Written by: Sarah Hinds Friedl, big-time reader and Mammoth local
Whether you call it a “readaway,” a “book-cation,” or a “literary retreat,” reading-based travel is one of the 2026 summer trends we’re most excited to see here in Mammoth Lakes! And in this article, we’ll explain what sets us apart as the best place to put your nose in a book (or an e-reader, we don’t discriminate here!)
Nature and reading are a match made in heaven
Nature is a mood-booster. Reading is a mood-booster. And reading in nature is one of those activities that will make you feel like you’ve cracked the code to life. Here in Mammoth Lakes, we’ve got plenty of places where you can read outdoors with some of the most beautiful backdrops imagineable:
Mammoth Creek Park
Pack a picnic and your favorite book for some quiet reading time at Mammoth Creek Park
Along the Mammoth Lakes Town Loop Bike Path
There are plenty of benches along the bike paths throughout town with some incredible views.
While fishing in the Lakes Basin
Whether you love fishing or are just in it because someone in your family dragged you along, reading is a fantastic way to pass the time between casts. Settle into your camping chair with your favorite beverage and wait for the fish to bite while you read!
At your hiking destination
Hiking is one of our favorite activities here in Mammoth Lakes, and the best part is always taking a seat by the lake at the end of the trail. No matter if you hike to McCleod Lake, Valentine, or Crystal Lake, there’s nothing better than pulling out a book and a sandwich from your backpack and hanging out for a while. Just make sure that you don’t spend so much time reading that you have to hike down in the dark!
Or, for a more beachy vibe…and no hiking involved
Try out Crowley Lake or June Lake, where there are beaches perfect for laying out.
Absolutely no one is going to interrupt your reading at the backside of Crowley
At the Village at Mammoth
If you love reading in a place with some gentle background noise, the Village at Mammoth is a great option. There are cozy reclining chairs in the plaza where you can sit back and immerse yourself in your book.
We’ve got some prime indoor reading locations, too
Maybe you’re not a reading outdoors kind of person. Don’t worry. Mammoth Lakes has lots of cozy indoor settings for your next reading session:
Coffee shops
Mammoth Lakes is a coffee town, and every locally-owned shop here offers its own unique style and ambiance. Whether you choose the Looney Bean, Stellar Brew, Mammoth Coffee Roasting Co., or Black Velvet, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere while the pages fly by.
Or establishments with adult beverages
If reading with a beer or cocktail on hand is more your style, Mammoth Lakes has plenty of options along those lines, as well! Mammoth Brewing Company and Distant Brewing are your go-tos for craft beer. Or, you can head to Shelter Distilling or Gomez Tequileria at the Village for mixed drinks with artisanal spirits. Side Door Wine Bar is another great choice if reading in a cozy wine cellar appeals to you!
Mammoth Lakes Branch Library
Our wonderful local library is free to the public and happens to be an ideal reading spot. Throughout its spacious layout, you’ll find comfy reading nooks with huge windows looking out on the Sierras.
At your condo
If reading in public is not your thing, we totally get that! And our condos at Mammoth Mountain Reservations are perfect for if you want a more private reading-in-the-mountains experience. Take a look at a couple of our condos that make excellent readaway locations:
Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club, Unit 33
2 BR | 2 BA | 6 Guests
Soft leather couches with views of the Sherwins and Mammoth Mountain make this unit at Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club the perfect place to curl up with a good book.
Mountainback at Mammoth, Unit 34
2 BR | 2 BA | 6 Guests
There’s something about nostalgic cabin decor and oversized sofa lounge chairs that make it easy to lock in on reading for hours at a time. Plus, the windows facing the Sherwins in the distance really set the scene for the ideal reading location.
Mountainback at Mammoth, Unit 85
2 BR - Loft | 3 BA | 10 Guests
If you’re planning a reading retreat with the whole book club, this spacious condo will provide an ideal space for your group of up to 10 people! With plenty of comfy seating options in the living room and the den plus lots of natural light, it’s the perfect place for a book-cation.
Our bookstores are so charming
Buying books and reading books are two separate hobbies, and here in Mammoth, you can practice them both.
Here in town, we have locally-owned Booky Joint, which has been our community bookstore since 1975. They offer a wide range of new and used books, as well as art materials and more.
Our local thrift store, the Second Chance Thrift Shop, also has a huge collection of used books for sale. Not only do they have a great selection, but all proceeds support Access Mammoth, our local non-profit offering outdoor recreation programs for athletes with disabilities.
Our local theater company makes literature come to life
Shakespeare in the Woods has been a local tradition for 16 years, and this year’s production is a modern-day take on King Lear! Tickets are offered on a sliding scale and performances will take place outside of Eagle Lodge from August 5th to the 16th.
You’re invited to join our book club!
Since Mammoth Lakes is such a great place to read, it’s no surprise that we have our own vibrant book club! It takes place monthly at the Mammoth Lakes Branch Library and is open to anyone, even without prior registration!
Take a look on their instagram for more info on upcoming book clubs!
Tips for planning your readaway in Mammoth Lakes
Apply sunscreen!
When you enter that flow state, you might not realize how much time has gone by and the UV here is intense.
Keep the bugspray handy
This is especially true if you’re going to be reading near a body of water, where mosquitos are most active.
Don’t let yourself get totally lost in your book
We would recommend that if you’re reading outside, you stay partly aware of your surroundings. You don’t want to spook a wild animal or get so lost in the story that you don’t realize the sun is about to set. In fact, this is where having a reading buddy can be a real benefit for your readaway in the mountains!
Sun hats are also a good idea!
Ready to book your Mammoth Lakes book-cation?
Here at Mammoth Mountain Reservations, we would be glad to help you plan your upcoming reading retreat! Take a look at the condos we have available on our website, or give us a call to learn more about why Mammoth Lakes is such an excellent destination for your readaway!