Mammoth Road Trip for Summer or Wintertime Fun
With beautiful views of towering mountain peaks, a Mammoth road trip through the Eastern Sierras will have most passengers stoked for a big weekend of riding at Mammoth Mountain.
Along the way, you’ll find great campgrounds, hiking, and some of the best rock climbing in the world! In addition, you’ll pass Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the continental United States. More on how to apply for a permit to hike Whitney in a bit.
Haven’t packed up for a road trip lately? Pull up our road trip checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need!
Places to visit on Your Mammoth Road Trip
- June Lake
- Yosemite National Park
- Mono Lake
- Owens River Gorge
- Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
- Mount Whitney
Before we dive in further, if you’re really interested in visiting Yosemite National Park, read our Yosemite Blog! In addition, keep in mind that access to Yosemite via Route 395/Tioga Pass is often closed from October through June or later due to snow.
What’s Included in this Mammoth Road Trip Guide
Whether you’ll be based in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, or elsewhere, this guide will help you make the most of your trip. We’ll cover:
- Camping and Accommodations
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Mountain Biking, Gravel, and Road Cycling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Hot Springs
- Food & Nightlife
Road trips along the 395 are one of our favorite ways to see California’s Eastern Sierras.
1. Camping and Accommodations on Your Road Trip to Mammoth
Both Mammoth Lakes and Bishop have a range of hotels, Airbnb’s, and camping options that will suit every budget. If you have an insulated camper van or RV, you can enjoy year-round camping throughout the area. However, if you’ll be road-tripping with just a tent, camping will be challenging in the winter months. Therefore, an Airbnb or hotel might be your best bet if you’re driving up to ski or snowboard!
Either way, we’re always surprised by the amount of RVs and sprinter vans parked in the lots at Mammoth Mountain in the wintertime!
Top Camping Spots for your Mammoth road trip
Mammoth Lakes Camping
First, a warning. You cannot camp or park your RV/van/sprinter overnight in any of the Mammoth Mountain parking lots in the wintertime. In addition, you cannot park on the streets from November 1st to April 30th.
So if you’re heading up to ski, check with Mammoth Mountain for accommodations or try the Mammoth Mountain RV Park & Campground where they offer year-round camping options.
If your Mammoth road trip will be in the summertime, or at least between May through October, Twin Lakes Campground and Lake Mary Campground are our favorites. Need a break from camp? A great place to check out nearby is the Tamarack Lodge for cocktails or dining!
Here you will find incredible views of the mountains, easy access to hiking and biking trails, lakes (very chilly ones) to swim in, and you’ll be at over 9,000ft! Here’s more info on camping in Mammoth Lakes.
June Lake Camping
June Lake is our second choice for camping. However, you’ll only find these campgrounds open May through October, or whenever the snow is cleared.
You will find several campgrounds located on June Lake, Gull Lake, and Silver Lake. Reversed Creek Campground and Gull Lake Campground are two of our favorites. They do not get booked as quickly as the June Lake campground, so both are good places to check out if everything else seems full. Plus, you can still walk or pedal into town from your campsite!
Bishop Camping
There are lots of campgrounds in the Bishop area, and staying here in the winter to camp is a little bit easier as you’re only at about 4,000ft so it will be warmer. You can find lots of dispersed camping in Pine Creek Canyon, Upper Rock Creek, in the Coyote Mountains, family-friendly accommodations at Bishop Park, and walk-in camping at Table Mountain Group Camp.
If you want to camp by hot springs, Keoughs Hot Springs Resort, just south of Bishop, offers great camping spots along with easy access to showers and a pool fed by thermal waters!
Lee Vining Camping
The tiny town of Lee Vining borders Mono Lake and is at the Eastern entrance to Yosemite National Park. In addition, it is a very popular camp spot for those wishing to explore both areas plus Mammoth Lakes. From here you can also view the Mono Craters, the remnants of the great glaciers that carved out the Sierra Mountains!
The Lower Lee Vining Campground is located along Tioga Pass Road. However, it’s at 7,300 ft., so make sure to check the website to ensure it’s open before driving up. Depending on snow conditions, Tioga Pass Road is often closed until June, sometimes July!
Yosemite National Park Camping
Searching for camping in Yosemite National Park? Well, so is everyone else. To say that camping is extremely competitive within Yosemite National Park is an understatement. Check Recreation.gov to book a campsite well in advance of your road trip.
You can camp with your pup at most places, but keep in mind you cannot bring them onto the mountain at Mammoth or June, nor on the trails in National Parks.
Best Time of Year to Camp on a Mammoth Road Trip
Spring, summer, and fall are the best times of year to camp on a Mammoth road trip. When the fishing season begins in April, and then certainly in July and August, you will find less availability for campsites. If you choose not to make reservations in advance on Recreation.gov or ReserveCalifornia.com be prepped to find dispersed camping, or book a hotel or Airbnb.
If you want to visit when the trees change color, fall is gorgeous in the eastern Sierras! However, it will be chilly in the evenings and early mornings, so plan accordingly!
How to Prepare for Bears on Your Mammoth Road Trip
Another very important thing to keep in mind when in Mammoth is that this is bear country. Therefore, you must lock ALL scented items in your bearbox at the campsite. And even if you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb in Mammoth, it’s wise not to leave trash outside, or any food in your car.
Besides food, this means toiletries, lip balm, gum, utensils, sunblock…basically, anything that might smell like food. The very last thing you want is to be woken up at 3am by a momma bear digging through your trash can, your cooler, or your tent with you still in it!!
Will you be dispersed camping? Well then buy a bear box or bear canisters at REI, or learn how to hang your food. Not only do bears sniff out your greasy camp stove but we’ve had all sorts of animals invade our camp. Marmots, deer, goats, chipmunks, squirrels, and raccoons! Some during broad daylight, and while we were sitting at the campsite!
2. Skiing and snowboarding on your Mammoth road trip
Mammoth Mountain is a huge ski resort with every type of terrain a skier or snowboarder could dream of. Plus, they get an abundance of snow and the Ikon Pass gets you unlimited access!
Looking for something smaller and less crowded? Locals favor June Mountain over Mammoth on the weekends as it’s also on the Ikon Pass. More options? The Badger Pass Ski Area is in Yosemite National Park, however, it’s on the western side of the Sierras.
If you’d like to explore the backcountry around Mammoth Lakes, check out our blog post on preparing for backcountry adventures to get tons of tips on books to read and courses to attend before heading out!
PREPPING FOR BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE TRAVEL
If you’re a snowboarder, accessing the backcountry in areas like Mammoth can be challenging, so you’ll need to go with a guide for the best experience.
3. GRAVEL, road cycling, and Mountain Biking at Mammoth
If you’re visiting during the summer months, the mountain biking here is epic!! In addition, the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is world-class. Both on the mountain and in town you will be able to rent mountain bikes, helmets, and everything else you’d need for a day of riding the lift-accessed trails.
Not really into the downhill thing? Well, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Bishop all have trails that are accessible without using ski lifts. In addition, both gravel and road cyclists will enjoy all the beautiful, yet almost deserted roads just off the 395. Our favorite big roads for climbing and of course sweeping descents are:
- Whitney Portal Road (The road up to the start of the Mt. Whitney trailhead in Lone Pine, CA)
- White Mountain Road (Leads to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest east of Bishop, CA)
- Horseshoe Meadows Road (Access to Horseshoe Meadows Campground at over 10,000ft near Lone Pine, CA)
- Rock Creek Road (Try Upper and Lower Rock Creek, off the 395 Toms Place exit)
- Movie Flat Road, Alabama Hills (dozens of movies were filmed here near Lone Pine, CA)
4. Fishing on Your Mammoth Road Trip
The Eastern Sierras are chock-full of streams and lakes where several species of trout, perch, and bass can be found. It’s also one of a few spots where you can find the elusive Golden Trout!
Be sure to purchase a fishing license and check the local regulations. Certain areas are off-limit, while others require the use of barbless hooks and artificial flies or lures.
Top Three Fishing Spots (and also just Beautiful Places to Visit!)
Lake Crowley
One of the most popular lakes for catching large trout is Lake Crowley. You can fish from the shore, rent kayaks or a boat and enjoy this manmade reservoir that’s teeming with trout!
Convict Lake
Touted as one of the most beautiful lakes in California, Convict Lake is easy to access and has Mount Morrison as a beautiful backdrop. Convict Lake gets its name from a famous shootout between a group of convicts and a posse of bounty hunters.
Today, visitors enjoy Convict Lake for camping, hiking, and, of course, fishing. You can catch big trout from the shore, by boat, canoe, or kayak. In addition, you can relax and simply paddle around on your SUP or float tube.
Owens River
The longest river in the Eastern Sierra and one of the best for trout fishing is the Owens River. The Upper Owens River is where most of the action is, with unusually large fish being pulled out year-round.
Fly fishing on the Owens River outside of Mammoth Lakes, CA.
5. Hiking & Trail Running near Mammoth
With low humidity and temperatures in the mid-70s, June-August is the best time to go hiking and trail running in the Mammoth area. But always be prepared for snow at high elevations.
Although the air is relatively cool, the high elevation and dry air can increase your risk of sunburn and dehydration. Therefore, be sure to bring sunblock and drink plenty of water!
best Hiking And Trail Runs on your mammoth road trip
Rainbow Falls via Devil’s Postpile
The Rainbow Falls Trail is 4.8 miles out and back hike that takes you past Devil’s Postpile. This area alone draws hundreds of visitors each day to walk across the rock formations or hexagonal ‘postpiles’.
The Rainbow Falls Trail is suitable for all runners, hikers, and dogs on leash are welcome. However, the trail will most likely be closed all winter as is the road to Devil’s Postpile.
Lundy Canyon Trail
Closer to Lee Vining, the Lundy Canyon Trail is a lightly trafficked 5.5 miles out and back trail. We recommend this trail if you’re traveling in the early Fall as you’ll see the leaves changing colors, wildflowers, waterfalls, and even a famed beaver dam. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Mt. Whitney via the Mount Whitney Trail
The Mount Whitney Trail is a 21.9-mile strenuous hike that summits Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the lower 48. This being said, some might feel you need to be an experienced rock climber and have proper climbing gear. While there are technical climbing routes on Whitney, there is a 3rd class route that can be summited without climbing gear.
Mt. Whitney permits are required for those who plan to camp overnight and become available via lottery in February. Didn’t quite plan that far ahead? You can still do the hike, or others nearby up to gorgeous alpine lakes, you just cannot camp. Check in at the Lone Pine Ranger Station for last-minute openings for a Whitney Trail permit!
The John Muir Trail
Often another bucket list hike is the 211-mile John Muir Trail from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney. The trail runs mainly in conjunction with the Pacific Crest Trail or most often called the PCT.
On the hike, you’ll pass through both the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, and of course Yosemite National Park. Get all the details about permits and preparation on the PCT website!
High above the Valley floor, hiking and rock climbing in Tuolumne Meadows is another great option as it provides incredible views and fewer crowds.
6. Rock Climbing near Mammoth Lakes
When it comes to rock climbing near Mammoth, Yosemite National Park is not only the best in Sierras, it’s one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world! You could spend your whole life climbing here and not discover all that Yosemite has to offer.
However, there are also many places to go trad or sport climbing near Mammoth Lakes. From Pine Creek to Owens River Gorge to the imposing Mammoth Crest! There are several local guidebooks by Marty Lewis, with thousands of routes described in great detail. It also includes tons of pictures, diagrams, and maps of how to get to each climbing area.
Best Time Of Year To Climb
For rock climbers, the colder and drier the rock is, the better. This is because cold, dry weather produces more friction between your skin and the rock. Bishop tends to stay fairly cool and dry, so climbing is great from October through May. After May, head to higher elevations near Pine Creek Canyon, Mammoth Lakes or Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park.
Top Spots for Rock Climbing Near Mammoth Lakes
Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park
If you’re interested in climbing skip the crowded Yosemite Valley and head for Tuolumne Meadows. Here you’ll find fewer crowds, cooler temps, and a greater chance of scoring a campsite!
In addition, if you think Yosemite climbing is all about Half Dome and El Capitan, think again. Tuolumne Meadows has hundreds of both trad and sport routes, and dozens of boulder problems.
The classics in Tuolumne include Tenaya, Matthes Crest, and Cathedral Peak. We also love the roadside access of Stately Dome and Daft Dome. Plus you can swim in Tenaya Lake when you finish up!
The Buttermilks and Happy & Sad Boulders
These are some of the most famous bouldering spots in Bishop. The Buttermilks boast big quartz monzonite boulders with polished patina crimps as well as sharp edges.
Just twenty minutes away from the Buttermilks you can find the Happy & Sad Boulders, a formation of volcanic tablelands. Here you’ll find hundreds of world-class boulder routes.
Owens River Gorge & Pine Creek
According to Mountain Project, the Owens River Gorge is the most concentrated sport-climbing area. This makes it a great stop for sport climbers of all levels.
However, this area is often crowded in the Spring and Fall, and super hot in the summer. Therefore, you might want to head up in elevation to Pine Creek Canyon where you’ll find hundreds of routes that are both sport and trad climbing. Both areas are often climbable all year round, but summer temps can be close to 100 degrees in the Gorge!
Our group on the summit of Daft Dome with Fairview Dome in the background. Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, CA.
7. Visiting Hot Springs on Your Mammoth Road Trip
One of our favorite stops while on a Mammoth road trip is visiting the hot springs along Route 395. Some of these geothermal pools are natural, they are small and often hidden, making it even more exciting when you arrive and can have one all to yourself!
Nothing beats a soak in the hot springs after a long day of hiking, climbing, or skiing at Mammoth Mountain!
Best Time Of Year For Hot Springs
Cold weather makes the hot springs feel more luxurious, so we recommend visiting in winter, fall, and spring. However, heavy snowfall might prevent you from getting there! In addition, many of the hot springs are clothing optional, so be prepared if you have little kids in tow!
Top Hot Springs to Visit on Your Mammoth Lakes Road Trip
Wild Willy’s, the Crab Cooker, and Hilltop Hot Springs
Close to the Mammoth Airport, Wild Willy’s Hot Springs and Hilltop Hot Springs are the easiest to find in the area. Mostly all can be seen on Google or Apple Maps. Be prepared to walk a bit down a dirt road, muddy or snow-covered path, or along a series of boardwalks to get out to each of the pools.
In addition, there’s no shelter from the sun and they are very rustic (think rock-like bathtub in a cow pasture). However, the incredible views of the Sierras and the stars coming out at sunset can’t be beaten!
Old Benton Hot Springs
The Old Benton Hot Springs is a private spot with a motel, thermal-fed hot tubs, and a historic mining town. We would not recommend traveling here unless you are heading east via Highway 120 and Highway 6. In addition, you have to be a motel guest to access the hot tubs.
Keough Hot Springs
Keough Hot Springs Resort is just off the 395 near Bishop. You’ll find an old pool house with two pools fed by the natural hot springs or you can head a bit down the road where the primitive pools lay. Keough’s also offers a snack stand, changing rooms, showers, and camping!
Travertine Hot Springs
If you have the time, Travertine Hot Springs is a great destination. These all-natural hot springs have a beautiful view, and there are several pools where you can relax and enjoy.
The Travertine Hot Springs is closer to Bridgeport, which is an hour north of Mammoth Lakes. However, it’s worth the trip if you are coming from or continuing north to Lake Tahoe!
The Travertine Hot Springs is also a great place to stop if you’re planning to visit Bodie State Historic Park. Bodie is an old gold mining town turned ghost town with still beautifully intact buildings that once housed 10,000 residents!
Mammoth Lakes at night, as seen from Wild Willy’s Hot Springs.
8. Food & Nightlife on your Mammoth Road Trip
Though we all love the great outdoors, no trip is complete without some great food and local craft brews. We enjoy preparing our own feast at the campsite, but sometimes we do head into town when we are out of food or too tired to cook! Here are some great options for every budget.
Best food and drinks in Mammoth Lakes:
Try the Village at Mammoth Lakes for a few different restaurants and bar options. We love Shelter Distilling for food and beverages aprés ski! The Clocktower Cellar and the Sierra Bar are also fun spots with good pub food! And then Mammoth Brewing Company is another classic.
With the fam? Try Mammoth Rock n’ Bowl!
Our hands-down favorite aprés ski bar is the Lincoln Bar at Canyon Lodge at Mammoth Mountain. Finish your last run of the day here on Friday or Saturday, grab a Mammoth Mocha, and be ready to dance or just bob along with the crowd as the DJ turns the music up!
Best Food & Drinks In Bishop:
No road trip to Mammoth is complete without a stop at the OG Schat’s Bakery in Bishop! And if you want a great sandwich or stocking up on road trip snacks, try Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Need a strong cocktail after a long day’s drive? Owen’s Valley Distilling Company is a cozy bar off the beaten path! Want a bigger, fancy meal? Try the Whiskey Creek Steakhouse.
Wishing You Safe & Happy Adventures in Mammoth
If you’ve never traveled along the 395 through Bishop to Mammoth Lakes, I hope this inspires you to add it to your adventure list! And if you’ve been a dozen times, I hope this guide gives you some new ideas.
Want more adventure tips and travel destinations? Check out some of our other travel blogs here:
- Cuba Libre: Travel Tips for Outdoor Adventurers
- Backpacking in the Wind River Range, Wyoming
- San Diego: America’s Finest City
To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Until next time, happy road-tripping!
– Meredith McConvill, Top Rope Media
thats a sweet van!
It’s an amazing van that should come with a fact sheet of its amazing-ness. I think it’s also time to pull it out on the open road again soon!