Being a Good Steward of the Land

Responsible recreation in Mammoth Lakes involves respecting natural habitats and adhering to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the preservation of the area's unreal landscapes.

Staying on designated trails, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing your environmental impact all help sustain the beauty of this picturesque destination for future generations.

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Visit Mammoth Lakes

Without A Trace

When you’re in Mammoth Lakes surrounded by jagged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and otherworldly landscapes it’s easy to feel a deep connection to nature. That feeling is your cue to care for this place. The idea is simple, the best way to experience Mammoth Lakes is to leave no trace.

From planning your trip to setting out on the trail, you’ll find gentle reminders to explore with care. By treading lightly and respecting the land, you help keep Mammoth Lakes just as wild and beautiful for everyone who follows.

How to leave no trace
How To Leave No Trace in Mammoth Lakes
The seven Leave No Trace principles are essential for hiking, fishing or camping adventures out in the wilderness. They're just as critical in the towns that exist among natural spaces, like Mammoth…
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How to leave no trace
How to Leave No Trace When Recreating Near Water
Mammoth Lakes is home to many beautiful streams, rivers and lakes – it’s in the name!
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How to leave no trace
8 Ways to Recreate Responsibly in the Mountains
If you love recreating in Mammoth Lakes, then learning how to take care of the mountains and forests you adventure in is part of being a responsible visitor.
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How to leave no trace
The Real Reusable: Buoy Comes to Mammoth Lakes
Thanks to Mammoth Disposal, the Mammoth Lakes Restaurant Association, and eight pilot restaurants, Mammoth Lakes has launched a new initiative to replace single-use to-go containers with reusable alternatives. Meet Buoy.
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Four deer graze in an open field at dusk. The distant mountains are a faded purple and the sky is light pink
Safety Around Wildlife
The No. 1 Tip For Wildlife Viewing in Mammoth Lakes
Have you ever sat back and watched a mule deer graze on grass? What about a black bear tearing apart a log to look for insects? There are hundreds of different types…
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Safety Around Wildlife
Everything You Need to Know About Bear Safety in Mammoth Lakes
These tips will keep you (and the bears) safe while you're visiting Mammoth Lakes.
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Camping Responsibly
Campfire Safety: How to Camp Like a Pro
When many of us think of camping, we picture a classic scene of friends around a campfire swapping stories and roasting s’mores. In wildfire-prone regions like the Eastern Sierra, as much as…
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Camping Responsibly
A Beginner’s Guide to Camping in Mammoth Lakes
So you are heading to Mammoth Lakes to spend some time mountains. There is no better way to experience the great outdoors than pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars.
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Camping Responsibly
6 Ways to Camp Responsibly in Mammoth Lakes
Learn more about how to be a responsible camper when you visit Mammoth Lakes.
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Camping Responsibly
Dispersed Camping Just Outside of Mammoth Lakes
If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience (think: no bathrooms, no trash cans, no running water, no campfire rings) dispersed camping might be an option for you.
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How to

Camp like a pro

Staying in an established campground...

is the best way to protect our public lands from fires, trash, and trampling.

However, if campgrounds are full and you are considering Dispersed Camping...

(the term used for camping outside of a developed camp­ground), follow these DO IT RIGHT camping rules to keep our cherished public lands, wildlife, nearby communities and YOU safe.


Please use the Interactive Map provided...

below to plan ahead and know where you can and CANNOT DISPERSED CAMP. Abide by local stay limits and closures, and respect private property boundaries.

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Sustainable ways to get around Mammoth Lakes