Mammoth Lakes
Overview: The Town of Mammoth Lakes is a small but lively region of only four square miles, filled with a special brand of people (population 7,093 year round residents – Census 2000) who have chosen to leave behind their urban lifestyles and experience the unique attributes of the Eastern Sierra. Incorporated in 1984, Mammoth Lakes is a relatively young town. Mammoth Lakes is located in the Inyo National Forest, of Mono County. 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 its short 100-mile drive to the valley floor. The town occupies a site in the southern half of Mono County, a stunningly diverse region of eastern California. Comprising 3,018 square miles, the County’s area is marked by the startling contrast between its eastern and western boundaries. Bounded on the west by the Sierra Nevada crest, this region is characterized by its mountains, lakes, streams and forests. Unlike the gentle, rolling escarpment west of the crest, the eastern slope of the Sierra plunges dramatically to the valley floors. This is probably the characteristic of the Eastern Sierra most obvious to the first-time visitor. The Town of Mammoth Lakes is situated in the southwestern, mountainous region of the county, and many of its trails, campgrounds and roads either abut or cross the crest of the Sierra. Included within is one of the finest ski resorts in the western United States – Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. The Town of Mammoth Lakes economy is primarily tourism-based; the importance of visitor dollars to the local economy is made clear by the existence of a functional arm of the Mammoth Lakes municipality called the Mammoth Lakes Tourism & Recreation Department. The Tourism and Recreation Department’s mission is to promote the town, increase tourism, help coordinate the marketing efforts of the total tourism community, and to provide complete, objective information to our visiting guests. The Tourism & Recreation Department in partnership with the Inyo National Forest maintains the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, a facility dedicated to providing information about the Mammoth Lakes region to walk-in customers. The mainstay of the Town’s tax revenue is the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). The 13% tax is added to the rental of any lodging facility and campgrounds for stays of less than a month. There are more than 4,774 rental units in Mammoth Lakes and the lodging industry generates around two-thirds of the Town of Mammoth Lakes gross revenue.
Visitation: It is estimated that the Town of Mammoth Lakes receives 1.3 million visitors in the winter and 1.5 million in the summer for an annual average of 2.8 million visits (May 2003). Results from the 2004 & 2007 Visitor Survey’s find an average visitor stays 5 nights per visit in the summer and 4 nights per visit in the winter for an average of 4.5 nights per visit. The average size of of a visiting party is 4.1 in the summer and 4.75 in the winter for an average of 4.425 nights per visit. Rooms: According to the transient occupancy license holders who report to the Town of Mammoth Lakes Finance Department, as of January 2007 there were 4,774 rentable units. This includes hotels/motels/inns/condominiums/bed & breakfasts/cabins and campgrounds.
Occupancy: The average annual occupancy in 2007 as reported from the lodging industry to the Town of Mammoth Lakes Finance Department was 33%. For additional information on rooms and occupancy visit the Town of Mammoth Lakes Finance Department.
Demographics: Please click here.
Location: The Town of Mammoth Lakes is located in the heart of California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range in Mono County. Mammoth Lakes is about 325 miles north of Los Angeles, and about the same distance east of San Francisco. Mammoth Lakes is about 164 miles south of Reno, NV.
Access: By automobile, Mammoth Lakes can be reached via U.S. Highway 395 from the north and south and Interstate 80 and Hwy 50 from the east and west. State Highway 120 and State Highway 108 are open in the summer months only. To see more information about traveling to and around Mammoth Lakes, view our Getting Here and Getting Around informational pages.
Elevation: The Town of Mammoth Lakes sits at an altitude of 7,800 – 8,000 feet. The surrounding mountains rise to elevations exceeding 12,000 feet.
Climate: In summer, temperatures average 75-80 degrees for a high and seldom dips below 40 for a low. Winter temperatures average 30-40 degrees for a high and 10-20 degrees for a low with mostly sunny skies.
Precipitation: Based on figures compiled for more than 20 years, snowfall at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area averages 33 feet or 400 inches (10 meters) per year.
Accommodations: There are more than 4,774 rental units in Mammoth Lakes, accommodating various size groups. This figure includes condominiums, hotels, motels, lodges, hotel condominiums, Bed & Breakfasts, and cabins.
Restaurants: With more than 65 restaurants and lounges in town, Mammoth Lakes offers a wide variety of menus. Traditional, American, Mexican, Japanese, German, Italian, Thai and French cuisine are all available. There is a restaurant in town that can satisfy any palate or budget.
Shopping: The majority of Mammoth’s retail shops and stores are located in a variety of shopping plazas: The Sierra Center Mall, Old Mammoth Mall, Main Street Plaza, Minaret Village Mall, Sherwin Plaza, Mammoth Luxury Outlet Mall and The Village at Mammoth. Items of every description can be found in town, from gourmet wines, designer clothes and sporting equipment to local art, jewelry and home furnishings.
Skiing & Snowboarding: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, one of the country’s largest resorts, is located just five miles from town. June Mountain Ski Area is located approximately 20 miles from the town of Mammoth Lakes in June Lake. Contact: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area 800-MAMMOTH (800-626-6684) or 760-934-2571. June Mountain: 888-586-3686.
Other Information: 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, Hwy 120/Tioga Pass (closed in winter), is located just 45 minutes from the The Town of Mammoth Lakes and approximately 2 ½ hours to the valley floor.
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