Mammoth Lakes, as you might suspect, has a good number of lakes nearby! During the summer, these cold, clear mountain lakes offer the opportunity for canoeing, kayaking and boating.

Mammoth Lakes Basin is comprised of Twin Lakes, Lakes Mary, George, Mamie and Horseshoe, which are located along Lake Mary Road with elevations starting at 8,540 ft. to 9,008 ft. These lake beds were scooped out of solid rock by glaciers and are popular for fishing, boating and photography.

June Lake Loop takes you to a chain of four lakes: June Lake, Gull Lake, Grant Lake and Silver Lake. Lake George, at 9200 feet, is pristine and secluded, yet only 6 miles from Mammoth Village. Grant Lake is popular for windsurfing.

Convict Lake is located about 7 miles south on Route 395, and is named because of the 1871 gun battle between escaped convicts and a sheriff's posse. It is a natural lake formed behind debris left by receding glaciers. The oldest rocks in the Sierra Nevada range were discovered here.

Crowley Lake is a man-made lake located 10 miles south of Mammoth Junction,first formed in 1940 as part of the Los Angeles Aqueduct system. Crowley Lake Fish Camp charges a fee at the entrance. This lake allows waterskiing and jet skiing, however, no rentals are available.

Mono Lake, an interesting alkaline lake, has canoe tours, kayak tours, and motor boat tours, all available during the summer months. You can also explore the lake with your own boat--but remember, the lake is important bird habitat, it is highly alkaline, there are no fish. The tufa formations are popular photographic subjects. Check the website www.parks.ca.gov for more information on Mono Lake.

Marinas are located at Lake Mary, Rock Creek, Silver Lake, Gull Lake, June Lake, Grant Lake, Lake George, Convict Lake, Crowley Lake and Twin Lakes. For great guide service call one of the registered Mammoth Fishing Guides.