The Town of Mammoth lakes occupies a special place both within the history and geography of California's Eastern Sierra.The citizens are primarily strong-spirited, independent men and women who have chosen to leave behind their urban lifestyles and experience nature at its finest.
The people of Mammoth Lakes enjoy daily the finest recreational opportunities in the world--skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and all forms of winter sports seasonally; hiking, biking, motorcross, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, water skiing, tennis and golf in the summer. Of course, we believe we live in the best place in the world.
Mammoth Lakes is a relatively young town. The history of the town officially dates back to the 1800's when miners and ranchers inhabited settlements near the current town site. Mammoth got its name from the mining era, Mammoth Mining Co.
Approximately 8,000 people reside in the Mammoth Lakes area year-round. During peak season, the population can increase to 35,000 on busy weekends.
In the summer, temperatures average 75-80 degrees for a high and seldom dip below 40 for a low. Winter temperatures range from 10-40 degrees with mostly sunny skies. Based on figures compiled for more than 20 years, snowfall at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area averages 335 inches annually.
Mammoth Lakes is located in the Inyo National Forest, Mammoth Ranger District. The Town is surrounded by acres of forest and is bordered by the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas. Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance is located just 32 miles north of town and it's a short 100-mile drive to the valley floor.
Mammoth's geographic location, nearly equidistant from the major population centers of the south (San Diego about 400 miles, Los Angeles, 300 miles), the north (Reno about 150 miles), and the west (San Francisco, 300 miles) makes it a natural nucleus for winter and summer activities.
In spite of its marked change of seasons and prodigious snowfall, Mammoth's semi-arid mountain climate is unusually mild for an alpine region. The Mammoth Sierra fall is typified by a change of color in the deciduous flora, with the season's first breeze usually occurring by late September. Often, a lovely Indian Summer will follow, which may extend into the month of November.
