6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Nestled amid breathtaking nature, Mammoth Lakes offers unforgettable paddleboarding experiences.

Seeking the best places to paddle board in Mammoth Lakes?

Look no further, as we dive into this alpine paradise’s hidden gems.

Adventure awaits, so let’s embark on this mesmerizing journey together.

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Mammoth Lakes

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from June through September. July is the warmest month, averaging 69 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Mammoth Lakes

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Twin Lakes

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Twin Lakes Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, chilly waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, occasional deer
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Sierra Nevada mountains, pine forests
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, be prepared for altitude

Twin Lakes, a beautiful pair of alpine lakes, offer serene paddling experiences surrounded by towering pines and majestic mountain views.

The lakes’ calm waters make it an excellent spot for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders looking for a tranquil escape.

#2 Lake Mary

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Lake Mary Marina (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cold water
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, waterfowl, occasional deer
🏞️ ️ Landmarks & Views: Crystal Crag, Sierra Nevada mountains
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to local rules, cold water risks

Lake Mary, part of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, provides stunning views of Crystal Crag and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

Paddleboarders can explore the lake’s nooks and crannies while enjoying the crisp mountain air and water. Be prepared for chilly water temperatures, even in warmer months.

#3 Lake George

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Lake George Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cold water
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, waterfowl, occasional deer
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Granite cliffs, surrounding peaks
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, cold water risks

Surrounded by breathtaking granite cliffs and peaks, Lake George is another gem in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Paddleboarders will find calm waters and an abundance of natural beauty to explore.

The higher elevation and colder water temperatures make for a more challenging, yet rewarding experience.

#4 Convict Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Convict Lake Boat Launch (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, cold water
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Trout, waterfowl
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Sevehah Cliff, Laurel Mountain, unique rock formations
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to local rules, cold water risks

Convict Lake, nestled against the dramatic Sevehah Cliff and Laurel Mountain, offers paddleboarders a unique landscape to explore.

Its calm, cold waters are surrounded by towering peaks and fascinating rock formations. Paddle here for a breathtaking and tranquil adventure.

#5 June Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: June Lake Beach (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, chilly waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, waterfowl
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding mountains, nearby ski resort
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to local rules, cold water risks

Just a short drive from Mammoth Lakes, June Lake is a charming mountain oasis perfect for paddleboarding.

The sandy beach provides easy access to the water, and the stunning surrounding mountains create a picturesque backdrop. The lake’s calm waters are suitable for all skill levels.

#6 Crowley Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Reservoir
📍 Access Point: Crowley Lake Drive (Google Maps)
🌊️ Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, migratory birds
🏞️ ️Landmarks & Views: Owens River Valley, volcanic formations
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for wind, adhere to local rules

Crowley Lake, located in the scenic Owens River Valley, is a popular fishing destination. Its calm waters make it a fantastic paddleboarding spot, offering stunning views of the surrounding valley and unique volcanic rock formations.

While not directly in Mammoth Lakes, it’s worth the short drive for the captivating landscape.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case