Mammoth has two beautiful shoulder seasons each year. In spring, snow begins to melt, creeks and waterfalls pick up, wildflowers start appearing and lower-elevation areas come back to life. In fall, the crowds thin out, temperatures cool and the landscape begins shifting toward winter.

These in-between periods can be some of the most rewarding times to visit, but they also require a little flexibility. Conditions can change quickly, and what is accessible one week may look completely different the next.

Spring: Between Winter and Summer

Spring in Mammoth is a mix of lingering snow, bright sun and gradually opening roads and trails. Higher elevations can stay snow-covered well into the season, while lower areas may already feel warm and dry.

This is a beautiful time for scenic drives, rushing creeks, waterfalls, early wildflowers and quieter days around town. It can also be one of the best times to explore lower-elevation destinations outside Mammoth when the Lakes Basin and higher trails are still buried in snow.

What to Do When the High Country Is Still Snow-Covered 

If much of Mammoth is still inaccessible, there are several worthwhile places nearby that are often easier to reach.

Hot Creek Geological Site

Hot Creek is one of the most unusual landscapes in the Eastern Sierra, with geothermal activity, dramatic canyon scenery and mountain views. It is a great stop when higher-elevation trails are still snow-covered.

Mono Lake

Mono Lake is one of the most distinctive places in the region. The tufa formations, wide-open views and unusual landscape make it well worth the drive, especially on a quieter shoulder-season day.

June Lake

June Lake can be a beautiful lower-key outing when conditions allow. Even when the surrounding mountains still hold snow, the lake and town can feel much more accessible than Mammoth’s higher-elevation areas.

Convict Lake

Convict Lake is another favorite shoulder-season stop. The dramatic mountain backdrop makes it beautiful even when snow is still lingering, and access is often easier than many higher-elevation destinations.

Hot Springs

The Eastern Sierra is known for its natural hot springs, and cooler shoulder-season weather can make them especially appealing.

Getting there: From Mammoth, take Highway 395 south and turn left onto Benton Crossing Road just past the airport and green church. Continue about 3 miles to the second cattle grate, then turn right immediately onto the dirt road. Follow it for roughly 1.5 miles to the dirt parking area marked by logs. From there, an elevated boardwalk leads about 0.2 miles to the pools.

The dirt road can be rough, especially after storms or snow, so check conditions before heading out.

Fishing

Fishing is another good shoulder-season option in the Eastern Sierra. Depending on the time of year and current regulations, lakes and lower-elevation waters can offer a great alternative when hiking trails are still limited.

McGee Canyon

McGee Canyon is especially beautiful as spring arrives, with wildflowers beginning to appear against the still-snowy Sierra. Conditions vary from year to year, so access may depend on how quickly the snow melts.

Fall: Between Summer and Winter

Fall has a completely different feel. Days are cooler, crowds begin to disappear and the first storms can arrive surprisingly early.

Early fall can still feel almost like summer, while later in the season Mammoth may shift quickly into winter. One day can be sunny and mild, and the next can bring snow.

If you are visiting specifically for fall color, see our Fall Colors guide for the best places to find changing aspens throughout the Eastern Sierra.

Why Visit During Shoulder Season

Shoulder season is ideal if you prefer Mammoth at a slower pace. Restaurants and shops are often less crowded, scenic areas feel quieter and it is easier to explore without the peak-season rush.

It is also a great time to simply enjoy the scenery, take a drive, spend time in town or head out to one of the lower-elevation destinations along Highway 395.

Things to Keep in Mind

Some businesses may have reduced hours between seasons, and certain roads, trails and attractions may be closed or inaccessible.

Weather can also change quickly. Snow is possible in both spring and fall, and conditions at higher elevations may be very different from what you see in town.

Before heading out, check current weather, road and trail conditions and be prepared to adjust your plans.

A Few Shoulder Season Tips

Dress in layers, since temperatures can change significantly between morning and afternoon.

Keep a flexible itinerary rather than planning every day around one specific trail or attraction.

If the higher elevations are still snowed in, head lower. Some of the most interesting places in the Eastern Sierra are outside Mammoth itself.

And if you enjoy quieter roads, fewer crowds and a little spontaneity, shoulder season may end up being one of your favorite times to visit.