Drives & Day Trips
Within easy striking distance of Mammoth Lakes, you can visit bubbling hot springs, stroll along the teeming shores of Mono Lake and swagger up the dusty streets of the Old West’s most authentic and best-preserved ghost town, or pause at the crest of Tioga Pass and gaze at the spectacular granite domeland of Yosemite’s Tuolomne Meadows. A drive along Hwy 395 – north or south – will lead you to some truly unique locations nestled in the Sierra.
BODIE STATE HISTORIC PARK
DIRECTIONS: Hwy 395 north (44 miles) to Hwy 270, then 13 miles to the park.
June Lake Loop
DIRECTIONS: Hwy 395, 14.6 miles north and turn left onto the June Lake Loop (Hwy 158).
Mono Lake & Lee Vining
DIRECTIONS: Hwy 395 30 miles north.
TIOGA PASS, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS & YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
DIRECTIONS: Hwy 395 north to Hwy 120 west (25miles), then 12 miles to the park entrance.
Two Ideas for an Awesome Day
Scenic Day
Time | Activity | Description |
---|---|---|
7:30 AM | Breakfast | Grab coffee and a bite at Old New York Deli Co. in The Village. |
8:00 AM | Boating on Twin Lakes | Head towards the picturesque Lakes Basin for a 2-hour leisurely float or some fishing with a kayak or paddleboard rental – available lakeside at Tamarack Bike & Paddle. |
10:30 AM | Mammoth Scenic Loop | Head towards Mono Lake via the Scenic Loop for a winding forested drive out to Hwy 395. |
11:00 AM | Mono Basin Visitor Center | Learn about the lake's mysterious tufa towers, as well as the geology, ecology, and human history of the picturesque Mono Basin. Insider tip: check out the South Tufa Trail to experience the strange towers up close. |
1:00 PM | Lunch with a View | Stop at the Whoa Nellie Deli inside the world famous Tioga Gas Mart for Mono Lake vistas and the most gourmet food found at any gas station. |
2:30 PM | Tuolumne Meadows | Head up Tioga Road (Hwy 120) into Yosemite to explore the dome studded sub-alpine meadow and Tuolumne River. Reservations may be required, and fill quickly when in effect. Check the National Park Service website (nps.gov) for current information. |
4:30 PM | Tenaya Lake | Continue a few miles up Tioga Road to dip your toes in the crystal waters, hang out on the beach and watch the climbers on the rocks above. |
5:00 PM | Olmstead Point | A few more mils up Tioga Road, catch a glimpse of Half Dome, Clouds Rest and other prominent Yosemite peaks. |
6:00 PM | June Lake Loop | Return to Mammoth with a detour on Hwy 158, passing through the quaint fishing village and Grant, Silver, Gull and June Lakes. |
6:30 PM | Dinner | Grab a table on the patio at Vulcania in The Village for authentic Italian cooking with a modern flare complimented by a carefully curated wine and cocktail list. |
Adventure Day
Time | Activity | Description |
---|---|---|
7:30 AM | Breakfast | Fuel up for a full day of fun at The Stove on Old Mammoth Road–Mammoth's legendary breakfast joint. |
9:00 AM | Mountain Center | Grab your tickets and bike rentals in The Village, then take the Bike Park Shuttle up to the mountain. |
10:00 AM | Bike Park | Hit the beginner trails for a 2-hour family ride through the Discovery Zone. Return your gear at the Adventure Center. |
12:00 PM | Scenic Gondola Ride | Take in the Sierra sights on a ride up to the summit at 11,053 feet. Kids 12 and under ride free. |
12:30 PM | Lookout Lunch | Pull up a chair at the Eleven53 Café and enjoy lunch with 360º views. |
1:00 PM | Explore Mammoth Experience | Start at the Eleven53 Interpretive Center, then visit the on-mountain learning stations via the Panorama Gondola. |
3:30 PM | Devils Postpile National Monument | Board the shuttle (fee required) at the Adventure Center to Reds Meadow for a short hike to witness the unique natural wonder from its base. |
5:30 PM | Adventure Center | After returning from Reds Meadow area, catch the Bike Park Shuttle back down to The Village. |
6:00 PM | Dinner | Check out the newest joint in town, The Patty Shack, for one of some smash burgers, crispy fries, and mouthwatering milkshakes. |