Holiday weekends may look a little different this year, but the Eastern Sierra is still here and as beautiful as ever. Mammoth is ready to welcome you with open arms – and a few important things to keep in mind.
Here’s your guide to visiting and enjoying this Labor Day weekend in Mammoth Lakes and its surrounding areas:
How to Stay Safe and Healthy in Mammoth
Wear a mask.
It’s California-mandated to wear a mask indoors and anywhere six-feet social distancing isn’t possible. For outdoor recreation where social distancing is possible, the Mono County Public Health Department still requires you to carry a mask at all times, and you must wear it when you pass people outside your household on trails and town paths.
Follow the etiquette and guidelines for outdoor recreation during COVID-19.
Keep in mind these tips for socially distancing yourself in the outdoors. We’re all in this together; please be respectful to the Mammoth community and your fellow visitors so we can continue to enjoy nature responsibly.
Plan ahead.
While most places are open for recreation, you can plan ahead by checking on closures in advance. Be prepared for limited facilities and plan accordingly.
Leave no trace.
Remember, being a responsible traveler isn’t limited to staying safe from COVID-19. As always, it’s important to “Leave No Trace” wherever you go – including around town.
Before you make your trip to Mammoth or head out into nature, take a moment to learn how to adventure responsibly and sustainably so everyone can enjoy Mammoth’s beauty for many generations to come.
Best Things to Do This Labor Day Weekend in Mammoth
Get takeout and have a scenic picnic.
Many restaurants are open, and takeout is a great way to support local businesses while practicing social distancing. Add on a beautiful vista, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination for a picnic to remember.
Grab a blanket and find yourself a cozy spot along the Town Loop overlooking the Sherwins, or head on over to Minaret Vista for a memorable sunset view. Just be sure to bring some layers if you go in the evening – it may still be warm during the day, but the temperatures drop at night!
Prefer to dine with a picnic table? Try Mammoth Creek Park or Shady Rest Park, both right in town with pavilion and picnic table options. The Mammoth Lakes Basin also has a surplus of lakeside options and some picnic tables up for grabs.
Go for a hike.
Mammoth Lakes and its surrounding areas boast some of the most beautiful, accessible hikes, and late summer is a great time to enjoy them. So many, in fact, that it can be hard to choose! Luckily you have a three-day weekend ahead of you, so plenty of time to fit in a few.
Want to see a waterfall? Reds Meadow Valley has Rainbow Falls Trail, a family-friendly route you can take to see Rainbow Falls and Lower Falls. How about an alpine lake? Try the 2.7 mile round-trip route to Crystal Lake via the Mammoth Crest Trail to the Crystal Lake Trail. Looking for a longer challenge? McGee Pass offers a 14.3 mile hike with astounding views of both meadows and mountains. Check out Mammoth Lakes Trails System for more information and trail maps.
Not convinced yet? Check out these six reasons why you should hike in Mammoth.
Grab a cold one at a beer garden.
After a long day out in nature, nothing tastes better than a cold, craft beer. Distant Brewing and Mammoth Brewing Company both have outdoor beer garden seating for you to enjoy their wide selection of locally-made craft brews. And before you leave town, be sure to grab some to-go crowlers of your favorite pours.
Enjoy a scenic gondola ride.
Stunning 360° views of the Sierra and beyond, all the way up to 11,053 feet? Yes please. Enjoy the panoramic aerial ride to the summit of Mammoth Mountain and take in the incredible views. (If you’re a 20/21 Ikon Passholder, it’s free! Just stop by the ticket counter at the Adventure Center at Main Lodge.)
Let out your inner adrenaline junkie at the bike park.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned mountain biker, Mammoth Mountain boasts some of the best trails in their bike park. They’re now open until September 20, so go ahead and book a ticket – you get a discount if you’re a 20/21 Ikon Passholder.
Hit the links.
You’ll need to make a reservation in advance, but the golf courses in Mammoth are open for business (and more importantly enjoyment). Elevate your game surrounded by pristine lakes and stunning mountain views at Sierra Star Golf Course or Snowcreek Resort Golf Course. Or if disc golf is more your speed, try a round at the Shady Rest DiscGolf Park.
Get excited for Fall in the Sierra.
Pumpkin spice lattes might already be on Starbucks’ menu, but we still have a few more weeks of summer. As you wind down the wonderful long weekend, soak in the last bits of summer and look ahead to yet another amazing season on the horizon – Autumn. (After all, it’s never too early to start planning your next trip to Mammoth!)
Consider giving back to the Mammoth community.
Mammoth Lakes may only be a four-square-mile town, but the amount of joy and memories it brings its visitors year after year is immeasurable. Though enjoying nature is free, taking care of that nature (especially after it’s been enjoyed by many) isn’t.
Consider giving back to one of the great local organizations helping take care of the Sierra, such as the Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation or Mammoth Lakes Recreation.
—
Mammoth Lakes is excited to welcome you this Labor Day weekend – if you follow the etiquette and guidelines to enjoying our beautiful town safely and responsibly, you’re sure to have a great time.
ASO Mammoth is open for all your gear needs and recreation tips – swing by our store at 452 Old Mammoth Road, give us a call (760-965-3444), shoot us an email or connect with us on Instagram!