If you don’t really like to ski, snowboard or snowshoe, you may be wondering what you are going to do to fill your time in Mammoth Lakes. Don’t worry! There are plenty of activities that get you off of Mammoth Mountain and into alternate terrain where you can find other ventures that are more suited to your interests. In this blog, we will discuss the top 3 outdoor quests for the non-skier and next week we will give you the most popular indoor places that you must visit in Mammoth Lakes. So let’s get started!
Ice Climbing: Mountain climbing is a common summer activity in Mammoth Lakes. Thousands of adventure seekers can be seen scaling the Sierra Mountains on an exhilarating quest to push themselves to the limit and reap the reward of being one of the brave who reach the top of this impressive mountain range. On the flip side of this summer pastime is a new level of extreme exploration during the winter in Mammoth Lakes. Ice climbing is an incredible journey up one of Mammoth’s spectacular frozen waterfalls at June Lake or Lee Vining Canyon. Begin by taking a two-day class to learn the basics and then hit the ice on June Lake for a beginner’s climb. Once you have a little experience under your belt, it is time to head to the canyon for some of the best ice climbing in the U.S.
Winter Fly Fishing: If solitude is calling your name, fly fishing during the winter months in Mammoth is where you will find it. This is a catch and release time of year, so you can fish until your heart is content. Trout is abundant in each of the three open fishing areas: Upper Owens River, Hot Creek and Lower Owens. Make sure to pack your artificial flies and barbless hooks, plenty of coffee and a couple snacks for a perfect day out. While you will find the most privacy on the Upper Owens, the warmest water can be found in the Lower Owens due to its lower elevation. If catching the most fish is at the top of your list, Hot Creek is known for having the most trout per square foot compared to any other body of water in California. One major warning you don’t want to forget is that the temperatures drop dramatically after dark, so you want to head back in before the sun sets.
Sightseeing by Snowmobile: There is no better way to take in the expanse of Mammoth Lakes than by snowmobile. These machines can take you along the toughest trails, unmarked backcountry, through the forest and meadows…basically anywhere you want to go! Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra’s have a rich history and you can visit historical landmarks such as the Devil’s Postpile, Bodie State Historical Park and Convict Lake. You can enjoy a guided tour along the Inyo National Forest or make your own adventure as you tour Minaret Vista, Baid Mountain and the Sherwins Range. Remember to stay on the lookout for skiers, snowshoers and others who may be sharing the same space.
