Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola Rides
August 2022 – A Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola Ride should be near the top of your list of things to do when visiting Mammoth Lakes. It is a fantastic experience to ride to the top of Mammoth Mountain.
On your way up, you will head over some of Mammoth’s most famous ski and snowboard runs. The Gondola takes you right over the Unbound and gives you a great view of Broadway and the Paranoids at the start of the ride.
As you work your way up and get near Mc Coy Station, you will start to see Hangman’s run the famous Cornice Bowl and Chair 23. During the Summer months, you will see hikers and mountain bikers descending on trails built specifically for each of those sports. In the winter, you will be able to see all the winter activities on the hill.
Halfway up, you will enter McCoy Station. At this point, you want to stay in the gondola car and continue heading to the top of the Mountain. As you come out of the station, you will see the mountain snowmaking reservoir to your left. (In the video on this page, you will see the ski area was doing a remake on that body of water when we rode and made the video in the Summer of 2022.)
On the right, you will see Chair three as the Gondola follows that lift and ride above Center Bowl. As you make it over the top of the face of 3, you will get an epic view of the top of Mammoth Mountain at 11,053 Feet. The face you see as you make your way up this last stage of the ride is called Climax, with the rocky chutes being named the Top of the World. Prepare to be amazed as you Summit the Summit.
Once you reach the top station, you will have 360-degree views of the Eastern Sierra and the Sierra Nevada. You will get a chance to get a picture of the famous large Mammoth Mountain Sign at 11,000 feet. There is also a path to Summit True summit with a second sign where you will want to get your photo taken. The views and the feeling of the light mountain air at this point are dreamy. As a three-decade-long local, I still venture here multiple times each Summer.
The Ski Area has also built an interpretative center up top with more information about the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Mountain, and the mountain peaks you can see from the 11,000-foot level. Most days during the Summer months, they have a Mammoth Host in the Interpretive Center to answer your questions.
On your way down, MC Coy Station is a great place to stop and walk around. You will want to check out the ski area’s outdoor museum, where you can see a variety of old grooming and lift equipment on display. There is written information available about all the old equipment, so you can get a better idea of what you’re looking at.
You also won’t want to miss the short quarter-mile hike up to the Mammoth Overlook Cliffs; the view is truly breathtaking. However, you should exercise caution and not mess around or play near the cliffs. There are signs and cables to warn you, but use caution.
Details: The gondola ride starts at 8900 feet and ends at 11,000 feet. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the top, and the route features two distinct stages.
The last time we checked, the prices were: Adults: $23-$30 Youth (13-18): $22 Children (7-12): up to two kids 12 and under ride free with paying adults Extra Child (7-12): $8-11 Kids (6 & under): Free Seniors (80 & over): FREE – Season Passholders: FREE.
You can purchase tickets by calling 800.MAMMOTH or by ordering online at MammothMountain.com.
Enjoy the Ride to the Top, Snowman
