Sierra Nevada
Summer in Mammoth Lakes: Lakes, Hikes and Hot Springs
Plan a summer trip to Mammoth Lakes: which lakes allow swimming, the best hikes, Devils Postpile shuttle tips, nearby hot springs, and where to stay and eat.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Mammoth Lakes is 5 hours from Los Angeles, with summer highs in the 70s. See my LA to Mammoth road trip guide.
It builds on the six stops in my Mammoth reel: Convict Lake, Lake George, Emerald Lake, Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls and the Crowley Lake Stone Columns.
In This Guide
Best Time to Visit Mammoth in Summer
Summer runs mid June to mid September; July and August are best for swimming.
From the Bay Area, Tioga Pass is fastest (5 to 6 hours). It usually opens late May or June and closes with the first big fall snow.
Best Lakes in Mammoth and Which Ones Allow Swimming
The Mammoth Lakes Basin is 10 minutes up Lake Mary Road. See my Mammoth Lakes Basin guide for each lake.
Lakes Basin
Horseshoe Lake is the only basin lake that allows swimming. The others supply drinking water.
- Lake Mary: kayak, canoe and pontoon rentals
- Lake George: paddling and the Crystal Lake trailhead
- Horseshoe Lake: swimming, dogs allowed, McLeod Lake trailhead
Convict Lake and June Lake
Convict Lake, 15 minutes south, has a 2.5 mile shore loop.
June Lake, 25 minutes north, has a swimming beach.
Best Summer Hikes in Mammoth Lakes
Most trails start in the Lakes Basin or on Reds Meadow Road. Start early; afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.
Easy Hikes
Good for families or a first day at altitude.
- McLeod Lake: under a mile round trip from Horseshoe Lake
- TJ Lake: short walk from the Lake George lot
- Emerald Lake: under 2 miles round trip from Coldwater Campground
- Panorama Dome: short climb with views of town
Bigger Days
Crystal Lake is 3 miles round trip from Lake George with a steady climb. Duck Pass is a strenuous 10 miles round trip to Duck Lake.
Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls
Devils Postpile to 100 foot Rainbow Falls is 5 miles round trip, via a mandatory peak-season shuttle from the Adventure Center.
Check nps.gov/depo for road status.
Natural Hot Springs Near Mammoth
Natural hot springs in the Long Valley Caldera are on public land 20 to 30 minutes southeast of town.
- Wild Willy’s (Crowley Hot Springs): boardwalk to natural pools
- Hilltop Hot Springs: small tub with a Sierra view
- Crab Cooker and Rock Tub: small tubs off dirt roads near Benton Crossing Road
- Keough’s Hot Springs near Bishop: developed, fee-based pool
More Summer Things to Do in Mammoth
The Panorama Gondola goes to the 11,053 foot summit of Mammoth Mountain, which runs a lift-served bike park in summer.
Minaret Vista is good at sunset.
Where to Stay in Mammoth in Summer
Summer rates are lower than winter, but July and August weekends fill.
Tamarack Lodge is on Twin Lakes. The Westin Mammoth is in The Village, and Juniper Springs Resort has condos. See my Mammoth and June Lake cabin guide.
Where to Eat and Drink in Mammoth
Coffee: Black Velvet Coffee or Stellar Brew. Beer: Mammoth Brewing Company; dinner: Toomey’s or Roberto’s Café for Mexican.
In June Lake, try June Lake Brewing and Ohanas 395.
Summer Safety in Mammoth
Use bear boxes, never leave food in the car and carry a bear canister when backpacking. See my bear safety guide.
Check air quality for wildfire smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mammoth Lakes worth visiting in summer?
Yes. Summer has alpine lakes, hiking, mountain biking and hot springs, with highs in the 70s.
Can you swim in the Mammoth Lakes Basin?
Only at Horseshoe Lake; the other basin lakes supply drinking water. June Lake, 25 minutes north, has a swimming beach.
Do you need a shuttle to get to Devils Postpile?
In peak summer, most visitors must ride the Reds Meadow shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center. Check nps.gov/depo for storm-related closures.
Can you swim at Hot Creek?
No. Water temperatures there can change suddenly and dangerously. Soak at springs like Wild Willy’s instead.
How cold is Mammoth in summer?
Highs are usually in the 70s and nights in the 40s. Bring a warm layer.
Destination guide
My Mammoth hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
