Experience Mammoth Lakes: Eastern Sierra's Premier Mountain Resort

Day 1: Alpine Arrival & Village Vibes

• Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Mammoth Lakes. Check into your accommodation and then head to a ski/snowboard rental shop. We recommend Footloose Sports (2987 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546) for convenient location and a wide selection of gear. Allow 1.5-2 hours for fitting and pickup.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): Ski/snowboard rentals for 2 days ~$240-300 (approx. $60-75 per person/day, often cheaper in a multi-day package).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:30 PM) Grab a quick, casual lunch at Nik-N-Willie’s (57 Sierra Blvd) known for its hearty deli sandwiches and soups.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$30-40. Head to Mammoth Mountain for an introductory ski session. Take the Village Gondola directly from The Village at Mammoth to Canyon Lodge. Focus on gentler runs accessible from Canyon Lodge, such as those off the Eagle Express (Chair 15) or Canyon Express (Chair 16) to get your ski legs.
  • Time Needed: 2.5-3 hours of skiing.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): Full-day lift tickets are recommended as half-day discounts are minimal. Pre-purchase a 2-day pass online for best value, ~$360-440 for two people for two days (approx. $180-220 per person/day).
• Evening Relax and freshen up. Enjoy a cozy dinner at Mammoth Brewing Company (18 Lake Walk Rd, The Village). They offer excellent craft beers and a menu with elevated pub fare and delicious entrees.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$80-120, including drinks.

Day 2: Peak Conquest & Sunset Soaks

• Morning (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Stove Restaurant (644 Old Mammoth Rd), a beloved local spot famous for generous portions of classic American breakfast.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$40-50. Head to Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge for a full day of world-class skiing. Take the Panorama Gondola to the summit (11,053 ft) for breathtaking panoramic views and challenging runs. Explore diverse terrain from the backside’s deep powder to the frontside’s groomed cruisers.
  • Time Needed: 4 hours of skiing.
  • Estimated Cost: Lift tickets covered by your 2-day pass purchased on Day 1.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 4:30 PM) Enjoy an on-mountain lunch. Parallax at McCoy Station offers great views and sit-down dining, or opt for a quicker bite at the Main Lodge food court.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$50-70. Continue skiing, exploring areas around Chair 23 for advanced terrain or Face Lift Express (Chair 3) for more intermediate options. Catch the last runs before the lifts close.
  • Time Needed: 2-3 hours of skiing.
• Evening Experience a quintessential Mammoth hot spring! Drive out to Wild Willy’s Hot Spring (approx. 20-25 min drive from Mammoth Lakes; head east on US-395, take Benton Crossing Rd, then follow signs on a dirt road). The short boardwalk leads to multiple pools, including the iconic heart-shaped one. Aim for sunset for a magical soak under the open sky.
  • Practical Tip: Bring towels, water, and a headlamp. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended for the dirt roads in winter.
  • Estimated Cost: Free. For dinner, savor contemporary American cuisine in a refined setting at Whitebark Restaurant inside The Westin Monache Resort (50 Hillside Dr).
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$100-150.

Day 3: Winter Trails & Secluded Soaks

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Enjoy a lighter breakfast at Looney Bean Coffee (130 S Main St) for pastries, coffee, and breakfast burritos.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$25-35. Give your ski legs a rest and try snowshoeing. Rent snowshoes from Mammoth Mountaineering Supply (3168 Main St) or Footloose Sports. Drive to the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center (reservations or day passes may be required) and explore the scenic snowshoe trails around Twin Lakes and Lake Mary Road, which is closed to cars in winter, offering tranquil beauty.
  • Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): Snowshoe rentals ~$40-50 for two. Trail access fees (if any) are typically minimal.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 4:30 PM) Have a casual lunch at Roberto’s Mexican Cafe (271 Old Mammoth Rd), a long-standing local favorite for authentic and delicious Mexican food.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$40-60. Embark on another hot springs adventure. Head to Crab Cooker Hot Spring (also known as Benton Crossing Hot Spring, ~20-25 min drive, similar directions to Wild Willy’s). This smaller, rustic hot spring is often less crowded and offers a more secluded experience.
  • Practical Tip: As with Wild Willy’s, road conditions can be challenging; 4WD is highly recommended.
  • Estimated Cost: Free.
• Evening Indulge in a fine dining experience at Skadi (588 Old Mammoth Rd), offering exquisite Scandinavian-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting. Reservations are highly recommended and often necessary.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$150-200, excluding high-end wines.

Day 4: Leisurely Laps & Departure

• Morning (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM) Grab a quick breakfast sandwich and coffee from Starbucks in The Village (100 Canyon Blvd, Suite 210) for convenience.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$20-25. Enjoy a leisurely morning. You can either take a few final “last laps” on Mammoth Mountain if your energy and rental schedule allow (additional lift tickets would be needed). Alternatively, enjoy some relaxed souvenir shopping at The Village at Mammoth or take a final scenic walk around town.
  • Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
  • Estimated Cost: Minimal if shopping/walking.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) Enjoy a farewell lunch at Rafters Restaurant & Lounge (182 Old Mammoth Rd) for a relaxed atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring American comfort food.
  • Estimated Cost (for 2 people): ~$50-70. Return your ski/snowshoe rentals to Footloose Sports or Mammoth Mountaineering Supply.
  • Time Needed: 30-45 minutes.
• Evening Begin your scenic drive home, carrying incredible memories of your “Winter Ski & Hot Springs” adventure in Mammoth Lakes.

Day 1: Mammoth Welcome & Scenic Views

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Arrive in Mammoth Lakes and check into your accommodation. Head to Vons (481 Old Mammoth Rd) for groceries to stock up on snacks, water, breakfast items, and picnic supplies for the week. This will help manage your budget and ensure you have provisions for hikes. Estimated Cost: ~$100 for groceries. Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy an easy scenic drive and short walk around the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Drive along Lake Mary Road, stopping at overlooks for Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, and Twin Lakes. Consider a leisurely stroll around Twin Lakes (~1.5-mile loop, flat) to stretch your legs and acclimate to the elevation. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards at Twin Lakes for a relaxing hour on the water (rentals ~$30-40/hour). Estimated Cost: Gas (minimal), optional watercraft rental ~$60-80 for two. Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Evening Dine at Mammoth Brewing Company (18 Lake Old Mammoth Rd) for a casual atmosphere, good food, and local craft beer. Afterwards, enjoy a quiet walk around The Village at Mammoth. Estimated Cost: Dinner ~$70-90 for two. Time Needed: 2-3 hours.

Day 2: Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls Majesty

• Morning (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Head to the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge (10001 Minaret Rd) to catch the mandatory shuttle into the Reds Meadow Valley. The shuttle runs frequently in summer (check schedules in advance, typically $15 per person round trip). First stop: Devils Postpile National Monument. Take the short, easy 0.4-mile paved path to view the impressive basalt columns, then continue 0.4 miles up to the top for a different perspective. Estimated Cost: Shuttle $30 for two, packed lunch. Time Needed: 4-5 hours including shuttle time.
• Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM) From Devils Postpile, hike the 2.5-mile round trip trail to Rainbow Falls, a stunning 101-foot waterfall. The hike is mostly downhill to the falls and then uphill back, offering beautiful views. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy along the trail or at a scenic spot near the falls. Catch the shuttle back to Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. Estimated Cost: Included in shuttle fare, packed lunch. Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Evening Indulge in a hearty dinner at The Mogul Restaurant (1528 Tavern Rd) for classic steakhouse fare, a local favorite. Afterwards, relax and stargaze from your accommodation or a quiet spot outside of town (e.g., Shady Rest Park). Estimated Cost: Dinner ~$100-130 for two. Time Needed: 2-3 hours.

Day 3: High Sierra Alpine Lakes Hike

• Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Embark on a spectacular alpine lake hike. Drive to the Lake Mary Road trailhead for Crystal Lake. The hike is a moderate 3.2-mile round trip with about 900 feet of elevation gain, offering stunning views of Lake Mary and the surrounding peaks before reaching the pristine Crystal Lake. Pack plenty of water and snacks. Estimated Cost: Gas (minimal), packed breakfast/lunch. Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM) After your hike, head to Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center (2510 Main St) to learn more about the area, grab some souvenirs, and pick up a California Fishing License if you plan to fish tomorrow. Relax back at your accommodation or enjoy a casual stroll through town. Estimated Cost: California Fishing License ~$20 for 1-day, ~$58.50 for annual (per person). Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
• Evening Enjoy a more casual dinner at John’s Pizza Works (3499 Main St) for delicious pizza and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect after a day of hiking. Estimated Cost: Dinner ~$40-60 for two. Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours.

Day 4: June Lake Loop & Pristine Fishing

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Drive north on US-395 to explore the scenic June Lake Loop (Hwy 158), approximately 20-30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes. Stop at the stunning overlooks of Gull Lake, June Lake, Silver Lake, and Grant Lake. Take a short, easy walk along the Parker Lake Trail (3.6 miles round trip, moderate, 600 ft elevation gain) which leads to a beautiful alpine lake known for its clear waters. Estimated Cost: Gas ~$10-15, packed lunch. Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
• Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Engage in some fishing in the pristine waters of the June Lake Loop. Options include the shores of June Lake, Gull Lake, or the Rush Creek below Silver Lake. You’ll need your California fishing license (purchased yesterday or online). Gear can be rented or purchased at local tackle shops like Ernie’s Tackle & Ski Shop in June Lake. Estimated Cost: Fishing gear rental ~$25-40 per person if needed, bait/tackle ~$10-20. Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
• Evening Enjoy dinner at Tiger Bar & Cafe in June Lake (2090 Hwy 158) for classic American diner fare in a charming small-town setting, or head back to Mammoth Lakes for dinner at Roberto’s Cafe (271 Old Mammoth Rd) for delicious Mexican cuisine. Estimated Cost: Dinner ~$60-80 for two. Time Needed: 2 hours.

Day 5: Mammoth Overlook & Farewell

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Enjoy a final easy activity before heading home. Drive up to Minaret Vista for breathtaking panoramic views of the Ritter Range, including the iconic Minarets. It’s a short drive and an easy walk from the parking area. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at The Stove Restaurant (644 Old Mammoth Rd), known for its hearty breakfast dishes. Estimated Cost: Gas (minimal), breakfast ~$40-50 for two (if dining out). Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM onwards) Complete any last-minute souvenir shopping in The Village at Mammoth or Main Street. Begin your journey home, filled with incredible memories of the Eastern Sierra. Estimated Cost: Souvenirs (optional). Time Needed: Varies based on departure.