If not now, then when?
This summer started quickly with a century ride around Lake Tahoe. The 100 mile ride called “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride” really is stunning. It is very popular with at least 4,000 riders. Everyone was friendly and positive with some tasty food along the way.
Tahoe’s – America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride
Mammoth Lakes Fun
Mammoth Lakes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a favorite summer vacation destination. It is beautiful, low key, cool summer temps, and has many activities for all ages. This year we rented a studio condominium for the week at Mammoth Estates. Here are just a few ideas to get started exploring this amazing gem in the Sierras.
Climb Duck Pass
Trip Date: June 6, 2016
Distance: 7.2 miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 1769′
Summit Elevation: 10,835′
Season: Spring, summer, and fall
Difficulty: Class 1 trail
Trail Head: Start from the parking area at the southeastern end of the Coldwater Campground by Lake Mary
View the Sunset from Minaret Summit
Get the latest sunset time from Google, then head out to Minaret Summit parking area. The parking area is just a mile up from the Mammoth Ski Lodge. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before The sunset time to fully enjoy the grandeur of the location.
Climb Crystal Crag
Trip Date: June 7, 2016
Distance: 3.4 miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 1521′
Summit Elevation: 10,221′
Season: Summer and fall
Difficulty: Strenuous with trail and class 3 rock scrambling with exposure
Trail Head: Lake George
Extra Information: Crystal Crag is a beautiful icon in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Golf at Sierra Star Golf Course
Website: Sierra Star Golf Course
Information: Great customer service, beautiful course with stunning views on every hole, narrow and challenging course, and immaculate grounds.
More Day Excursions Around Mammoth
Places to Eat, Shop, and Stay
- Mammoth Mountaineering
- Footloose
- zpizza
- Looney Bean
- Toomey’s
- Mammoth Estates
- Mammoth Brewery
- Kittredge Sports
- Mountain Rambler Brewery
Thank you for the Duck Pass recommendation! This is the first trip to the Mammoth area for my wife and I and so far this hike is the highlight. We did it today and couldn’t stop – had to go to the far end of Duck Lake to take in all the vantage points. The flowers were impressive in addition to the lakes and big vistas. We took the side loop by Emerald Lake on the return and were rewarded with bonus views of the Mammoth Crest. Thanks again and happy hiking (scrambling) to you!
Those are really beautiful places for an adventure. What a view!
It was exquisite!!!
Hey Rockin’, cool to see what you are up to this summer. How long does it take to do the century around Lake Tahoe?
Hey Warren,
It took us about 8 hours with all the food stops along the way. This summer is proving to be difficult and epic. Hope your plans are coming together. We love hearing from you!
What a great start to another adventurous summer! Thanks for all the tips about day excursions near Mammoth; I referred to your previous recommendations for our family trip last year. Now if we can just get back to Northern California again soon! It’s a long way from Florida…
You are so welcome! and great news. It is nice to know the ideas helped in your trip planning. Hope your summer is starting off to a good start.