These are things to do that require more eyework than legwork. After that eight-hour day, when you knew you should have quit at noon, you can check out the sights. For further sightseeing information, you should visit the Forest Service Visitors Center and the Mammoth Lakes Visitors Bureau when you are in town.

Minaret Vista Point This is the best spot to view Mt. Ritter and Banner, the Minarets, and the San Joaquin River drainage area. Spectacular views, easy access by car, picnic tables, and a bathroom. Trailhead for San Joaquin ridge starts here. Take HWY 203 past Mammoth Mountain all the way up to the vista point.

Reds Meadow
Up HWY 203 past Mammoth Mountain and down Minaret Summit Road to the end. Reds/Agnew Meadows is a very popular camping area. Lots of trailheads in this area. The San Joaquin river offers fishing and sightseeing. Devils Postpile, Sotcher Lake, Rainbow Falls and other good stuff. During the summer you must take the required Shuttle, for a fee from Mammoth Mountain, or enter the area before 7:30 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m. You can also do the HARDMAN bike ride into the valley.

Hot Creek No visit to Mammoth is complete without a trip to the Hot Creek. Fantastic geologic happenings, spouting geysers, and world famous fishery. Swimming and soaking are no longer permitted at Hot Creek and visitors are cited for jumping the fence.

Owens River A world-class fishery. The easiest place to see the river is from Benton Crossing. Take Benton Crossing Road about 2 miles south on HWY 395 out to the bridge. There is a small campground and general store there (you can buy fishing flies there cheaper than anywhere else). A dirt road parallels the owens more or less to the north. This is a great fishing spot.

Upper Lakes Basin Fishing, boating, swimming at Horseshoe Lake, hiking, cross-country skiing, rustic lodges. This is a happening place. Nine lakes to park at or walk to within a mile or so. Several rustic lodging facilities offer the honest-to-goodness mountain cabin experience.

Earthquake Fault
This isn't really an earthquake fault. It was formed many years ago when the earth opened up, probably through some seismic event on other nearby real faults. But don't tell the kids it isn't real. Take HWY 203 about 1.5 miles towards Mammoth Mountain.

Convict Lake Good fishing, great views. Good restaurant. Boats and launching facilities.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort World-class skiing in winter, mountain biking in summer, rock climbing, scenic gondola rides, lodging and eating facilities, and a summertime performing arts tent offering special activities. HWY 203 to the Mountain.

Fish Hatchery
Especially nice to visit if you have been skunked fishing. There are a lot of fish here, some very very big ones. Self-guided free tours. Take HWY 395 south to Hot Creek/Airport turnoff, follow Hot Creek road. The fishery is on the left about 1 mile from HWY. Fun visit for kids. No, they won't let you fish here.

Devils Postpile Interesting rocks in Red's Meadow. You've probably never seen anything like it. Take HWY 203 past Mammoth Mountain, down Minaret Summit Road and follow signs. About 10 miles from town.
Rainbow Falls Another Red's Meadow sight. Tall natural falls on the San Joaquin river. Short hike from the road. This is a good destination if you have small kids and can't hike a long ways, but want to experience the forest.
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