The Mammoth Lakes area, situated in a region of the east-central Sierra that embraces both the alpine and the high-desert zones, is surrounded by summertime diversions that make the winter sports season seem positively stale and limited.

The Panorama Gondola (800-MAMMOTH; http://www.mammothmountain.com/bike_ride/scenic_gondola/index.cfm) rises to the 11,053-foot summit of Mammoth Mountain, and offers an awe-inspiring ride up. The view of Mounts Banner and Ritter and the Minarets to the northwest as you near the summit is worth the price of admission alone; the 360-degree vista from the summit is simply gravy.
Open June 21-Sept. 21, 2008.

The Mammoth Scenic Loop isn't really a loop, but eight miles of forest-line, undulating pavement that runs from Minaret Road to Highway 395. A great auto drive and even better bike ride (a complete loop that includes 395 and Highway 203 into town is a little under 20 miles).