Where is Mammoth Lakes Basin,Mammoth Lakes, California?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Mammoth Lakes Basin is located in California, USA. It lies between Mammoth Mountain and the Sierra Nevada mountains and is situated in the Eastern Sierra region. It is famous for its stunning alpine lakes, hiking trails, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Mammoth Lakes Basin Location Map,Mammoth Lakes, California

Top Attractions Inside Mammoth Lakes Basin

  • Mammoth Mountain Ski Area – Popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.
  • Lake Mary – Scenic alpine lake ideal for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
  • Lake George – Smaller lake offering kayaking, fishing, and tranquil nature views.
  • Lake Mamie – Quiet lake perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.
  • Convict Lake – Stunning mountain lake with hiking trails and dramatic cliff backdrops.
  • Panorama Dome & Rock Formations – Scenic granite domes and rock features popular for climbing and photography.
  • Hiking & Biking Trails – Extensive trail network through forests, meadows, and around alpine lakes.

Mammoth Lakes Basin Facts

Official NameMammoth Lakes Basin
LocationMammoth Lakes, Mono County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude37.6300° N, 118.9700° W (approx.)
Total Area~10,000 acres (4,047 hectares) including lakes, trails, and surrounding forest
EstablishedDesignated as part of Inyo National Forest recreational areas (date unspecified)
FounderU.S. Forest Service / Inyo National Forest
Managed ByU.S. Forest Service (Inyo National Forest)
RegionSierra Nevada Mountains / Eastern California
AddressMammoth Lakes Basin, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA
Zip Code93546
Area Code760 / 442
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptAlpine Lakes, Hiking, Fishing, Scenic Photography, Mountain Recreation, Wildlife
Sections (Areas)Lake George - Twin Lakes - Horseshoe Lake - Crystal Lake - Lake Mary - Hiking Trails & Campgrounds
Famous AttractionsLake Mary - Lake George - Twin Lakes - Crystal Lake - Scenic Overlooks - Hiking & Fishing Spots
Annual VisitorsApprox. 500,000–600,000
Entry Fee TypeFree public access; some parking areas may require fees
Ticket Price RangeParking: ~$5–$10 per day; Fishing Permits: ~$10–$25 per day depending on lake
Ticket OptionsSelf-Guided Access - Parking Passes - Fishing Permits - Guided Hiking Tours
Best Time to VisitJune–September (summer for hiking and fishing); Winter for snow sports
Nearby AirportMammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) – ~5 miles (8 km); Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – ~150 miles (241 km)
TransportationCar access via CA-203 / Main Lodge Rd - Hiking Trails - Bicycle paths - Parking areas
Official Websitehttps://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20674

Distances from Mammoth Lakes Basin to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mammoth Mountain Ski Area – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Mammoth Lakes Town Center – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Lake Mary – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Lake George – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Lake Mamie – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • Lake Mary Resort – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Minaret Vista – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Devil’s Postpile National Monument – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Rainbow Falls – 13 km (8.1 mi)
  • Convict Lake – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Shady Rest Park – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Hot Creek Geological Site – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Lake Mary Trailhead – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Crystal Crag Trail – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Panorama Dome – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Warming Hut – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Old Mammoth Road – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Yosemite National Park Entrance (Tioga Pass) – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Mono Lake – 60 km (37.3 mi)