Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola Rides

Taking the scenic gondola ride up to the 11,053 ft summit of Mammoth Mountain was the best way to take in all of the visual brilliance of Mammoth Lakes, California

After a beautiful drive around Mammoth and June Lake, I knew that there was one thing that I was curious to do: Take the Mammoth Mountain scenic gondola ride up to the summit of Mammoth.

Arriving at the ski area, it was actually really easy to park for free, close to the preferred parking area. After asking a friendly parking guide for directions to find the location of the gondola ticket area, we were off.

The location of the panorama gondola is located across from the main lodge, at the building with blue signs that display “Ski Lessons”, “Snowboard Lessons” and “Scenic Rides”.

Now, when the ticket agent said that it was north of $100 for two tickets to the summit, I thought I misheard her. No wonder they don’t publish the price on the website.

It’s around $53 each ticket, after tax.

But, whatever.

It’s a seven minute ride from the gondola base to the top of the summit.  At the summit, I immediately began taking the photos that made it all worth it.

I stretched out the time to about 45 minutes before we headed back down on a gondola to the base.

When they say the last ride up to the top leaves the base at 3:30pm and the last ride down from the top is around 3:50pm – they mean it. I’ve read stories of people being left on the gondolas at ski resorts.

For the view – and for being in California – I’m happy I did the Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola Ride at least once. It felt so good, after taking the gondola to the top of Glacier 3000 in Switzerland, to be in the snow again.

Plus, being at the top of Mammoth reminded me of how alluring snowboarding has always been to me.

So, next time I’m at Mammoth, I’m taking snowboarding lessons and booking the Mammoth Snowcat Experience.

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