What You Need to Know About Parking in Mammoth Lakes

June 17, 2025
Summer Parking
Winter Parking
Overnight Parking Lots
Day-Use Parking Lots
Mammoth Mountain
The Village at Mammoth
Parking Tips

The spectacular peaks that make Mammoth Lakes a legendary recreation mecca leave limited space for expansive parking lots. While there’s plenty of overnight parking in Mammoth Lakes, knowing the rules and regulations will make it easier for you to park your vehicle legally.

Mammoth Lakes' parking codes are based on the presence or lack of snow on the roadways, so there are essentially two seasons when it comes to overnight parking in Mammoth Lakes: winter and summer.

Summer Parking in Mammoth Lakes

Throughout the summer months, Mammoth Lakes' parking restrictions relax as the winter snow recedes. While more space is available, limits to overnight parking still exist. These tips will help you make sure you are following summer parking regulations in Mammoth Lakes:

  • Unless otherwise marked, vehicles may be parked overnight along city streets from May 1 through October 31 as long as they are removed from the lanes of travel.
  • Overnight parking is prohibited in any of the public parking day-use areas around town during the summer months.
  • Paid overnight parking is available throughout the summer at the following locations: Mammoth Mountain RV Park and at the Berner Street parking lot near the Village at Mammoth. The Berner Street parking lot is for parking only - you cannot sleep in your vehicle here.
  • Daytime parking 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM is available at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, but overnight parking is for airport users (Advanced Air, general aviation, renting cars, etc.) only.
  • When reserving lodging, inquire about parking rules and regulations at the property prior to arriving.
  • Parking may be limited during special events held at the Village at Mammoth, so guests are advised to forego driving and utilize Mammoth Lakes' free bus routes.
Two people sitting on a dock by a lake, one pointing towards the scenic view of mountains and forest.

Winter Parking in Mammoth Lakes

During the winter, huge snowstorms bury the landscape of Mammoth Lakes, so parking must accommodate snow removal equipment. Following parking directions is critical both at the property you have rented and throughout town. Parking can become limited during the winter, especially during and after storm cycles. Please do not block roads, driveways or paths as this will hinder snow removal efforts. If at all possible, wait until the areas around your condominium project, house or hotel have been cleared of snow before venturing out. The fewer vehicles on the roads during and directly after storms, the better!

These tips will help you make sure you are following winter parking regulations in Mammoth Lakes:

  • From November 1 through April 30, no parking is allowed along city streets unless otherwise noted.
  • Paid overnight parking is available throughout the winter at the following locations: Mammoth Mountain RV Park and at the Berner Street parking lot near the Village at Mammoth. The Berner Street parking lot is for parking only - you cannot sleep in your vehicle here.
  • Daytime parking 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM is available at Mammoth Yosemite Airport, but overnight parking is for airport users (Advanced Air, general aviation, renting cars, etc.) only.
  • When reserving lodging, inquire about parking availability during the winter months. Often, guests are limited to two cars maximum per unit.
  • You cannot sleep in your vehicle in the town of Mammoth Lakes, even where overnight parking is allowed.
  • Be sure to thoroughly clear off your vehicle before driving, including the roof. Snow sliding off your roof can completely block your vision. Allow enough time for your vehicle to warm up to clear ice from all windows.
  • Please do not create parking spaces. Park only in designated spaces.
Snow-covered mountains under a clear blue sky.

Overnight & Day-Use Parking Lots in Mammoth Lakes

Overnight Parking Lots

  • Mammoth Mountain RV Park offers overnight overflow parking. Call for pricing.
  • The Village at Mammoth lot (across the street from the Minaret side of the Village at Mammoth) offers overnight parking. Payment is via self-serve kiosks. You can not sleep in your vehicle overnight here - this lot is for parking only.
  • Long-term overnight parking is available at the Mammoth Yosemite Airport for airport users (Advanced Air, general aviation, renting cars, etc.) only and you will need to get a permit to do so. The permit is free and allows for up to 14 nights.
A shuttle bus waiting at a snowy airport transfer area.

Day-Use Parking Lots in Mammoth Lakes

Find free public day-use parking at the following locations:

  • Immediately below the Westin Monache Resort off of Hillside Drive
  • Mammoth Lakes’ city parks, including Trails End Park, Shady Rest Park and Mammoth Creek Park
  • Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center
  • Mammoth Lakes Park and Ride is located at the corner of Old Mammoth Road and Tavern Street
  • The Berner Street parking lot near the Village at Mammoth (across the street from the Minaret side of the Village at Mammoth) offers overnight parking. Payment is via self-serve kiosks. The Berner Street parking lot is for parking only - you cannot sleep in your vehicle here.
Panoramic view of Yosemite National Park with granite cliffs and a river.

Mammoth Mountain Parking

Parking at Mammoth Mountain varies by season and location, with a mix of free, paid, and shuttle-served options. Here’s what to know before you go.

Free (General) Parking

  • Located at all base lodges (Main, Canyon, Eagle) plus Chair 2 (“The Mill”) and Chair 4 lots.
  • Opens around 6 AM, depending on snow ops.
  • In summer, roadside spaces along Hwy 203/Minaret Rd are available where signed.

Paid (Preferred) Parking

  • Found near all lodges. Check for white/black “Preferred” signs and an attendant.
  • First‑come, first‑served; your spot isn’t held if you step away.

Overnight Restrictions

  • Winter: No overnight parking permitted. Lots are enforced and plowed.
  • Summer: Allowed only in off‑mountain lots (downhill of Shuttle Stop B or further on Hwy 203); use at your own risk.
  • Black Pass Priority: Designated permit‑only spots. Without a permit, your vehicle may be booted/towed.

Shuttles and Gondola Access

  • Parking shuttles: Free, on‑demand service (~10‑min headways) from flagged lots A–G to Main Lodge.
  • ESTA town shuttles: Connect lodges, The Village, and Mammoth Lakes
  • Village Gondola: Free ride between The Village and Canyon Lodge
A gondola travels from Mammoth Mountain to The Village through snowy trees

The Village at Mammoth

Parking at The Village at Mammoth includes a mix of free short‑term roadside spots, convenient paid lots, and secure underground garage access for lodge guests. Whether you're dropping in for a quick visit or staying overnight, here’s what you should know before arriving.

Free Parking

  • 2-hour free parking is available along Canyon Blvd and Lake Mary Road.
  • Time limits are strictly enforced. Pay attention to posted signs.

Paid Parking

  • Paid underground parking garage open to the public (based on availability).
  • Rates vary seasonally. Look for signage at the entrance.
  • Free for overnight guests staying at The Village Lodge (room key required for access).
the village at mammoth lakes with a dusting of snow and people walking down the path

Quick Parking Tips

  • Know your season: Winter = no street parking; summer = some overnight allowed but check signage.
  • Plan for timed zones: Avoid tickets. Observe the 30-minute and 2-hour signs near The Village.
  • Book in advance: Lodge stays may include underground parking. Public lots fill fast on busy dates.
  • Use transit shuttles: Free buses and gondolas reduce hassle and parking stress, especially in peak seasons.
  • Don’t overnight in your car: Strictly prohibited in lots or in town, any time of year.
Visit Mammoth
Author
Visit Mammoth
Unreal. There is no better way to describe Mammoth Lakes, California. A place so majestic that breathtaking views surround you in every direction. The staff at Mammoth Lakes Tourism is committed to stewardship, education, providing the ultimate visitor experience, and keeping the Real Unreal.
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