Mammoth Lakes
 

We are driving from Groveland to Vegas in August and I just found Mammoth Lakes on the map!! It looks stunning!! If we were to stay there for a few days, how much time would we need, what are the 'must see' spots and where is the best area to stay?

Well, my must-see spots may not be your must-see spots...

I would venture to say whatever views of Mammoth Lakes you've seen would require some hiking to find. Are you interested in hiking? Fishing?

We stay in Mammoth every summer so we've seen lots of stuff. Here is a list, I've grouped them by location:

Drive (have to go super early) or take the shuttle dwon to Devil's Postpile.
Hike to Rainbow Falls (including lower)
Hike to Minaret Falls
Fish on the San Juoquin

Take the gondola up to the top to see forever.
Ride bikes at the bike park
Check out the Earthquake Fault

Rent a boat or canoe at Lake Mary or George
Fish at the top of Twin lakes or just watch the big fish for hours cuz you'll never catch them anyway.
Check out the carbon dioxide damaged Horseshoe Lake - so fascinating
Hike to Barrett & TJ Lakes out of Lake George (trailhead is near the campground)

Golf at Sierra Star or 9 easy holes at SnowCreek

Visit Obsidiom Dome

Visit Hot Creek Geological site - no longer open for swimming

We always have stayed near the Eagle Express chair lift on Meridian. Don't ask me why that just where we end up. Since we go all over it doesn't matter to us where the condo is. DH just found a 1 bed 1 bath at Sunstone for $69 per night on vrbo. Great place, nice pool and spa. We either bike around or drive when necessary, We almost always go to the movie theater to see a new movie that is packed at home.

There is so much more to do in the area but it sounds like you will only have a few days so that might be anough.

Personally, I find Tuolume Meadows in Yosemite to be far more stunning. Make sure to find time to stop and do some hiking or exploration in that area on your way to Mammoth.

There is also Mono Lake to see, Bodie State Park (north of Lee Vining), June Lakes all on the way.

Bodie is great, but I wouldn't go there in August.

I feel teh same way about Mono Lake. Both those places should be visited very early in the day since there is very little protection from the blazing sun and heat.

So far as the best area for lodging, there are condos and rental homes all over the place. We really like the area near the Village or Snowcreek.