Mammoth Lakes, California, is the only incorporated city in its county, and is one of the best vacation destinations of its kind in California. Offering activities of all types, such as canoeing, dog sledding, golfing, and off-roading, Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful vacation spot for someone who wants to experience the outdoors.

Rock climbing is offered in many forms, from simple short climbs along the Owens River Gorge to challenging climbs among the towering Sierra peaks. If you have little or no rock climbing experience, there are several schools available to help in instructing you to become more skilled. There is also the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center, which is a safe way to get started, having special equipment available to aid those thirteen and under.

Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating are another few popular pastimes in Mammoth Lakes. The lakes and streams in that area are typically very serene, making it an ideal place to go for a relaxing paddle, as well as a great place to try and hook a trophy-winning trout. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and fishing boats are all available to rent.

One popular thing to do at Mammoth Lakes is exploring the area via hot air balloon. One company, Mammoth Balloon Adventures, offers one hour hot air balloon rides around the Sierra Mountains at sunrise.

There are more than 800 campsites in the Mammoth Lakes area, many of them located in near alpine lakes or streams. Many are open all year and have very long limits on stays, making them an ideal place to stay while you explore more of the Mammoth Lakes region. If you do not want to rough it, there are plenty of vacation homes, cabins and furnished rentals nearby.

One of the most challenging alpine courses in the world is in the Mammoth Lakes, the Sierra Star Golf Course. It is a par-71 course, featuring tree-lined fairways, well-trapped greens, tranquil lakes as water traps, and a spectacular mountain view as a backdrop for all of it. There are also two very nice tennis courts, offering the ability to play from dawn to dusk surrounded by scenic mountain scenery.

Mammoth Mountain is, without question, one of the finest mountains in the world for snowboarding and skiing. Over 350 inches of snow fall on the summit, making the 3,500 acres of rideable terrain enjoyable for boarding or skiing. There are areas ideal for all skill levels, from wide-open bowls to steep chutes. There is also the Family Fun Park, created by Canyon Lodge, which is a great area to hone your skills.

One activity that is relatively unexpected is the presence of several swimming locations. There is Horseshoe Lake, which is the only lake in the area that permits swimming, since the other lakes provide the town’s drinking water. There is also Whitmore Pool, which is fed by the natural hot springs nearby. The pool has full facilities, from a children’s pool to barbecue, and is open from June through September.

There are dozens of other activities in the Mammoth Lakes area, making it one of the best places in the Sierra Mountains for a fun vacation that isn’t focused on doing one activity or another. Depending on your mood for that day, you could either go snowboarding, a nice walk, or simply lounge in a mountain-side restaurant, all with equal ease.

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