Are chains required in Mammoth Lakes?

If you're planning a road trip to Mammoth Lakes in the winter, you should always carry chains regardless of current conditions, as they could become required at any time. When chains are required, chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Look through more information about chain requirements from CalTrans here.

What month does it snow the most in Mammoth Lakes?

January typically receives the most snowfall in Mammoth Lakes with an average height of 74 inches.

What's the average snowfall per year in Mammoth Lakes?

The total average snowfall in Mammoth Lakes reaches around 300 inches. The area is exposed to nearly 40 snowfall days per year.

Road Conditions

If you’re driving to Mammoth Lakes from late fall through early spring, you may encounter storm conditions during your drive.

Always check the resources below to find the most up-to-date information about highway conditions, winter road closures (both seasonal and temporary) and chain restrictions on your route to Mammoth Lakes.

Road & Transportation Updates

CA Road Conditions

NV Road Conditions

Mammoth Lakes Road & Transportation Updates

When embarking on a scenic drive in the Mammoth Lakes region, be sure to check road updates frequently, as conditions can change quickly.

Road Updates

Please Note: Mammoth Lakes can receive early season and late season storms that may cause roads to close temporarily. Please check the CalTrans website or utilize their QuickMap App for current Road Conditions, as road status may change.

Mammoth Lakes Basin Road – Closed. Temporarily Closure: October 13 at 3:00 P.M. due to incoming storm.
Hwy. 120 W (Tioga Pass) to Yosemite National Park – Closed. More information here.
Hwy. 120 E (Mono Mills Road) – Open.
Hwy. 158 (June Lake Loop) – Open.
Hwy. 108 (Sonora Pass) – Closed. Temporary Closure: October 13 at 11:00 AM through October 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM. More information here.
Hwy. 89 (Monitor Pass) – Closed. Temporary Closure: October 13 at 1:00 PM through October 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM.
Hwy. 270 (Bodie Rd.) – Open. For information call 760-616-5040.
Rock Creek Road – Open.
Inyo Craters - Open. More information here.
Hwy. 203 to Minaret Vista – Open.
Hwy. 203 to Reds Meadow (Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls) – Closed for the Season.*The Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project will impact travel to this area throughout the season, with restricted access and expected delays. Click here for details on the 2025 construction schedule and what to expect during your visit. The schedule is subject to change.

Regional Transportation

Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) with service to Yosemite National Park – Closed.

Tours of Yosemite National Park and Bodie State Historic Park are available via MAWS Transportation during the summer months.

Local Transportation

Explore Mammoth Lakes hassle-free with FREE transit options. The Orange Line is open for winter access to the Mammoth Lakes Basin. If you're headed to The Village at Mammoth Lakes from your hotel, house or condo, check the current bus schedule to see which bus line services your neighborhood. Get all the details by visiting the Eastern Sierra Transit website.

YARTS bus drives on a stone bridge crossing over a river. Trees and a mountain fill the background

Where To Find California Road Conditions

Whether you’re driving from Southern California or Northern California to Mammoth Lakes, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) is the official resource for information about California highway conditions. Use the CalTrans road conditions page to search for road conditions by searching the highways you’ll be driving on, including Hwy. 395, Hwy. 203, Hwy. 88, Hwy. 89, Hwy. 50, Hwy. 120 and other U.S. and California roadways throughout the state. You can also download the CalTrans Quick Map app on your mobile devices for quick access while you are traveling.

Where To Find Nevada Road Conditions

If you’re traveling from Nevada or Northern California to Mammoth Lakes, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is the official resource for information about Nevada highway conditions. Find up-to-date Nevada road conditions on the NDOT website, including reports on Hwy. 395, Hwy. 80, Hwy. 95, Hwy. 168, Hwy. 6 and other U.S. and Nevada roadways throughout the state.