One of the most popular gondolas at the Mammoth Mountain Resort in California is the Panorama Gondola.
This gondola operates during both the summer and winter seasons and plays an important role in transporting visitors from The Adventure Center to The Summit.
In this article, we answer the common questions you might have about the Panorama Gondola so keep reading to find out more.
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Panorama Gondola – Mammoth Mountain Resort
The Panorama Gondola is one of two gondolas at the Mammoth Mountain Resort.
Not to be confused with the Village Gondola, the Panorama Gondola offers scenic gondola rides in both summer and winter – a great family-friendly activity for all visitors.
The first leg (lower) of the Panorama Gondola starts at The Adventure Center (directions below) and takes you to the mid-station known as McCoy Station. The second leg (upper) of the gondola takes you up to The Summit at 11,053 feet (3,369 meters).
At the top, you’ll find breathtaking 360-degree views of the Sierra and beyond. You also have the option to enjoy lunch with the panoramic views at the Eleven53 Café.
If you’re looking to do some hiking then the Panorama Gondola is an excellent way to catch a ride up the mountain followed by a downhill journey on foot. You can hop off at either the top or mid-station and make your way back down the mountain.
Dogs on a leash are welcome during the summer season and can join you on a gondola ride to the top.
More information about the different hiking routes can be found here.
How Much Does the Panorama Gondola Cost?
During summer and winter, you can take a scenic gondola ride on the Panorama Gondola.
At the time of writing, the cost for a scenic gondola ride on the Panorama Gondola was as follows:
| Ticket | Price ($) |
|---|---|
| Child (ages 5 -12) | $12 |
| Young Adult (ages 13 – 22) | $28 – $36 |
| Adult (ages 23 – 64 | $34 – $44 |
| Senior (ages 65 – 79) | $28 – $36 |
Ticket pricing is dynamic and changes depending on the day of the week.
Is the Panorama Gondola free?
Up to 2 kids (ages 12 and under) ride free with each paying adult. Seniors over 80 ride for free as well. Free tickets can be obtained at any ticket window.
It’s worth noting that Ikon Pass holders can ride the scenic gondola for free.
If you are skiing or snowboarding in winter, you do not need to purchase a separate ticket to ride on the Panorama Gondola as this is included in your lift ticket or pass.
Panorama Gondola – Operating Hours
During summer, the Panorama Gondola operates daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
The last ride leaves at 4:30 pm but this is for a ride around only. Passengers may not depart the gondola cabin.
We always recommend checking the gondola status beforehand to make sure it is working. The gondola can be closed due to adverse weather conditions.
Location and How To Get There
The Panorama Gondola is in the building across from the Main Lodge west entrance.
Address: Scenic Gondola Rides 10001 Minaret RdMammoth Lakes, CA 93546
You can also get directions to the Panorama Gondola on the map below:
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Gondola Ride At Mammoth?
The scenic gondola ride at Mammoth takes about 7 minutes from the base area to the top of the mountain.
The gondola starts at The Adventure Center at an elevation of 8,909 feet (2,715 meters) and climbs up The Summit at an elevation of 11,053 feet (3,369 meters)
Is the Mammoth Gondola worth it?
A ride on the Mammoth Scenic Gondola is highly recommended.
For most visitors, the ride up and the breathtaking 360-degree views of the Sierra Nevada range and beyond are worth the ride alone.
This is a great family-friendly activity to do in both summer and winter (particularly if you don’t enjoy skiing/snowboarding).
Can you take a dog on the Panorama Gondola at Mammoth?
Yes – well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to board the Panorama Gondola during the summer months only.
