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MAMMOTH LAKES SCENERY

Mammoth Lakes is the preeminent ski destination for Southern Californians, and it has been so for a great many years.  It is located somewhat over 300 miles directly north of Los Angeles along Highway 395 -- which lies on the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  It is only twenty or thirty miles from the eastern boundary of Yosemite National Park.  Trout in the local lakes and in the high country attract fisherman in the Spring and Summer.  And trails built many years ago enable hikers and pack trains to go into the beautiful surrounding high country during the warmer months. 

In recent years there has been considerable development of the town's accommodations for visitors.  Intrawest has acquired a major stake in ownership of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and is currently active in expanding ski facilities and hotel capacity,  building condominiums, and arranging for restoration of airline service into the area. 

The town itself lies in the altitude region between 7,000 and 8.000 ft.  Two roads lead from the town west into the mountains.  One goes to the lakes basin, in which are located Lake Mary, Lake George, Lake Mamie, and Horseshoe Lake; and trails up Coldwater Creek to Duck Pass, or from Lake George to Mammoth Crest and the Deer Lakes.    The other road goes up to the base of Mammoth Mountain to the ski facilities and Mammoth Mountain Inn; then goes on to Minaret Summit where it crosses the main crest of the Sierra Nevada range, and then drops down to Devil's Postpile and the San Joaquin River.