Hiking
All hikes listed below can start out your Tamarack front door. Stop by the front desk for maps and expert advice on local favorites.
From Twin Lakes
- Panorama Dome: easy, scenic half-mile hike across the dome for expansive view of Mammoth; trailhead is on Lake Mary Road 100 yards past the turnoff to Tamarack Lodge.
- Twin Lakes to Mammoth Mountain: 3 miles uphill; climb 2,500 feet in elevation for the rare opportunity to summit Mammoth from the backside; trailhead is over the bridge and at the far end of the campground loop road.
From Coldwater Campground
- Mammoth Consolidated Mine and Heart Lake: find the mining company buildings less than a quarter mile from the upper parking area; continue a mile past them to Heart Lake.
- Emerald Lake and Sky Meadows: gentle three-quarter mile trail to Emerald Lake and two miles to wildflower-rich Sky Meadows; trailhead starts from the campground's upper parking area
- Duck Pass: get your heart pumping on this five-mile uphill switchback to the deepest-blue lake you've ever seen; pass Arrowhead, Skelton and Barney Lakes on the way; there are more lakes and meet-up with the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail for endless exploring; trailhead starts from the campground's upper parking area.
From Lake George
- TJ and Barrett Lakes: short and sweet moderate hike is half mile to Barrett Lake and three-quarter mile to TJ; trailhead from Lake George parking area.
- Crystal Lake and Mammoth Crest: climb high for great views of the Lakes Basin; 1.5 miles to the lake and three to the crest; trailhead from Lake George parking area.
From Horseshoe Lake
- Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail: a mellow one-mile loop around the lake; mountain bikes ok
- McLeod Lake: great with kids and dogs because it's short (half-mile) with gradual uphill and a great ending at a lovely lakeside picnic beach; these catch-and-release waters are swimming with cutthroat trout.
- Crater Meadows and Red Cones: trail continues beyond McLeod Lake to provide a 3.5 mile tour of the backside of Mammoth Crest.
Other Adventures
Want to check out more of Mammoth? Getting to the heart of the summertime action is easy for guests staying at Tamarack Lodge. Grab a seat on the shuttle system or follow the scenic drive up to the Mammoth Adventure Center, and in a few minutes you'll be at the center of it all:
- Mountain Bike Park
- Scenic Gondola Rides
- Climbing Wall & Zip Line
- Top of the Sierra
- Reds Meadow Shuttle
- Yodler Bar & Pub
- June thru September
More shopping and dining: Explore the vibrancy of Mammoth just 2.5 miles downhill at The Village , the place for free summer events like live music and Movies Under The Stars.
Around the Area
- Sierra Star Golf Course
- Yosemite National Park
- Devils Postpile
- Music Festivals