Mammoth Mountain is, well, a very large high mountain, located 300 miles north of Los Angeles, and 264 miles east of San Francisco.
New in 2007, the Top of the Sierra Interpretive Center -- set on the mountain's 11,053 foot summit-- features the geological history of the Eastern Sierra. Visitors learn about volcanic history, geology, and cultural heritage.
The views are an attraction in their own right: with vistas of the Minarets, Mono Lake, and 400 miles of peaks averaging 12,000 feet high. Visitors get a bird's eye view of rivers, volcanoes and rock formations left behind from glaciers, plus explanations of what's on view.
The Center also has interactive displays, such as Mammoth Stomp: stomp your foot, and check a seismic sensor to see how strong your stomping was.
Admission is free with that a Scenic Gondola Ride ticket, Bike Park ticket or season pass. Up to two kids 12 and under ride the Gondola free with each adult. Check the Mammoth Mountain site for packages that combine lodging with the Scenic Gondola Ride.
