Property at a Glance: 1849 Condos

Named for the year the California Gold Rush began, 1849 Condos invites travelers to make the pilgrimage to the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range. But the property’s fully-furnished and fireplace-equipped condos—along with on-site laundry facilities and complimentary detergent—make the expedition to Mammoth Lakes much easier than any of the 19th-century prospectors had it. And when you’re not enjoying all the comforts of home in your fully-loaded digs, you can relax in the property’s dry sauna or in one of the three hot tubs. 

• Homey condos: In addition to boasting full kitchens, 1,200-sq.ft. 2-bedroom condos feature free high-speed internet, cable TV, and DVD players. 
• Take a refreshing dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool (open summer and winter, weather permitting).
• Fill your downtime in the recreation area, which is outfitted with ping pong and foosball tables. You can also borrow a movie from the front desk’s rental library for a $3 fee. 
• Do some grilling on the large charcoal BBQ (during the summer only).
• Get out in nature: Hiking trails at John Muir Wilderness Areas and Inyo Craters are within minutes of the property by car, and Yosemite National Park is just an hour drive north.
• Majestic golfing: Only 1.5 miles away, the Sierra Star Golf Course is the highest golf course in the country by altitude, challenging golfers with a lush 18-hole, par-71 layout 8,000 feet up in the mountains.

Mammoth Lakes, California: Hot Springs and Hiking in the Sierra Nevada

Mammoth Lakes is a quiet California town high up in the Sierra Nevada mountains southeast of Yosemite National Park. It’s the main gateway to Mammoth Mountain resort, which is just a 10-minute drive from the center of town. The resort is home to the highest golf course in California and Mammoth Mountain Bike Park, which Outside magazine named the best bike park in the United States.

Though Mammoth Lakes is a natural playground for skiers and snowboarders, it’s a popular destination for fishing and hiking in warmer months. Convict Lake, which got its name after a sheriff captured a group of escaped inmates here in 1871, is well known for its stunning mountain vistas and abundance of rainbow trout. The lake is encircled by an easy 3-mile hiking path that reveals the mountains from all perspectives.

The area’s geothermal activity supports a number of natural hot springs, which are great places to unwind after a day of exploring the wilderness. When hunger strikes, head to downtown Mammoth Lakes to find casual bistros and bars pouring West Coast brews.

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