. The lake is also close to town and has a short, family-friendly hiking loop around it.

  • Towns near Mammoth Lakes that offer the best access to outdoor recreation and national parks include Bishop, June Lakes, Lee Vining, Independence, and Lone Pine. Bishop is close to Mount Whitney and Death Valley National Park, while Lee Vining is near the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park. Independence is close to the Ancient Bristlecone Pines and Manzanar National Historic Site.