What You Need to Know About Parking in Mammoth Lakes

January 09, 2024

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.

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.

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 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 rules and regulations at the property prior to arriving.
  • Parking may be limited during special events held at the Village at Mammoth and it is advised that guests forego driving and utilize Mammoth Lakes' free bus routes.
Overnight & Day-Use Parking Lots in Mammoth Lakes

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.

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, and Shady Rest Park. (NOTE: Mammoth Creek Park is closed for construction until summer 2024)
  • Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center
  • Mammoth Lakes Park and Ride 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.
Author
Jason Abplanalp
Jason Abplanalp first discovered the Eastern Sierra lifestyle six years ago and after brief tenures in Colorado and Idaho, Jason returned to the mountain town he truly loves, Mammoth Lakes, CA. As an avid skier, mountain biker, hiker, and fisherman, Jason believes there is no better place for his family to call home. Jason has a PhD in the geological sciences and when he is not outside playing in the mountains or writing about his adventures, he is designing field studies and data generative programs for clients employed by the mineral extraction industry.
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