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20 Jun 2023
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Best of Mammoth

The first day of summer is tomorrow and we could not be more excited! Summers in Mammoth Lakes are incredible, and if you’ve only ever experienced our area in colder months, you’re in for a real treat this year. 

Here are 6 things we’re looking forward to for 2023 summer in Mammoth Lakes!

The chance to put away our winter clothes

The annual wardrobe swap from winter to summer clothes is something of a ritual around here. Of course, the most seasoned locals already made the change months ago. You might even have seen them walking around town in shorts at the first sign of spring! 

But for most of us, this is when we know for sure that we can wash and fold all of our winter clothes for a few months in storage. 

If you’re not sure what to wear in summer in Mammoth Lakes, here are a few of our staples:

  • Long shorts or lightweight, loose-fitting hiking pants. Even though the temperatures are climbing, it’s still a good idea to wear clothes that will protect you from bugs, sage brush, and other hazards.

  • Warmer layers. When the sun goes down, it can still get pretty chilly in the mountains! A light fleece jacket is a great summer staple.

  • A hat. We locals all have our favorite summer hat, whether it’s a baseball cap or a hiking sun hat. 

The return of summer wildlife

A sure sign of summer is the return of wildlife in the Eastern Sierra. And we’re thrilled when we start seeing mule deer, bears, and migrating birds that we’ve missed during the long winter months. 

Here are a few of the places that are great for wildlife viewing in Mammoth Lakes:

  • Crowley Lake. This large reservoir lake located just south of Mammoth is the ideal place to observe migratory birds and other wildlife. Every year, a variety of gulls, shorebirds, and ducks are found enjoying the summer months here alongside fishermen and campers.

  • Sherwin Creek Trail. From the parking lot to the end of the trail at Valentine’s Lake, the Sherwin Creek Trail is a great place for wildlife viewing. Our recommendation is to go early in the morning before the trail gets really busy. That way, you’ll have a better chance of catching glimpses of deer. The area between Sherwin Creek Road and the 203 highway is well-known mountain lion territory. While you’re unlikely to see these big cats, you might be lucky enough to see their tracks.

  • Mammoth Golf Course. You actually don’t have to venture out of town to enjoy some summer wildlife viewing. Every time you drive past one of Mammoth’s golf courses, keep an eye out for the animals who love to hang out in these perfectly kept grounds, from coyotes to deer to bears.

Some things to keep in mind with this year’s wildlife viewing is that our heavy winter has certainly impacted our wild neighbors. In some areas, like meadows, the plants will thrive thanks to abundant water runoff. That means these locations will be prime viewing places for deer and birds. But, because much of our area is still covered in snow, we may see more animals on trails, roads, and cleared campgrounds. Always keep a safe distance from wild animals and don’t leave food for them to find.

The wildflowers!

One of the things that is going to set summer 2023 apart from other years is the wildflower season. In fact, the super bloom is already in effect! Larkspur, lupine, desert peach, mule ears, and paintbrush are just some of the wildflower species you can find blooming right now. 


If you can’t make it up to Mammoth Lakes to see the spectacle right now, don’t worry. There’s still a lot of snowpack at higher elevations, which means that the wildflowers that thrive up high will have their own show later in the season. You’ll just have to hike a bit to see them. 

Summer festivals and events

Contrary to popular belief, Mammoth isn’t only known for its amazing skiing and snowboarding. Summer here is a hotspot for festivals, sporting events, and community gatherings. Here are just a few that we’re excited about in 2023:

Warm weather sports

Many of us locals are pretty active people, and we take advantage of every drop of sunlight we can get during the summer months. Whether we’re swimming in arctic lakes, mountain biking, rock climbing, peak bagging or simply enjoying a stroll on the Mammoth Creek Trail, we love to stay moving. And, there’s no better motivation than good weather.

Take a look at our recent article, Spring 2023 Hiking Tips for the Eastern Sierra, to learn how we’re prioritizing safety in all of our outdoor activities.

Fishing

Fishing season starts in April, but it continues to be one of our favorite activities throughout summer. In fact, because we’ve had to wait longer than usual for our favorite fishing spots to thaw out, this is one activity that we expect to keep getting better as temperatures rise.

One thing to keep in mind is that we’re anticipating a very buggy season this year. The bad news is, of course, battling mosquitoes and gnats. On the other hand, a boom in insects will lead to a feeding frenzy for fish when the time is right.

Throughout the 2023 summer months, please be extra cautious around water in the Sierras. Snow runoff has drastically changed our creeks and rivers, so even experienced anglers are at risk this year. Have fun, but don’t let your dream of catching the big one cloud your judgment!

What are you most looking forward to in Mammoth this summer?

After such a relentless winter, we’re so excited to enjoy summer in Mammoth. This is our time to relax, recharge, and truly enjoy all that the Eastern Sierra has to offer. 

If you’re looking for lodging for your summer getaway in the mountains, take a look at what we have available at Mammoth Mountain Reservations. We’re excited to chat with you about what you’re most excited about for summer 2023, and we’re happy to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!