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Scenic Gondola

scenic_rides_01About the Scenic Panorama Gondola

(Closed for the Summer Season)

  • The Panorama Gondola provides uphill access for mountain bikers and pedestrians (in winter, it is used to carry skiers to some of the most advanced terrain on Mammoth Mountain).
  • Each gondola seats 8 people.
  • It takes about 15 minutes to reach the top of Mammoth Mountain.
  • Kids ride free with paying adult (two kids under 12 per adult).

Top of the Sierra Interpretive Center

Mammoth Mountain's Highest Attraction


Explore the Eastern Sierra at the first interpretive center of its kind at 11,053 feet. The Top of the Sierra is located in the Gondola building on Mammoth Mountain's summit.

Admission is free with that day's Scenic Gondola Ride ticket, Bike Park ticket or a valid season pass. Topics include:

  • Volcanic history
  • Geology
  • Weather patterns
  • Cultural heritage

Views of the Eastern Sierra landscape - the Minarets, Mono Lake, and 400 miles of peaks averaging 12,000 feet in elevation.

Views in all directions

Top of the Sierra Interpretive Center opened on March 17, 2007. Over six years of research and planning went into this project. Content was developed by a coalition of community members, representatives from the US Geological Survey, US Forest Service, Paiute Tribal Council and local environmental organizations.

Hiking on Mammoth Mountain

Hiking - There are several scenic hiking trails on Mammoth Mountain. Get your free Hiking Guide at the Adventure Center before you board the Panorama Gondola. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Tour the summit with a Naturalist - Learn about various aspects of Mammoth Mountain and the Eastern Sierra including history, geology, flora and fauna. Naturalist Tours are complimentary with a Scenic Gondola Ride. The 45-minute tours are offered at 11am and 1pm, Thursday through Saturday and holidays, from July 4th through Labor Day, wind and weather permitting. Inquire at the Adventure Center for details. They meet at the top of Mammoth Mountain.