On‑site activities and nearby outdoor adventures
Tamarack Lodge and Resort sits directly on the shore of Twin Lakes and offers on-site hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, and a cross-country ski center with groomed trails. Guests can also arrange nearby day trips to Devils Postpile, Mono Lake and the June Lake Loop, or use the complimentary seasonal town shuttle to reach downtown Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain.
In this guide
On-site water activities
Tamarack sits right on Twin Lakes, so water activities are the most immediate options. The property provides canoeing, kayaking, and canoe/boat rentals (seasonal) and Adirondack chairs on the shoreline for quiet time by the water.
Fishing is available directly from the Twin Lakes shore; the resort provides a fish-cleaning table for guests who bring or catch fish. Summer lake access also includes a small boat service on the lake when available.
- Canoe and kayak rentals (seasonal)
- Shoreline fishing and fish-cleaning table
- Adirondack chairs and lakeside seating
| Activity | When Offered |
|---|---|
| Canoe / Kayak Rentals | Seasonal (summer) |
| Fishing | Seasonal |
| Lakeside seating | Year-round (seasonal access varies) |
Trails, hiking and day hikes
Trails start from the property edge: the Mammoth Lakes Basin and several local routes are reachable on foot. A noted route from near the resort leads toward Crystal Lake and panoramic overlooks in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Guests can also use the complimentary seasonal town shuttle to reach trailheads in the Lakes Basin and other nearby trail systems. Trail conditions and access change seasonally; ask the Front Desk for current recommendations.
- Short lakeshore walks and interpretive paths
- Day hikes into the Mammoth Lakes Basin and to Crystal Lake
- Shuttle access to other trailheads in summer
| Trail / Area | Typical Access |
|---|---|
| Twin Lakes shoreline | Walk from the resort |
| Crystal Lake route | Trailhead near the resort (seasonal access) |
| Mammoth Lakes Basin trails | Short drive or shuttle |
Biking and mountain biking
Tamarack offers on-site bicycle rentals and runs guided mountain bike lessons and guided rides. The area around Twin Lakes has mixed-surface trails suitable for moderate recreational rides and more technical singletrack a short drive away.
A bicycle shuttle service is available from the resort to move bikes to nearby trailheads during the season. Ask the Front Desk for recommended routes and current trail conditions.
- On-site bike rentals
- Guided mountain bike lessons and guided rides
- Bicycle shuttle to local trailheads
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bike rentals | Available on-site (seasonal) |
| Guided rides/lessons | Offered by resort guides |
| Bike shuttle | Seasonal support to trailheads |
Winter sports and snow activities
Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center offers ski-in/ski-out access with 19+ miles of groomed cross-country, skating and snowshoe trails during winter. The property provides ski storage and can help with ski passes.
Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other winter adventures are available nearby at Mammoth Mountain and local outfitters. The lodge coordinates shuttle and transport options to the main downhill ski area.
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails on-site
- Ski storage and assistance with ski passes
- Shuttle or short drive to Mammoth Mountain downhill areas
| Winter Activity | On-site or Nearby |
|---|---|
| Cross-country skiing | On-site (Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center) |
| Snowshoeing | On-site trails and guided options |
| Downhill skiing/snowboarding | Nearby Mammoth Mountain (short drive) |
Guided experiences and instructional programs
The resort offers guided hikes, guided mountain bike lessons, and fly-fishing classes; schedules and availability vary by season. These are useful if you want local route knowledge or basic instruction before heading out on your own.
Ziplining is listed as an on-site adventure in the resort description; contact the Front Desk or activity desk for current operating details and age or weight restrictions, which change seasonally.
- Guided hikes and interpretive walks
- Guided mountain bike lessons
- Fly-fishing instruction
- On-site ziplining (seasonal—check availability)
| Program | Typical Season |
|---|---|
| Guided hikes | Spring–Fall |
| Bike lessons | Summer |
| Fly-fishing classes | Summer |
Nearby day trips and scenic drives
Popular nearby excursions include Devils Postpile National Monument, Mono Lake and the June Lake Loop. These are driveable from Tamarack but may be seasonally restricted (for example, Reds Meadow Road to Devils Postpile often opens later in the summer).
Yosemite National Park’s east entrance is reachable by car for a longer day trip, and the Village at Mammoth offers shops, restaurants and the Village Gondola about a 7-minute drive from the lodge.
- Devils Postpile National Monument (seasonal road/shuttle access)
- Mono Lake and its tufa towers (30–40 minute drive north)
- June Lake Loop for lakeside scenery and swimming
- Village at Mammoth for dining and the gondola (about 7-minute drive)
| Destination | Approx. Travel Notes |
|---|---|
| Devils Postpile | Seasonal access; shuttle often required during peak summer |
| Mono Lake | About 30–40 minutes north on Highway 395 |
| June Lake Loop | 30–40 minute scenic drive; good summer swimming options |
On-site dining, lounges and planning
The Lakefront Restaurant serves Contemporary French/American (French-California) cuisine with lake views; dinner service is the primary meal and summer lunch is offered on the terrace. Reservations are highly recommended—the dining room is small (about 8–10 tables).
The Tamarack Fireplace Lounge is the wood-paneled lobby bar offering cocktails, beer and charcuterie, and live music is scheduled in winter and summer. For activity planning and reservations (rental gear, guided trips, shuttle times), contact the Front Desk or activity desk.
- Lakefront Restaurant: seasonal terrace lunch and dinner service (reservation recommended)
- Tamarack Fireplace Lounge: cocktails, snacks, occasional live music
- Front Desk/activity desk: rentals, guided trip bookings, shuttle info
| Dining Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lakefront Restaurant | French-California menu; small dining room—reserve early |
| Tamarack Fireplace Lounge | Lobby bar with fireplace and light fare |
