Things to do in Eastern Sierra

Death Valley National Park is the continental United States’ largest park. It’s also the hottest, driest and lowest. Despite harsh conditions, the park’s more than 3 million acres (1.3 million hectares) aren’t simply desert plains. Find mountains, canyons, sand dunes, extinct volcanic craters and even palm trees and wildflowers.

The high peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains capture plenty of natural snowfall, giving Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort a very long season, usually starting in November and continuing through June or even July. Enjoy sunshine on average 300 days a year as you ski over 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares) of snowy terrain or bike on 80 miles (130 kilometers) of trails. Find plenty of family fun off the mountain too.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in Eastern California is a skier's paradise. Located along the Sierra Nevada Mountains, its prime conditions and varied runs make it a world-class destination for snow sports. When you aren't hitting the slopes, the lively resort offers other diversions year-round.

Take a daytrip to Mono Lake to experience the other-worldly geology and stunning wildlife populations that make up a high-saline water body. This lake was formed over 760,000 years ago in a salt-heavy basin, which nourished a thriving ecosystem of brine shrimp, insects and birds. Learn about the indigenous Americans who lived here, the Kutzadika’a people, whose staple food source was the lake’s insect pupae.

The Furnace Creek Visitor Center is a useful resource and jumping-off point for exploring the surrounding Death Valley National Park. Drop in to the visitor center’s adjoining museum and learn about the region’s cultural and natural history before heading off on your adventure around the park. Join ranger-led tours, watch an informative film about the park or pick up maps and brochures so that you can plan your journey.