Explore the high-altitude charm of Mammoth Lakes, California, a scenic mountain town known for skiing, hot springs, and outdoor adventure at over 7,800 feet above sea level.
Table of Contents
Location and Profile
- Where is it? In Mono County, CA, near the California-Nevada border, within the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Area: 25.31 square miles.
- Population: Around 8,000 people.
- Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone.
Elevation Basics
- Early Inhabitants: Originally home to the Mono people.
- Settlement: Began in the late 19th century due to gold discovery.
- Original Name: Known as Mammoth City during the mining boom.
- Post-mining Industry: Settlers turned to logging after the gold rush.
- Tourism Rise: Grew in popularity due to mountain setting and Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.
- Top Attractions: Skiing, natural hot springs, forests, Ski Museum.
Must-Know Elevation Facts
- What is elevation? Measurement of height above mean sea level.
- Climate Impact: Elevation affects weather patterns and temperature.
- Elevation of Mammoth Lakes: 7,880 feet (2,402 m).
- Comparison to Cities: Much higher than most urban U.S. areas, typically below 500 feet (152 m).
- U.S. Avg. Elevation: 2,500 feet (760 m) — Mammoth Lakes is 5,000+ feet higher.
- CA Avg. Elevation: 2,900 feet (880 m); Mammoth Lakes is highest incorporated community in the state.
- CA High Point: Mount Whitney — 14,505 feet (4,421 m).
- CA Low Point: Badwater Basin — 279 feet (85 m) below sea level.
- Big City Elevations: LA – 285 ft; SF – 52 ft; SD – 62 ft; Sacramento – 30 ft.
- Weather Impact: Elevation brings cold winters and dry summers.
- Climate: Humid continental — freezing winters, dry summers.
- Snow Season: October–May, with 200+ inches/year.
- Driest Period: June–September.
- Temp Extremes: Warmest – July; Coldest – January.
- Why Visit? Skiing at Mammoth Mountain draws visitors.
- Ski Resort Size: Over 3,500 acres and 150 named runs.
- Resort Elevation: Base – 7,953 ft; Top – 11,059 ft.
- Other Attractions: Hot springs, museum, hiking, biking, camping.