The Panorama Gondola at Mammoth Mountain takes you from the base lodge all the way up to 11,053 feet, and your dog can ride along in the cable car during summer months. It’s a straightforward way to reach the high country without the strain of a long uphill hike, which matters when you’re traveling with a dog who might struggle with elevation gain or just prefers to save energy for exploration.

The views from the summit span across the Eastern Sierra—you’re looking at miles of granite peaks, alpine meadows, and the ridgeline that separates California from Nevada. Once you’re up there, you have options. You can spend time at the summit area soaking in the scenery, or you can hike back down on one of the established trails. A one-way descent gives you a genuine workout without the monotonous up-and-down of a round-trip, and many people find it more satisfying than riding the gondola both directions.

The ride itself is fairly quick—dogs usually handle it well since it’s enclosed and stable, not swaying much in typical conditions. Your dog will need to be comfortable in a confined space with other passengers, but the whole experience takes about ten minutes. I’d recommend bringing water for both of you, since the elevation change is significant and the air gets noticeably thinner up there.

One thing to know: this is a seasonal operation, so the gondola doesn’t run year-round. Summer is when it’s most reliable, typically from late June through early September depending on snow conditions and maintenance schedules. The area around the base lodge has some shade and benches where you can rest before or after your ride, and the upper meadows offer room to wander if your dog needs to move around after being in the gondola.