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Rebecca Garrett
Winter in Mammoth Lakes
Winter in Mammoth Lakes
Ski into summer on mountains of snow
In winter, Mother Nature is good to Mammoth Lakes. Very, very good. The mountain town’s signature peak, Mammoth Mountain, gets, on average, more than 30 feet/9 metres of snow, and lifts and gondolas continue to zoom up the mountain longer than any resort in the state. The nice twist is that even though it’s a winter wonderland here, you’ll still need to layer on the sunscreen. Mammoth boasts some 300 days of sunshine a year, so those après ski chairs out on the sundeck of Mammoth’s mid-mountain complex see plenty of action. The base village hops too, with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Mix things up with a day on the slopes at nearby June Mountain, a local favourite that’s ultra-relaxed and friendly. Even if you’re not a skier, you can take advantage of Mammoth Mountain’s gondola, which climbs to the mountain’s summit at 11,053 feet/3,369 metres for jawdropper views of surrounding high-altitude peaks.
For quieter wintry pursuits, head over to Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center, with breathtaking vistas from trails groomed for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Even if you’re not staying the night at the nearby Tamarack Lodge, you can unwind in the great room with a mug of hot mulled wine by the fire, then stay for supper (ski clothes are fine) at cozy Lakefront Restaurant.
Wintry splurges abound—choose from motorized Snowcat tours to guided full-moon snowshoe treks. Go tubing with the kids. Glide through the wilderness on a dogsled. Get an après-ski massage at area resorts, such as Sierra Nevada Resort & Spa or Snowcreek Athletic Club. Or just enjoy the biggest splurge—free time—and watch the alpenglow blush the mountains at sunset.
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Rebecca Garrett
Central California
Central California
Spotlight: Mammoth Lakes
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Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the West, residents of this Eastern Sierra town know they’ve got a good thing going. It’s a place that attracts serious outdoor lovers who take to the slopes of Mammoth Mountain in winter, then swap their skis for hiking boots and mountain bikes when the snow melts.
Fortunately, these locals like to share. Come listen to the blues and taste world-class brews during a summertime music festival. Ride Mammoth Mountain’s scenic gondola, which climbs to the mountain’s summit at 11,053 feet/3,369 meters for jaw-dropping views of surrounding high-altitude peaks. Fly-fish in clear mountain streams and high alpine lakes. Hike or ride your bike in Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Or just show up for great food and drink. Stake your claim at an outdoor picnic table at Mammoth Brewing Company, where more than a dozen artisan beers are on tap. On the menu are such exotic mash-ups as Irish kale salad and Banh Mi sandwiches with pork belly. For an island ambiance and oversized multi-person drinks, get your tiki on at Lakanuki, also in the Village, or sip on artisan whiskeys and house spirits at Shelter Distilling.
Visiting hikers in particular will love the Little Lakes Valley, a spectacular, glacier-carved canyon bursting with lakes and wildflowers. And golfers can find out if elevation affects their game at two of the highest courses in the state: Sierra Star Golf Course and Snowcreek Golf Course, where players enjoy views of the Sherwin Range, Mammoth Mountain, and the White Mountains.
In winter, Mother Nature is very good to Mammoth Lakes. The mountain town’s signature peak, Mammoth Mountain, gets more than 30 feet/9 meters of snow on average, and lifts and gondolas zoom up the mountain well into summer. Mix things up with a day on the slopes at nearby June Mountain, a local favorite that’s ultra-relaxed and family-friendly. Downhill is not the only way to go either. Take a snowcat tour in the backcountry with Minaret Vista Tours, try tubing or surf sledding after dark at Woolly’s Tube Park, where fans of snow and speed of every age can hurtle down the groomed lanes. On select dates during the season, take advantage of the park’s Electric Tubing nights under the moon, stars, and some lights.Check to see if the U.S. Snowboard and Freeskiing Grand Prix will be taking place while you’re there—Mammoth hosts it every winter or early spring, and it’s a great way to get an up-close view of serious shredding from multiple vantage points.
Or glide or snowshoe across the 19-plus miles/30-plus kilometers of groomed trails at Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center. When you’ve worn yourself out, retreat to snowbound Tamarack Lodge near Twin Lakes. Unwind in the great room with a mug of hot mulled wine by the fire, then sit down for dinner at the elegantly rustic Lakefront Restaurant.
For indoor downtime, check out Mammoth Rock ’n’ Bowl, with its restaurant and 12 bowling lanes, a golf simulator, foosball, and arcade games. or choose from non-skiing options like motorized Snowcat tours or guided full-moon snowshoe treks.
No matter the season, Mammoth Lakes makes a perfect base camp for exploring local hot springs. Some 760,000 years ago, a massive volcano exploded in this region, creating a network of steaming water underground. Head east to Benton Hot Springs to relax in any of nine outdoor hot tubs at The Inn at Benton Hot Springs. Find your way to Travertine Hot Springs outside of Bridgeport, where you can enjoy a fabulous view of the Sierra crest while you soak away your cares. Or cruise south to Keough Hot Springs, first opened as a medicinal and health retreat in 1919. (Stop by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for directions to these and other hot springs.)
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Courtesy of Team Kellogg’s
California Questionnaire: Kelly Clark
California Questionnaire: Kelly Clark
Mammoth Mountain set up this snowboarder to have a mammoth career—which includes five Olympic games
As the first female snowboarder to compete in five Olympics, Kelly Clark arrives in PyeongChang, South Korea, with nothing to prove. Three Olympic medals and seven golds at the Winter X Games—all part of her 70-plus wins throughout her 17-year career—make Clark one of the most decorated snowboarders in history. This is how you get your mug on cereal boxes, folks. The Team Kellogg’s athlete is defying gravity on Corn Flakes and Special K Red Berries right now.
If Clark wins her second Olympic gold in the halfpipe this February (her first was in 2002), the 34-year-old from Mammoth Lakes may become the oldest female snowboarder from any country to accomplish this feat. But first, she needs to beat the other medal-favorite and fellow Californian, Chloe Kim, who’s literally half her age.
“She’s been my role model for so long, and she’s definitely a crazy badass,” says Kim, 17, who grew up training on the same mountain as Clark. “I remember when I met her in Mammoth. I was eight and, literally, freaking out that I was standing behind her,” she recalls. “I’ve learned a lot from her. She has helped me so much throughout my career.”
Uplifting her teammates and recruiting more young talent via the Kelly Clark Foundation may ultimately be Clark’s legacy—so far, the eight-year-old nonprofit has awarded more than $125,000 in grants and scholarships. But in the meantime, she’s got this victory lap to complete. Whether she scores gold or not, she’s happy to return home to the Golden State, where she’s already looking forward to summer.
Where do you live? I lived in Mammoth Lakes for 12 years. Now I’ve lived in Folsom for three.
Why there? Originally, I moved to California to snowboard. Mammoth Mountain is one of the best mountains that I’ve ever been to—and I have been to a lot of mountains all around the world. I picked Mammoth to call home. Snowy or sunny, it’s great if you enjoy winter in the mountains.
What is your greatest California love? Mammoth, by far, is my favorite destination in California. It has the reputation for its winter activities, but I actually enjoy it just as much, or more, in the summer. Hiking into the Lakes Basin—specifically Crystal and Skelton Lake trails—is one of my favorite things to do.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? A lot of people assume that if you are from California, you live in a city, like L.A. or San Francisco. But I find that California has some of the best outdoors [this planet] has to offer. I love the mountains, but taking trips to the coast is just amazing. From the redwoods to Yosemite to the rugged ocean—the adventures are endless.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? I am from the East Coast (Newport, R.I.), [so I can tell you] the stereotype is that Californians are relaxed and easygoing—and it’s definitely true. When I lived in Mammoth, we had something called “Mammoth time,” which meant it was culturally acceptable to be five to 15 minutes late. The East Coaster in me could not handle this. I was always waiting around for people to show up, and no one seemed to mind.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? Napa Valley. They have great vineyards and wine-tasting experiences, and amazing restaurants to back it up. I would recommend going to smaller vineyards, so you can get a more authentic experience. The smaller family-owned vineyards tend to have tours that get you out in the fields. Some even have caves to check out, too! I like to stay in Yountville, then head north from there. Most of the hotels have nice spas, if you are looking to really spoil yourself. The restaurants in St. Helena are extraordinary. Afterward, you can hit up the hot springs in Calistoga to end your trip. Also, I like to bring my road bike and get out for some hilly climbs every morning to earn my meals at the great restaurants.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? A California road trip has to be down Highway 1. That road has endless scenic value. With a little planning, you can get camping spots up and down the coast, and enjoy sleeping with the sound of the waves and, hopefully, squeeze in some fun surfing. Starting from my home in Folsom, I could be in Santa Cruz in just a few hours. The next day, I’d head south and stop to let my pup run on the epic dog beach in Carmel, then jump back in the car and head to Big Sur for a few days because it’s so beautiful. Heading south again, I’d camp in Morro Bay or El Capitan, just 20 miles north of Santa Barbara. I’d then head to my favorite camp spot in SoCal in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. This is not backcountry camping, by the way. It’s all car camping, so you can load up on supplies, and then pull your car up to your camp spot.
Best California songs? Maybe “Hotel California” [by the Eagles]...it’s a classic.
How would your California dream day unfold? I travel so much, so I would actually stay home and have a fun-filled day in the Sacramento area. I never thought of Sacramento as a destination, but after living there a few years, I have realized what a hidden treasure it is. From my house in Folsom, there’s 45 miles of paved biking trails. I would start the day with a 30-mile ride down the American River Bike Trail, then head out on my boat on Folsom Lake for some wake surfing. I’d end the day with a great dinner in old downtown Folsom at one of the restaurants with outdoor seating. Living there, sometimes I feel like I am on vacation. There is so much to do outside, I love it.
How do you define California style? I guess I would say it’s relaxed, yet relevant. Californians seem to be casual with whatever’s trending.
…(Mammoth has) an après ski scene that is cooler than the High Sierras on a starlit night.
Dustin Osborne
Summer Fun in Mammoth
Summer Fun in Mammoth
Discover high-mountain beauty
There’s a saying around here that people come for the winter, but stay for the summer. Come see why for yourself. Snowmelt creeks tumble down the mountainsides, and meadows sprinkled with wildflowers spring up everywhere. This eastern side of the Sierra, including Mammoth Mountain (actually a volcano surrounded by granite peaks) comes alive in summer, a perfect time to head out and explore. While hiking and climbing are top pursuits in the region, you don’t have to lace up beefy boots and load up on energy bars to get your mountain fix; trails lace the region, and there are plenty of low-key rambles, and mountain biking too. Even if you’re not a hiker, it’s easy to enjoy the high-country spectacle of the surrounding Sierra Nevada by riding to the Mammoth Mountain summit (11,053 feet/3,369 meters) by scenic gondola; it runs mid-June through September.
Alex Farnum
June Lake Loop
June Lake Loop
Sparkling glacial lakes, horseback riding
Here’s an outstanding drive through ultimate alpine scenery. From Mammoth Lakes, head north on U.S. 395 to State 158, then head west towards the hamlet of June Lake. For roughly 15 miles, the road winds past a series of sparkling glacial lakes, all encircled by snaggletooth peaks that scrape the skies. Pull over and just breathe it in for a while: scenes don’t get much lovelier than this, especially in fall when aspen leaves paint the lower hillsides and shorelines gold. Stick around to enjoy activities offered here, including fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. June Lake has canoes, standup paddleboards, and other watercraft for rent too. If all that activity makes you a little sore, no worries—get a massage at the inviting Double Eagle Resort.
Kodiak Greenwood
Natural Hot Springs near Mammoth Lakes
Natural Hot Springs near Mammoth Lakes
Where to soak in nature’s natural spas
With its regal mountain majesty and alpine hush, it’s hard to imagine that Mammoth Lakes is situated on the edge of an ancient volcanic caldera. Here, some 760,000 years ago, a massive volcano exploded, leaving behind the relatively flat basin now cradling Mammoth Lakes. A wonderful byproduct of this fiery past is the region’s network of natural hot springs. Many of these bubbling hot tubs, some developed for safe dipping, are concentrated between Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes. Stop by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (just west of U.S. 395 at 2510 Main St.) for locations and directions. Also check on access; routes may be closed in winter.
Here are three natural hot springs in the region, all safe for soaking.
Benton Hot Springs: In the almost-ghost-town of Benton, relax under shady cottonwoods in one of nine tubs filled with ultra-pure spring water. Each tub has hot and cold taps so you can easily control the water temperature. The springs are on the grounds of the Old House and Inn at Benton Springs, where you can book a stay in a late-1800s ranch house or a 1940s-era lodge room. Springs are located on State Route 120 about an hour's drive northeast of Mammoth Lakes; reservations suggested.
Travertine Hot Springs: Get sweeping views of the east side of the Sierra Nevada while you soak in this natural hot spring. You can pitch a tent nearby, though not adjacent to the springs. Travertine Hot Springs is easily accessed off U.S. 395 just south of Bridgeport (about an hour's drive north of Mammoth Lakes).
Keough Hot Springs: First opened as a medicinal and health retreat in 1919 (the water is said to contain 27 different minerals), these springs are still a great place to soak and relax. There's camping on site, and lodging options include several tricked-up cabin tents, some with queen-size beds and down comforters. From Mammoth Lakes, drive south about 1 hour on U.S. 395 to Keogh Hot Springs Road. Closed Tuesdays.
Alex Farnum
Devils Postpile
Devils Postpile
Explore bizarre rock formations
Looking like lumber pile left over by the gods, the 60-foot (18-meter) basalt columns at this National Historic Monument induce a lot of head scratching and pondering. How did these amazingly flawless columns get here anyway? Truth is, they formed on site, the result of volcanic eruption that sent lava flowing down the mountainside here, leaving behind an impressive wall of columns. Glaciers played a part too, exposing the columns and naturally polishing and enhancing the lava’s natural hexagonal patterns.
No matter how they were created, these columns are cool, and well worth exploring, as are other sites here. Follow the 2.5-mile/4-km trail to breathtaking 101-foot/31-meter Rainbow Falls. Also check out current evidence of volcanic activity at the monument’s soda spring area.
In summer (mid-June through Labor Day), driving into the park is restricted, but it’s easy to catch the shuttle from Mammoth Lakes. In winter, roads are generally closed, so you’ll need to Nordic ski or snowshoe into the park. Other times of year it’s okay to drive in: just know that the parking lot often fills by mid-morning on sunny days and weekends, so get there early.
Rebecca Garrett
Mammoth Lakes Golf
Mammoth Lakes Golf
Time for high tee
Does elevation affect your game? Find out in Mammoth, home to California’s two highest courses. At Sierra Star Golf Course, you’ll put your swing to the test. This public, 18-hole championship course sits 8,000 feet/2,438 meters above sea level and is considered one of the most challenging alpine courses around. Your efforts will be rewarded with views of snow-capped peaks in every direction, babbling brooks, vibrant wildflowers, and fairways lined with Jeffrey pines. With several learn-to-golf programs, Sierra Star welcomes newcomers to the sport and offers lessons with PGA professionals.
At the 9-hole Snowcreek Golf Course (Mammoth’s first course, designed by Ted Robinson), players enjoy views of the Sherwin Range, Mammoth Mountain, and the White Mountains. Guests can also practice their swings at the onsite driving range.
Kodiak Greenwood
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve
Visit bizarre formations, cinder cones, and a super-salty lake
There are few places in California—and maybe on the planet—that can make you think you might just be on Mars. This is one of them. At this high-desert preserve, on the eastern side of the towering Sierra, ghostlike tufa towers trim the edges of a one-million-year-old lake, the salty remnant of an ancient inland sea. Over a million sea birds feed on the surface and swirl overhead—AN incredible show of life in this seemingly desolate setting.
Get yourself oriented with a visit to the excellent interpretive center, just off U.S. 395 north of Lee Vining and Tioga Pass (the only route into Yosemite from this side of the mountains). Inside, exhibits shed light on the natural and human history of the Mono Basin, including major environmental challenges caused by water diversions that almost killed the lake. (Huge efforts by the local Mono Lake Committee, with a gift-filled shop in Lee Vining, have successfully saved it.) Wraparound decks offer expansive views of the dramatic setting—Sierra peaks to the west, chaparral-dotted desert to the east, and views of the lake and its tiny Wizard Island, an important nesting site for Western gulls and other sea birds. Bird walks are offered at 8 a.m. Fridays and Sundays, mid-May through Labor Day. The Visitor Center is closed Dec-Mar.
Trails lace the area; you can explore rehabilitated Lee Vining Creek riparian habitat and the region’s cinder cones, blanketed with with obsidian and pumice, or walk in the South Tufa Area, with close-up views of the lake-trimming calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by the interaction of freshwater springs flowing into the ultra-alkaline lake water that’s 2½ times as salty as the ocean. Naturalists lead free tufa walks at the South Tufa Area three times daily from late June through Labor Day. Guided paddles are also offered through Caldera Kayaks.
Kodiak Greenwood
Bodie
Bodie
Tour the eerie remnants of a former boomtown
There's something eerily appropriate about bumping down the dusty desert road that winds the final few miles into Bodie State Historic Park. Round the final bend in the careworn road, drive by the lonely graveyard on the sagebrush-dotted hill on the southwest side of town, and look down upon the tattered remnants of a forgotten time, and a nearly forgotten town. Back in the late 1800s, Bodie was a booming mining community with nearly 10,000 residents. Over time, the townsfolk began to fade away with the gold, and roughly a half-century ago, the final residents packed up and left Bodie, leaving the buildings alone and at the mercy of the dry desert winds.
Today, you can walk the dusty, silent streets of this fascinating ghost town, with shops, hotels, and simple homes carefully preserved to look as they did when Bodie ceased to be. Look for period images on newspapers stuffed into the walls as makeshift insulation. Old trucks and gas pumps, a weathered wood church, and that lonely cemetery paint a picture of life—and death—in this remote corner of California’s high desert.
Be sure to bring food; there are no concessions in the park (though there is potable water). A bookstore is well stocked with interesting information, and the self-guided walking tour is well worth doing.
Colby Brown
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