Mammoth Fun
This Eastern Sierra playground offers endless outdoor fun—
and it’s an absolute must for mountain bikers!

By Jason Adair


There are several kinds of people who love the outdoors. On one end of the spectrum are those who really love to get out in the middle of nowhere under their own steam, climb every mountain, ford every stream, and watch the sun set atop a rocky crag that might never have been touched by another human. At the other end are those who love the idea of being out in nature, but, when it comes right down to it, they would gladly trade that sunset hike and mountain stream for a soft bed and a hot shower. No matter where each member of your family falls on this spectrum, Mammoth has something for everyone.

No longer just a winter resort, Mammoth is now a year-round vacation destination. Its biggest draw has to be the incredible mountain biking playground that is Mammoth Mountain Bike Park. It offers over 100 miles of trails (including seven new freeride trails built in the last two seasons), accessible by gondola lift, for mountain bikers and dirt jumpers of every ability.

Situated on the rim of the Long Valley Caldera, about 5½ hours from Sacramento, Mammoth is surrounded by some of the most scenic hiking in California. For those families with younger children, or those who prefer a nice walk to a hike, the state park has a shuttle service that can take you to several trailheads within the park. One of the easier trails takes you on a short hike to a place called Devils Postpile. This naturally occurring 60 foot high basalt formation looks like nothing you’ve ever seen in nature. It looks like a geometric Play-Doh sculpture, and is an absolute must-see.

The first time my family went there (we can’t go to Mammoth without going back), we skipped the trail that goes to the top of the formation. Don’t make that mistake! Walking on top of the Postpile—like walking around on some giant, mythic tortoise shell—is even weirder and more wonderful than seeing it from below. Here are some more fun things to do with the kids:

• Climb- The Adventure Center’s Climbing Rock offers 35 vertical feet for beginner and intermediate rock climbers of all ages, plus a climbing wall just for little kids.
• Zip- The Zip Line's 100 feet of “wheee!” lets kids 13 and under sail over a small creek behind the Adventure Center while parents watch and smile along.
• Ride- The gondola lift offers panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra landscape, including the Minarets, Mono Lake, and 400 miles of mountain peaks. Once at the top, you can access hiking and biking trails, take a complimentary Naturalist Tour or visit the Sierra Interpretive Center. Kids (12 and under) ride free with a paying adult.

As for lodging, the Village at Mammoth offers reduced room rates in the off-season, plus hot tubs, a pool, shopping and restaurants. There are also camping facilities for those who truly love roughing it and are happy to trade their hot shower and soft bed for the rare pleasures of a cool stream and an alpine view.


Mammoth’s Summer Season Kicks Off June 21
Hike, bike, fish, climb, play, rest and relax! A 1-day Park Pass (including access to bike trails, gondola, and shuttle service throughout the park) is $20 for children (12 & under) and $39 for adults. For other rates, packages and more information, call 1-800-MAMMOTH or visit www.MammothMountain.com.