Mammoth Lakes is an incorporated town in Mono County and is located in east-central California, just southeast of Lake Tahoe and east of Yosemite National Park. Mammoth Lakes is located at an elevation of 7900 feet approximately. The city resides on the edge of the Long Valley Caldera and is surrounded by mountains. As of the year 2000 the population in Mammoth Lakes totaled to 7,093.

The area around the Mammoth Lakes is geologically active, with numerous hot springs and rhyolite domes. The town is famous for its skiing and its natural hot springs. Mammoth Lakes is home to the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area which is renowned as one of the best ski areas in the United States. The natural hot springs which are abundant in the area are a favorite hangout after skiing activities. Aside from skiing, Mammoth Lakes also offers other activities such as hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, fishing, boating, kayaking, off-road vehicle use, fall foliage viewing, and hot air ballooning. Aside from outdoor activities, Mammoth Lakes also offer golfing, tennis, and swimming. Art galleries, movies, museums, shipping, live music and fine dining are also available in the area.

Tourism has contributed largely to the economy of Mammoth Lakes. Skiing and tourism has had a direct effect on housing and property values in the area. Lodging is not a problem when tourists visit Mammoth Lakes because of the abundance of lodging in the area.