What to do in Mammoth Lakes This Summer During the Reds Meadow Closure

May 02, 2024

This summer, seize the opportunity to discover new Eastern Sierra treasures while Reds Meadow Road to Devil’s Postpile is closed for repairs Monday through Thursday.

While you can still visit Reds Meadow Friday through Sunday, bookmark this page for the most up-to-date information about closures, reservations, and more.

Top tips for planning your visit

Get updates at the Welcome Center

Be sure to check with the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center to see when certain areas, such as the Mammoth Lakes Basin and Mammoth Mountain Bike Park, open for the summer, as the date changes each year based on current snow levels.

Use FREE public transportation

While exploring Mammoth Lakes this summer, we strongly suggest taking advantage of the town’s free local transportation system. It is widely accessible and saves the stress of driving and parking, which can be especially difficult during peak season. At popular summer destinations like the Lakes Basin, parking may fill completely by the afternoon. Save the stress and take a bus right to the trailhead or boat rental. With multiple routes and regular stops, you can get almost anywhere in town with less than a 10-minute walk.

Review the Pre-Arrival Guide

Before packing the car, learn how to protect the natural environment and keep Mammoth Lakes unreal with the Mammoth Lakes Pre-Arrival Guide. Remember to recreate responsibly when you visit. Mammoth Lakes is more than just a fun destination; the surrounding forests, lakes, peaks, and meadows support a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Bookmark the Mammoth Lakes Trail System website

Whether you're backpacking, hiking, biking, or looking for a place to walk the dog, be sure the check out the Mammoth Lakes Trail System website. This invaluable online resource is your guide to over 300 trails in and around Mammoth Lakes

Red trolley on the road with a view of a lake

Hit the trails

Hike in the Mammoth Lakes Basin

With trails that criss-cross stunning forests and alpine terrain, Mammoth Lakes is a top hiking destination. The region offers hikes for adventurers of all abilities. Start with the Mammoth Rock Trail for mountain and valley views or challenge yourself on the short and secluded Emerald Lake Trail.

Avoid the stress of driving and parking. Access the best of summer recreation and expansive views with FREE public transportation to the Lakes Basin by Eastern Sierra Transportation Authority. Take the Lakes Basin Trolley from the Village at Mammoth to multiple stops along Lake Mary Road, terminating at Horseshoe Lake. Get the full schedule here.

Go backpacking

The Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas are our backyard. There are countless miles of hiking trails and backcountry regions to explore. All you need is to pack up your gear, get a permit from the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, and get out there. The Little Lakes Valley Trail out of Rock Creek is an excellent introduction to backpacking in the Eastern Sierra.

Not ready to spend the night in the backcountry? There are plenty of day hikes in the region, ranging from leisurely to adventurous.

Early risers have the benefit of peaceful trails and stress-free parking. Get to the trailheads right after breakfast!

Go on a trail running adventure

Runners -- pack your shoes! There are hundreds of miles of trails in our backyard here in Mammoth Lakes. Try the local’s favorite Mammoth Rock Trail for a great introduction to trail running or explore Convict Creek Trail for a longer adventure.

Visit Hot Creek Geological Site

You’ll see plenty of fishermen at Hot Creek, but the turquoise pools and billowing steam make it a spectacular sightseeing destination. Osprey, egrets and bald eagles soar above the canyon to hunt for fish, all while Mount Morrison towers in the background. Enjoy a walk along the paved path or view the canyon from the parking area above.

A river with green grass and mountain

On the water

Kayak at Lake Mary

Head up to Pokonobe Resort and Marina or the Lake Mary Marina and rent a kayak for a few hours. The water is generally calm and the views from the lake are stunning. Don’t forget a waterproof case for your camera.

SUP the lakes

Rent a stand-up paddle board from one of the outdoor stores in town and enjoy the tranquil water of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Can't haul a board? Make a reservation at the Pokonobe Marina at Lake Mary.

Boat on Convict Lake

Fill up a cooler with cold drinks and snacks, bring some fishing rods, and spend a lazy summer afternoon on Convict Lake. To rent a pontoon boat, be sure to book ahead. No boat? No problem; there's plenty of shoreline for lounging and taking in the views.

Fly fish at Hot Creek Geological Site

Pack your fly rod and adventure to picturesque Hot Creek. Book a beginner or advanced guided trip with the Troutfitter Guide Service or the Sierra Drifters Guide Service.

Boat on Crowley Lake

SUP or motorboat on Crowley Lake and enjoy stunning views of McGee Mountain and bright green aspens below Mount Morgan. You can also book your own fishing tour and spot the elusive stone columns of Crowley Lake. Note: if you bring your own boat, there is a required inspection.

Large lake with boats and tall mountains

Bike

Ride the Lakes Basin Path

You don’t have to be an experienced bicyclist to enjoy the Lakes Basin Path. The paved downhill trail is popular among all ages and abilities. Take the free town trolley up to Horseshoe Lake with your bike and coast all the way back to The Village.

Experience the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park

Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has more than 80 miles of single track for downhill and cross country mountain biking. Beginners will love the meandering Downtown Mountain Bike Trail, while more advanced riders will enjoy the fast descent from the summit on Off the Top bike park trail.

Go road biking

For great aerobic exercise and stunning scenery, explore the roads of the Eastern Sierra on your road bike. Benton Crossing Road (known locally as Green Church Road) is a popular spot for road biking year-round. Experience the best of summer with the approximately 30-mile ride around the June Lake Loop.

High-adrenaline adventures

Go rock climbing

Whether you're a true first-timer or taking your climbing skills from the gym to the crag for the first time, Ground Up Climbing Guides offers visitors a chance to try out the sport on a guided trip. In addition to custom, guided climbing trips, Ground Up Climbing Guides offers camps and clinics for a variety of skill levels.

Ride the Mountain Coaster at Woolly's Adventure Summit

Discover endless adventure and excitement at Woolly's Adventure Summit. Whether you're looking for high-speed thrills or family-friendly fun, it's got it all. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, don't miss the new Mountain Coaster. With 5,455 feet of twists, turns, and speeds up to 25 mph, it's a thrilling ride through mountainous terrain.

Book a mountain guide

Adventure like the pros. Book a mountain guide for the ultimate day trek, climb, or overnight backpacking adventure. Sierra Mountain Guides and International Alpine Guides specialize in longer, rugged adventures. Ground Up Guides provides the perfect family-friendly climbing atmosphere, and TrekSierra will create the ultimate luxury backcountry experience.

3 people rock climbing

In Town

Skate at the Volcom Brothers Skatepark

The 40,000 square foot Volcom Brothers Skatepark features smooth concrete bowls, a giant cradle, a Burnside wall, lumps, humps, a love seat wall, and a variety of transfers.

Volunteer with a local organization

This summer, help keep everyone’s favorite backyard beautiful by volunteering to pick up trash. Clean up the community and have a shot at winning a $50 gift card from Mammoth Lakes Tourism. Trash pickers, bags and gloves are provided. Locations rotate weekly, so make sure you consult this schedule for each week's location.

Golf

With two golf courses and a driving range, Mammoth Lakes is a great destination for a golfing getaway. Play a round at the 18-hole Sierra Star Golf Course, or try the 9-hole course at Snowcreek Resort. Please check the website for the most up-to-date opening information.

Disc golf

Designed by Avery Jenkins (2009 Professional Disc Golf World Champion), this pro-level, wooded 18-hole disc golf course aligns perfectly with Mammoth Lakes' vision to be the best alpine recreation community in the country. The course is located at Shady Rest Park and is open from May to November (weather permitting).

In addition to the disc golf course, the park offers playground equipment, a sheltered picnic area, restrooms, picnic tables, sand volleyball courts, softball fields, soccer fields, a concession stand, a parking area and a small “street scene” skate-park designed for all ability levels.

Bowl

The Mammoth Rock N Bowl is a popular night hangout among the locals and a great option for inside activities during the winter. There’s also an indoor golf simulator, two restaurants, and a bar.

Check out the new Community Recreation Center

This winter, the Town of Mammoth Lakes unveiled Community Recreation Center (CRC) at Mammoth Creek Park. The CRC is a Sprung Performance Arena enclosing an Olympic-size ice rink that operates in the winter. In the summer, the rink converts to a 20,000 square foot RecZone with the potential for basketball, volleyball, and more.

Groove to live music

Almost every summer weekend in Mammoth Lakes brings a new festival. Check out this summer's events at the outdoor stage in The Village.

Play pickleball

Take a break from rugged adventures and enjoy one of the most scenic pickleball complexes around. The Town of Mammoth Lakes recently unveiled six regulation pickleball courts. The complex includes parking, a picnic area, and lighting for evening sessions. Put on your cutest "athleisure" wear, pack a picnic lunch, and spend the afternoon on the courts. Click here for more information.

Day Trips

Explore Mono Lake

This spectacular alkaline lake is a nesting and resting place for migratory birds. Nearly 2 million birds visit Mono Lake each year, so it’s an iconic place for bird watching. Stop at the Mono Lake State Nature Reserve and take a self-guided walk along the boardwalk to learn about the stunning tufa towers and history of the basin.

Visit Yosemite National Park

America’s third national park is an easy and scenic 45-minute drive north of Mammoth Lakes. Stop in Tuolumne Meadows for a hike, or take a scenic drive to into the valley to see the iconic granite monoliths and waterfalls. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Yosemite National Park for more ideas. Take advantage of Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), which features 5 different stops right in Mammoth Lakes!

Note: In summer 2024, Yosemite National Park will be instituting a reservation system for park entries. Get all the updates here.

Discover June Lake

Just 20 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes, explore the town lovingly known as Little Switzerland. Ringed by impressive peaks and dotted with turquoise lakes, it’s the perfect stop for a summer day. Grab some lunch in town and hang out at June Lake Beach, or drive the June Lake Loop to SUP on Silver Lake. If solid ground is more your speed, challenge yourself with the steep trek to spectacular Horsetail falls, or wander up to Parker Lake.

Explore Bodie State Park

The gold-mining ghost town was once a booming town of ten thousand in the late 1800s. The park has been preserved in a state of arrested decay. Take a day trip back in time to Bodie State Historic Park. Bring your camera and take a tour of the stamp mill.

Unwind

Walk the dog at Horseshoe Lake

Bring your pup to Mammoth Lakes! With a wide sandy shore, Horseshoe Lake and the 2-mile Horseshoe Lake Loop is a top destination for dogs and their human companions. You can utilize the free Lakes Basin Trolley from the Village at Mammoth right to Horseshoe Lake.

Experience the Eastern Sierra Spirit and Ale Trail

Grabbing a local beer or spirit after a day of summer activities is a great way to unwind. Stop by Mammoth Brewing Company or Distant Brewing for a pint. If spirit tasting or locally-crafted cocktails are more your thing, check out Devils Creek Distillery or Shelter Distilling. Check out these establishments and more along the Eastern Sierra Spirit and Ale Trail.

Go shopping

Spend an afternoon browsing local shops in Mammoth Lakes. Kids will love the Mammoth Fun Shop, which is filled with unique toys and games. Enjoy browsing the quaint shops at The Village at Mammoth, or stop by Booky Joint and the Book Chalet to find the perfect lakeside read.

Take a photo journey

The Eastern Sierra is Ansel Adams country. Bring your camera equipment and set out for a day of photographing the unreal landscape. Start your tour at Minaret Vista is for panoramic views of the Minarets at golden hour.

Take a scenic gondola ride

Watch mountain bikers descend winding, rocky trails as you ride up the Panorama Gondola to the summit of 11,053-foot Mammoth Mountain. At the top, there is an interpretive center featuring information about the surrounding mountains and geology of the region. Enjoy the views of the Minarets and the Ritter Range, then ride back down the gondola or hike down on the Mammoth Mountain Trail.

Relax and treat yourself

After all these adventures, your body will crave relaxation and recovery. Head to Smoketree Massage and Apothecary, where you can book a massage and peruse their stock of wildcrafted herbs, teas, and tinctures to support overall wellness. The Double Eagle Spa at Snowcreek Athletic Club offers massage, body therapies, facials, nail services, microdermabrasion and spa products.

Author
Lauren MacLeod
Lauren MacLeod, RD (she/her) is the Communications Coordinator for Mammoth Lakes Tourism. She's also a sports dietitian specializing in food, nutrition, and travel writing for outdoor and wellness brands.
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