My friends and I are going on a road trip for a few days up to Mammoth. Me being the triathlete of the group, I must ask… is swimming allowed in any of the lakes at Mammoth? Because I would like to get in an open water swim or two.
Xterraguy,
I have done a couple of swim workouts in Lake Mary but it is not that good due to small size, weeds, small boats, etc. Can’t remember if swimming is allowed or if I poached them? June Lake is up the road 15 minutes and awesome for swimming! Either way, bring your wetsuit. There are also two pools in the Mammoth area for lap swimming. Great pre Tahoe altitude training!
Thanks. Oh yeah I forgot. I did qualify for Tahoe!! Yeahhh booyyyyy!!
I lived there for about ten years, so here’s my take. No. You used to be able to swim in Horseshoe Lake, since it was shallow and not freezing, but recent geothermal events leak stinky gasses, and they closed it. The other lakes are freezing ass cold, and they don’t let you swim there, since they are part of the town’s water supply (but boats are allowed, which I never understood). Crowley Lake is close, but if a little plant life bugs you, don’t go there. Sorry, but you’re options are limited. Close by, Grant lake or June Lake are Tottally cool if you want a little drive. This is what I would advise, just go to the June Lake loop, if for nothing else but for the scenery.
June Lake for swimming, not aware that any other lakes allow it, people above have addressed that. No idea what temps are but snow runoff = cold.
There are two pools I am aware of. One is at the Snowcreek gym, off Old Mammoth Road. The other is down by the Green Church at the Landfill/Lower Owens turnoff. And about 9K feet, that’ll make it fun 
PM daveinmammoth.
Blow off swimming and go sit in the hot springs and get drunk.
Blow off swimming and go sit in the hot springs and get drunk.
Don’t get drunk at the Hot springs. Supposedly, a few people have become stew meat there, when they got drunk and drowsy and got too far into the hot flumes. Supposedly, the meat was well done and faling off the bone.
And about 9K feet, that’ll make it fun
Naw! Only 7000 and change, but still gets your attention.
In some circles that’s called Natural Selection.
Love it.
There are two pools I am aware of. One is at the Snowcreek gym, off Old Mammoth Road.
I would not reccomend that pool. Its expensive, short (20 yards or something stupid) and the water was way too warm and cloudy gross. I asked for my money back after the 1st swim as I had purchased a week long pass. The guy working there agreed the pool sucks.
I’d second KEJ on this – the Snowcreek pool is nasty. I go up to Mammoth quite a bit and most times just leave the swim goggles at home.
I agree also. Back in the 80’s when I lived there it was a private club, and I usually had the place to myself. Much cleaner and cooler water then. There’s way too much fun stuff to do outside in the summer than to hole up in some lap pool. Go hike to the top of Mammoth Crest instead, it’s like the moon up there.
Not to mention that there’s so many good riding/running trails that I’d hate to spend a minute inside!
I remember swimming in the hot springs years ago. The current was perfect for static swmming, just like an endless pool. You’d get hit, though, with a blast of hot water and then really cold water. Only later did I realize that at a moment’s notice the whole place could change to a natural hot dog cooker.
I never swam in any hot springs. Just got naked and let my bones soak.
Hey thats my pool your bashing! Yes it does suck - but if its all you got - its all you got. If you are not used to it - it will drive you crazy. I never thought I’d get used to the temp (warm) or distance (its only 18.75 yards) but I did (it took a couple months).
The nice pool down by the green church (15 minutes from town) is closed for the season. They may still have a.m. lap swim (like 6:30-8) for another week or 2 but I never swim that early…
Lakes - June Lake has a little beach on the east shore (off Oh Ridge) - very swimmable and I know people who cruise along the shoreline and out of the buoys. Horseshoe lake - some people swim in occasionally. The fact that its a Co2 emission area and all the trees are dead is spooky but the tri club has had open water swims there and there’s a mountain bike triathlon there next weekend…
Dave
Swimming?
Go on a trail run up to Lake Ediza. Spectacular!!