Weekend Getaway at Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain is best known for its incredible snow and expansive terrain, making for some of North America’s best winter recreation. However, something magical happens in the “off-season”, that same terrain morphs into a stunningly beautiful playground hosting an ever-growing list of outdoor activities. This charming mountain town is the ideal summer getaway for the whole family. Here’s a sample weekend itinerary to make the most of a few short days in this Eastern Sierra paradise.

Friday

Assuming an afternoon arrival, you’ll have ample time to enjoy one of Mammoth’s best views. Head over to Main Lodge and take the Panoramic Gondola to the Summit (sitting at an impressive 11,053ft). While up at the top, get your legs moving after your day of travel and snap a quick photo by the Summit Sign, check out the interpretive center inside the gondola building, and then head back down for a bite to eat.

Mammoth offers an eclectic mix of dining options, from burgers and milkshakes at The Patty Shack to American-Italian cuisine with a twist at Vulcania, there’s something for all palates.

• Tip: Book the Stay & Gondola package to get a free scenic ride for every adult, every night you stay. Kids 12 & under (and dogs) always ride free.

Saturday

After grabbing a bite to eat for breakfast, head up to The Yurt at Tamarack Lodge, where you can rent eBikes and explore miles of paved biking trails in the Lakes Basin. There’s much to explore, including four gorgeous, pristine alpine lakes just steps off the trails. All that glittering water might inspire you to swap your bike for a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, also available to rent at The Yurt.

Tamarack is situated right off Twin Lakes, so you won’t have to go far to find the perfect spot to set out on the water and soak in some incredible views. Working lunch into your outdoor adventures is as easy as popping into The Lakefront Restaurant (also at Tamarack Lodge). Their seasonal lunch menu is filled with fresh ingredients – paired with a local beer and, of course, unbeatable lakeside views.

Once your early evening “second wind” kicks in, head up to Woolly’s Adventure Summit to end the day on a super fun note. The all-new Mountain Coaster has over 5,000 feet of track woven into the forest with one exhilarating twist and turn after another. After a few coaster laps and a ride down the summer tubing lane, you’re guaranteed to end the day with a big smile.

• Tip: You’ll want to take more than one ride on the Mountain Coaster. A Coaster & Tubing Pass will allow you to take as many laps as you want on both the Coaster and the Tubing lanes.

Sunday

Head to the Sierra Star Golf Course for a delicious brunch at The Chip Shot Café. You don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy the atmosphere on these emerald greens, but if you can work in a morning round, we highly recommend it.

Next, make your way up to Main Lodge to get your legs pumping at the Mammoth Bike Park. A 2.5-hour Intro to Trail Riding lesson is a perfect option for beginners, and it comes with a full-day ticket. New to the mountain but not a beginner biker? Arrange for a guide to show you the best trails, jumps, and turns. With over 80 miles of single-track, a seasoned guide is helpful for all ability levels.

Break for lunch at the Yodler Restaurant & Bar next to the Adventure Center. Enjoy authentic Bavarian fare with a $2 local draft beer when you show your same-day bike park ticket. Kids can busy themselves with the ropes course, climbing wall, bungee, and more while you savor your well-deserved lunch break and spectate from the sun deck.

If your appetite for adventure is still strong after lunch your next move is the Via Ferrata. This guided climbing experience is located on the face of the mountain where routes are equipped with steel cables, ladders, and bridges. Mammoth’s Via Ferrata offers 6 routes varying in difficulty making it a perfect alpine activity for families or individuals looking for a unique way to experience the landscape and grab yet another stunning view.

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