Get ready to run and have a lot of fun during the upcoming Mammoth Trail Fest. Scheduled to take place from September 22nd to 25th this year, it’s a community-focused event that’s perfect for the entire family. The friendly folks at ASO Mammoth, your year-round one-stop shop for everything from fishing equipment and licenses to mountain biking gear and Mammoth ski rentals, suggest checking out this rundown of this year’s Mammoth Trail Fest as you pack up your shoes and other essentials for what’s expected to be a fantastic fall experience.
Find Out What to Expect
The event is designed with community fun in mind, and there’s a little bit of something for everyone on the itinerary. It’s specifically focused on raising awareness, education, and trail stewardship. If you’re an avid runner or you have diehard runners coming with you, the event, as the name implies, includes lots of trail running. Plus, it will take you through some of the best countryside in the entire state of California. What’s more, the trails are incredibly scenic. Additionally, you can expect:
• Community-focused trails
• Free live entertainment
• A multiday experience
• Lots of events spread out over several days
Also, expect great food from local vendors. Storytelling will also be included as well, which is perfect if you’ll be bringing your kids.
Come Early for the Welcome Party
Kick off the Mammoth Trail Fest in style by coming early for the welcome party. This free event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 22nd, starting at 6 p.m. Just make your way to Mammoth Mountain’s main hub, the Village at Mammoth. You’ll also be able to check out the local shops here while you take part in all the fun.
Come Back the Next Day for the Kids Mile
On Friday the 23rd, the Village is where you can bring your little ones for the less challenging Kids Mile. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to running in a fun, careful setting. This particular event starts bright and early—at least for some people—at 11:30 a.m.
Stick Around for the McCoy 26
This event is a great way for newer runners to gain some experience. In this case, what you’re doing is making your way gradually across 16 miles with a 4,000-foot elevation gain. It’s also a good event for more elite runners if you’re looking to put a cap on your season or warm up for other fall events.
Check Out the Main Events
The main events take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th. The first one is the Mammoth 50K, which gets underway at 8 a.m. If you’re an early bird, you’ll appreciate this one. Come a bit early, and you can fuel up at one of the on-site restaurants. This particular race covers 31.5 miles. You’ll also be treated to elevations that get up to 8,000-plus feet as you make your way upward.
If you prefer to have your trail fun a bit later, you can always come the next day for the Dragon’s Back Ascent. It starts two hours later, covers 2.75 miles, and takes you all the way to the top of Mammoth Mountain, which is a 2,500-foot trek. Watch out for the fast and steep loop that’s common in the area.
When the Trail Fest brings you to Mammoth in September, make sure to stop by and see the knowledgeable staff at ASO Mammoth. Whether they need fishing gear, mountain biking equipment, or high-quality snowboard rental, Mammoth visitors can find everything they need at our store. Drop by on your way to the mountain or give us a call at 760-965-3444.