Safety is the golden rule with any outdoor activities where you’ll be on the move most of the time and likely bathed in sun for several hours. This certainly applies to hiking, which you can do during a warm-weather visit to Mammoth Mountain. Before you make your way to the many paths and trails here, take a moment to check out these recommendations for what to do to stay safe when hiking Mammoth Mountain, brought to you by the mountain sports experts from ASO Mammoth, your one-stop outdoor store for high-quality hiking gear, safety equipment, Mammoth snowboard rental, and tips for exploring Mammoth’s grandeur during every season.
Let Someone Know You’ll Be Hiking
Solo hiking can be perfectly safe at Mammoth Mountain. That said, it’s still best to err on the side of caution and let someone else know you’ll be hiking and where. You can also tell a staff member at the place you’re staying at or inform one of the resort employees. Do this even if you’ll be hiking with friends or as a group.
Choose Your Trails First
Mammoth Mountain has signs throughout the hiking areas and along the trails, especially ones directly on the mountain or accessible from the base. Even so, it’s safer to know where you’ll be hiking before you go. Stick to trails that match your experience level to avoid potential safety issues. Generally, the more demanding trails start at the top of the mountain, and the easier ones are at the base. Visit the Mammoth website and go to the “On-Mountain Hiking” page for a rundown of the trails and related details. The resort also has a free GPS-enabled app you can download for added guidance and trail information.
Bring Your Hiking Essentials
You don’t need a heavy backpack when hiking Mammoth Mountain. However, it’s still important to bring some hiking essentials with you so you’ll be safe and comfortable. At the very least, your hiking-related accessories and gear should include:
• Water—a reusable water bottle is especially convenient
• Light, healthy snacks to sustain your energy
• Your phone and a portable charger
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Sunscreen—apply it even when it’s cloudy
It’s also a good idea to bring a jacket or some other lighter pieces of clothing you can slip on, since temperatures can dip fairly suddenly here, especially as you work your way up the mountain. Downloading a weather app for the Mammoth area is another safety step you can take. This way, you’ll be aware of any unexpected weather issues as you hike.
Take Mini-Breaks
It’s easier than you may realize to push yourself a bit too hard while hiking Mammoth Mountain. Avoid the risk of exhaustion and dehydration by taking occasional breaks as you make your way along the trails. Doing so also gives you a chance to grab a snack out of your backpack, sip some water, and take in the view.
Pay Attention to Signs
Those signs we mentioned earlier are there for your safety. They also come in handy for times when you may be switching over to another trail. Be mindful when this happens so you don’t end up on a hiking path with conditions you’re not prepared for.
If you’re looking to explore Mammoth’s natural beauty, hiking is one of the best ways to do it. If you’d rather enjoy the scenery on two wheels, you can rent bikes for the whole family at ASO Mammoth, the area’s top provider of bike, snowboard, and ski 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.