Activity & Road Updates in Mammoth Lakes

Enjoy the full color spectrum of Fall in the Eastern Sierra

Adventure grows big, bright and beautiful in a Mammoth Lakes fall. The natural awesomeness of the Eastern Sierra gets painted gold, crimson and orange and provides a backdrop for any epic story. Moments of pure, visceral awe can be found around every corner, whether hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or floating on a lake waiting for a bite. 

In these warm days and cool nights, you’ll discover why fall in Mammoth Lakes is one of California’s best-kept secrets. While timing can vary based on the weather, a good time to explore the majestic foliage of the Eastern Sierra starts mid-September, with colors generally lasting through the first two weeks of October. For up to date reports, check out our current fall color blog and sign up for our Fall newsletter.

Remember that weather can be variable, which just adds to the adventure. Prep with clothing layers and hot chocolate (or something stronger) at the ready in case Mother Nature throws us a curveball. At the end of your day, warm up or cool down at one of the many restaurants, bars or coffee shops in town. 

Here’s the latest on activity openings and road updates in Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding area. Please note, these dates could be subject to change and are weather dependent.

Mammoth Lakes Road & Transportation Updates

Road Updates

Please Note: Mammoth Lakes can receive early season and late season storms that may cause roads to close temporarily. Always check current conditions before you go.

• Mammoth Lakes Basin Roads – OPEN.
• Hwy. 120 (Tioga Pass) to Yosemite National Park – Open. For current road conditions, please call (209) 372-0200.
• Hwy. 158 (June Lake Loop) – Open.
• Hwy. 108 (Sonora Pass) – Open.
• Hwy. 89 (Monitor Pass) – Open.
• Hwy. 270 (Bodie Rd.) – Open. For more information, please call 760-616-5040.
• Rock Creek Road – Open.
• Hwy. 203 to Minaret Vista – Open.
• Hwy. 203 to Reds Meadow (Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls) – Open only on Saturday-Sunday. Mandatory shuttle into the area provided by ESTA until Sunday, September 10, 2023. For more information, click here.

Starting September 18, 2023, the Reds Meadow Road will be closed to the public Monday through Friday. There will be no access to the area during that time. The road is anticipated to be open Saturday and Sunday, but will be determined based on construction work. The Red’s Meadow Road construction project will greatly improve public access and traffic safety for all who visit the area.

Regional Transportation

• Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) with service to Yosemite National Park – Open.
• Tours of Yosemite National Park and Bodie State Historic Park are available via MAWS Transportation during the summer months.
• Lakes Basin Trolley with service to the Mammoth Lakes Basin – Open.

Parking in the Lakes Basin is extremely limited. Please utilize public transportation into the Basin as much as possible. For schedule information regarding Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) seasonal routes, visit the ESTA website.

Summer Activities in Mammoth Lakes

Reds Meadow Area

• Starting September 18, 2023, the Reds Meadow Road will be closed to the public Monday through Friday. There will be no access to the area during that time. The road is anticipated to be open Saturday and Sunday, but will be determined based on construction work. The Red’s Meadow Road construction project will greatly improve public access and traffic safety for all who visit the area.
• During this time, it is recommended that you plan short, day hikes, or plan to be in the area for a full week. There will be no access via the Road Monday through Friday.

Hiking

Trails are open to hikers year-round, weather permitting.  Check the Mammoth Lakes Trail System website for current trail conditions or contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center before venturing out.

Please note: Trails may be still covered in snow in the high country. Please do not cross any snow bridges over water; they are unstable and extremely dangerous – water below is very swift and very cold.

Fishing

Fishing season in Mono County opened on April 29, 2023. Please check updated restrictions before fishing.

Biking

Mammoth Bike Park – Closed for the Season. For more information, visit Mammoth Mountain’s website.

Public bike trails are open to bikers year-round, weather permitting. Check the Mammoth Lakes Trail System website for current trail conditions. Bike rentals are available in spring, summer and fall months, weather permitting. Learn more about where to rent bikes here.

Boating, Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Rentals are available throughout the summer. Learn more about where to rent boats, kayaks and paddleboards here. Please note that the marinas in the Lakes Basin will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday.

Golf

Snowcreek Driving Range – Open 8a-5p, cash only.

Snowcreek Golf Course (9 holes) – Closed.

Sierra Star Golf Course (18 holes) – Open. Anticipated closing date is October 8, 2023.

Horseback Riding

Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit (Mammoth Lakes Basin) – Closed for the season.

Camping

U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, as well as privately run campgrounds in Mono County, are open for the season. The Mammoth Mountain RV Park is open year-round with limited services in the winter. Learn more about the U.S Forest Service campgrounds here.

Camping will be extremely limited in Mammoth Lakes until we are able to open more campgrounds. If you do not currently have a campground reservation, please consider a traditional lodging option. You can also find other campgrounds throughout the region by checking the Camp Like a Pro website.

Other Summer Activities

Panorama Gondola at Mammoth Mountain – Closed for Fall Maintenance.

Via Ferrata – Closed.

Mammoth Adventure Center – Closed for the season.

Whitmore Pool – Closed for the season.

Whitmore Track and Field – Open.

The Mammoth Lakes California Welcome Center is open daily 8am – 5pm.

The Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center is currently open daily 8:30am – 5pm.

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sundays from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Winter Activities in Mammoth Lakes

Skiing & Snowboarding

Mammoth Mountain lodges:

• Main Lodge – Closed.
• Canyon Lodge – Closed.
• Eagle Lodge – Closed.
• The Mill – Closed.
• The Village Gondola – Closed.

June Mountain – Closed for the season.

For details on lift and trail openings, visit the Mammoth Mountain website or the June Mountain website.

Cross-Country & Nordic Skiing 

Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center (Mammoth Lakes Basin) – Closed for the season.

Shady Rest Winter Trails – Current trail conditions can be found here. Please note that late season obstacles may exist.

Snowmobiling

Mammoth Mountain Snowmobile Adventures– Closed for the season.

Snowmobiling is available on Mammoth Lakes trails throughout the winter, snowfall permitting. Check the Mammoth Lakes Trail System website for current trail conditions. Please check in with the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for additional details.

Ice Skating, Tubing & Sledding

Woolly’s Tube Park & Snow Play – Closed for the season.

Mammoth Ice Rink – Closed for the season.

Other Winter Activities

Mammoth Mountain snowcat tours – Closed for the season.

Snowshoeing is available on Mammoth Lakes trails throughout the winter, snowfall permitting. Check the Mammoth Lakes Trail System website for current trail conditions.