Mammoth Lakes in California's Eastern Sierra has more than 100 alpine lakes, and the biggest of them all sits at a lofty 8,920 feet: Lake Mary. Over a mile long, ringed by the dramatic Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag, and part of Inyo National Forest, it delivers the postcard mountain-lake scenery that draws people to Tahoe or Big Bear — just with more elbow room.
On-the-water fun is the main draw. Swimming isn't allowed, but kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, motorboats and pontoons are. Lake Mary Marina rents paddleboards, kayaks and canoes for roughly $70–80 for two hours, motorboats from $100 and eight-person pontoons for $295 (2.5-hour minimum). Pokonobe Lodge and Marina is the alternative, with hourly rates from $45–60 and deluxe pontoons from $175 an hour, plus a general store stocked with camping supplies, snacks and maps. Both run seasonally, so check ahead.
Anglers have a real reason to book a trip: Lake Mary receives the most trout stocking in the whole Mammoth Lakes Basin. Brown, brook and rainbow trout dominate, and trophy fish in the 10-to-12-pound range are caught here. Birders do well too — nearly 300 species have been recorded in the Eastern Sierra, from red-shouldered hawks and mountain quails to purple martins, and a pair of bald eagles is said to live along the shore. Mule deer, marmots, coyotes and black bears round out the wildlife list, so keep your distance and never feed anything.
Getting there is easier than it sounds. Seasonal flights connect Los Angeles-area travellers from Hawthorne and San Diegans from Carlsbad to Mammoth Yosemite Airport, a 20-minute drive away. Bishop's Eastern Sierra Regional Airport offers year-round service from San Francisco and winter flights from Denver, about an hour from the lake. Prefer not to drive? The Mammoth Express shuttle runs from Bishop Airport to the village, and a free summer Lakes Basin Trolley loops the lakes — with a bike trailer in tow.
Staying over is simple. Crystal Crag Lodge rents one- to four-bedroom cabins from about $215 to $494 a night in the warmer months. Campers can choose between Pine City Campground (10 first-come, first-served sites right across the road) and the bigger Lake Mary Campground, with 48 sites within walking distance. Both have flush toilets and picnic tables.
Lake Mary suits road-trippers, fishing fans and families who want Sierra Nevada scenery without Tahoe's traffic and price tag. Summer is prime time — the marinas, trolley and warm-weather rentals all depend on it — though the surrounding Mammoth area has plenty going on year-round.
