The Mammoth Lakes center point is around 1 mile south of Mammoth Ski and Racquet Club and 1 mile southwest of Downtown Mammoth Lakes.
Deciding on the best time to visit Mammoth Lakes depends entirely on what you want to see and do while you're there. The summers are warm and dry, with average high temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit. If you're coming to hike, fish, and enjoy many of the other outdoor activities, you won't be alone. This is one of the more popular seasons to visit Mammoth Lakes, and the hotel rates are high to reflect this.
Fall is very short in Mammoth Lakes, but if you can swing a visit, you'll find hotel prices drop after summer tourists leave and before winter adventurers show up. While September sees average highs in the low 70s and upper 60s, by November these highs only get into the 40s. Additionally, you'll start seeing your first snowflakes fall in October.
Although winters are very long and snowy in Mammoth Lakes, this is the other popular season for the area. Thousands of people visit every season to enjoy the great skiing at the resorts. Even though average highs from December to March are in the 40s, average lows struggle to get out of the teens. The area also sees around 206 inches of snow every season.
When spring rolls around in April and May, the winter sports enthusiasts head out as temperatures start to warm up and the snow begins to melt. However, spring in Mammoth Lakes isn't as warm as the rest of the country. Average highs are in the 50s and 60s, and there's still a chance for snow all the way to June. However, if you don't mind dealing with slightly chilly weather, you'll find some good bargains on hotel rooms.
If you're searching for some good deals to make your stay in Mammoth Lakes even more memorable, there are hotels around the area that offer discounts that can help. At Best Western Plus High Sierra Hotel, qualified government employees and military personnel can receive special discounts for both business and leisure stays. Additionally, there are special rates for AARP members, and seniors 55 and older can get up to 10 percent off their room rate. Finally, AAA and CAA members can use their membership to get up to 10 percent off the best available room rate.
Travelodge Mammoth Lakes also offers plenty of discounts you can take advantage of during your stay. If you're traveling for business, there are special rates available. Seniors 60 and older enjoy extra savings on their rooms, and government employees can take advantage of the per diem rates during their stay. Additionally, AAA and CAA members and those with an AARP membership can get 10 percent or more off the best available rate.
The value option hotels in Mammoth Lakes offer the best of both worlds. You'll get some of the best amenities without blowing your travel budget on just the hotel room. Sierra Nevada Resort & Spa is a relaxed hotel just 5 miles from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Here you'll find accommodations that range from suites to bi-level chalets. No matter what you pick, you'll get a coffee maker, free wireless internet access, and a flat-screen television. If you're looking for something to do around the resort, there's a spa, hot tub, sauna, game room, seasonal outdoor pool, and mini-golf course.
Tamarack Lodge & Resort is a 6-acre resort situated across the street from Twin Lakes and 7 miles from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. While the cozy rooms at the lodge feature traditional touches, such as patchwork quilts and antique beds, you'll also find modern conveniences, such as iPod docks. Additionally, there are on-site cabins that feature full kitchens, fireplaces, wood-beam ceilings, and knotty pine paneling. Head down to the restaurant to take in stunning views of the lake while you dine, and then take advantage of the free seasonal local shuttle service to explore the area.
The Mammoth Creek Inn is just steps from Mammoth Creek Park and 6 miles from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. The relaxed rooms come with coffee makers, minifridges, flat-screen televisions, and free wireless internet access. Upgrade to a bi-level loft room for a sitting area, dining area, and open-beam ceilings. You can fuel up for a big day with the hotel's free continental breakfast before taking the complimentary shuttle service to the ski lifts. Other amenities at the hotel include a fitness center, a billiards room, an indoor spa with sauna and steam rooms, and free ski and snowboard storage.
While skiing is obviously the most popular activity in Mammoth Lakes, there are other attractions to check out while you're here. When you want to explore more of the history behind skiing in the area, head to the Mammoth Ski Museum. Here you'll see thousands of vintage artifacts, including posters, photographs, and works of literature. The museum also has a daily showing of a movie documenting the founding of the ski resort and the lives of early famous skiers in the area.
You can also head to Devils Postpile National Monument, which protects an unusual rock formation in the area. There are hiking trails that take you to the Devils Postpile, as well as trails that go to the 101-foot Rainbow Falls that's also in the park.
No matter what type of activities you're interested in doing when you visit Mammoth Lakes, you'll find plenty of hotel options to make your stay relaxing and comfortable.
Below are reviews of the city of Mammoth Lakes, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
The skiing is great!
Mountain access.
Mammoth was a quaint little town with lots of shops and restaurants!
Town has many offerings, from obscure trails to fun tribute concerts.
Mammoth Lakes is awesome!
Stay was very good. Nice and clean room. No issues. Mammoth lakes are awesome.
Beautiful scenery in the pines!
Location
We enjoyed the following restaurants: Nevados and Roberto's.
Beautiful location with great outdoor activities. The city looks much the same as it has for decades. The city has managed to keep the pristine wilderness that California used to be known for. I hope this special location never changes.