Surrounded by dozens of hiking trails and more than a million acres of forest, Mammoth Mountain is the perfect place to become one with nature. If you’re planning to hike in this area, it helps to be as prepared as possible so you can enjoy a truly rewarding experience. Here are six tips to keep in mind when hiking at Mammoth Mountain, brought to you by the mountain sports experts from ASO Mammoth, your one-stop Mammoth outdoor store for high-quality hiking gear, safety equipment, and tips for exploring Mammoth’s grandeur.
1. Pack More Food Than You Think You’ll Need
Many of the trailheads in the Mammoth Lakes area are conveniently accessible by shuttles. Because of this, you may be tempted to pack light when it comes to food. However, you never know when you’ll need quick energy as you explore the trails. Err on the side of caution and take some extra granola bars and other convenient, energy-boosting snacks.
2. Focus on What You’ve Accomplished as You Hike
It’s fine to set lofty goals, such as reaching the summit of Mammoth Mountain, when hiking in this picturesque area, especially if you go along the western side, where the view is even more amazing. However, you may lose your motivation if you keep thinking about how much further your destination is. Instead, look back at how far you’ve come as you go for an added boost of pride to fuel your motivation.
3. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
If you’re like many Mammoth Mountain hikers, you’ll likely go at a more casual pace to fully take in nearby views of places like Junction Bluff and San Joaquin Ridge. Avoid the risk of getting sunburned as you pause to gaze and snap selfies by bringing sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 30 to block most of the sun’s harmful rays.
4. Know Where You Want to Go Ahead of Time
Part of the joy of hiking is having the freedom to change plans at a whim. That being said, there are some advantages associated with knowing where you want to hike ahead of time. For instance, if you opt to aim for the Mammoth Mountain Summit Trailhead, it helps to know you can take the gondola to the summit and simply hike the trail downhill.
5. Opt for Easy Trails First if You’re New to the Area
Even if you’re a seasoned hiker, it can be helpful to get acclimated to a new hiking environment before you take on the more challenging trails, such as the nearby River Trail. Fortunately, even the easy trails at Mammoth Mountain offer gorgeous panoramic views. Some of these include:
• Lakes Basin Path
• Hot Creek Trail
• Shady Rest Path
We have a page with Mammoth Lakes hiking trail maps here.
6. Plan Some Fun Side Activities
Hiking itself can certainly be a fun experience, but your trip to Mammoth Mountain can be even more memorable if you plan a few side adventures. For example, if you choose the Main Lodge Trail, there’s a picnic area nearby where you can have lunch before starting your journey along the trail.
If you’re looking to explore Mammoth’s natural beauty, hiking is one of the best ways to do it. If you’d like to enjoy the scenery on two wheels, you can find everything you need at ASO Mammoth, the area’s top provider of bike rentals . Mammoth visitors can rely on us for high-quality equipment and outstanding service. Stop by when you get to the mountain or give us a call at 760-965-3444 for more information.