Embracing the Chill in Mammoth Lakes, California: The Perfect Fall Leaf-Peeping Road Trip

Mammoth Lakes is located along the 395 highway in the Eastern Sierras of California, about 3.5 hours south of Reno (NV) and 5 hours from Los Angeles. Most visitors drive down from the Lake Tahoe area or up from LA, but you can also fly into the Mammoth (Yosemite) Airport (MMH), which is only 10 minutes from town. The closest major airport is in Reno (RNO).

The best time to visit Mammoth for leaf-peeping is mid-October, the second or third weeks of the month. Though peak leaf time changes every year. It is best to check with the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (they also have a great Instagram account @visitmammoth) before you go, and for the best trip planning tips.

I recommend finding lodging in Mammoth Lakes, whether just off the highway, in the village or up closer to the lakes or mountains. If you are looking for something historic and rustic, the Tamarack Lodge & Resort is the perfect choice. For something more modern, check out the Westin Monache. And if you’re looking for more of a condo feel, I highly recommend Condos 1829 (which can be booked on VRBO) or somewhere right in the village for convenience.

Your days in Mammoth Lakes can be as relaxed or as busy as you’d like. Our main activity was leaf-peeping via a number of local hikes. Going north, our favorite hike was Lundy Canyon. Heading south, we loved Little Lakes Valley, McGee Creek, and Rock Creek, as well as the drive up to South Lake (which you can reach by turning south off the 168 highway, just before Aspendell). And then right in Mammoth, we loved seeing all the lakes, but enjoyed the hike to Heart Lake as something special. And you can bring your dogs with you on all these hikes, if you like!

Other activities you should check out while in Mammoth include the hot springs (try Travertine or Buckeye near Bridgeport, or Rock Tub just south of Mammoth). You can visit the Bodie State Historic Park, Mono Basin & Visitor Center, drive the June Lake Loop or take a mug of hot cocoa to the Minaret Vista at sunset. Finally, one thing that will definitely be on our list next visit is to rent e-bikes and take them up the Mammoth Lakes canyon past every lake. Though the dogs won’t be with us for that excursion;)

And if you’re there for more than three days, you could even consider popping up to Yosemite National Park, of course, entering through the eastern Tioga Pass gate.

When I visited Mammoth Lakes in the fall, my group cooked most of our dinners ourselves, at our condo. But there are always a few restaurants and watering holes we are sure to hit up. Tamarack Lodge is a great spot for a cocktail in the early evening. A great spot for brews (& trivia) is Mammoth Brewing Company. The best spot for Mexican food is Lopez Mexican Food. And the best bakery is the in-town location of Schat’s (originally founded in Bishop). And finally, if you are driving through Bridgeport, be sure to stop for burgers or tacos at The Barn.

Mammoth in the fall is perfect for any kind of road trip — with friends, a group or even for a romantic long weekend. You can also plan it last minute, as nothing really requires reservations!

Since the best way to visit Mammoth Lakes is on a road-trip, and temperatures in the mountains can change on a dime, it’s important to plan for any kind of weather. Pack layers and blankets in the car, and be sure your car’s gas tank is full. Also, plan your activities ahead, download maps and let someone know where you are headed, as you will likely lose service during most hikes. Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, but keep in mind that you might encounter wildlife like deer, bears and coyotes at any time.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to California. In need of further inspiration? Check out Christie Sweaney's guide, San Diego Beach Towns of North County.