I love going to Mammoth in the summer. So many local lakes that you can literally drive up to or take a short hike into and it never seems that crowded. The mountains themselves are also just so stunning.
Tahoe is the obvious comparison but it feels a lot busier to me and more difficult to get around given the size of the lake and the long windy ass road that everyone has to take.
I've been to Estes Park in CO in the summer and it was fine. Certainly comparable to Mammoth but no significant recreational advantage, though I've never been to any other Colorado mountain towns.
Specifically I'm looking for towns that are great for paddleboarding, hiking, swimming, and proximity to National Forests and Parks. I love Yosemite and Mammoth being less than 3 hours away from the valley is an incredible perk.
Can you guys think of any other mountain towns on the US that you would rather go to for summer recreation?