Driving to Mammoth Mountain will put you in the right spot for some serious adventures, but you have one last hurdle to overcome before you can hit the slopes or the cycling trails. Parking at this hot tourist destination is often a major challenge, but there are some things you can do to park in designated areas while also beating the crowds. Once you’ve secured your bicycle, snowboard, or Mammoth ski rental, give these five tips a try to make it easier and faster to do the activities you came to enjoy.
1. Understand the Importance of the Seasons
There are many areas where overnight public parking is allowed. However, you do need to be cautious about where you park during certain times of the year. In the winter, there are parking regulations in place to address the issue of heavy snow. For this reason, you need to avoid parking overnight on public streets from November 1st through April 30th. This gives the snowplows room to clear the roads for public use.
2. Read the Signs
While there are general rules governing when you’re not allowed to park on public streets during the winter, you do need to remember things can rapidly change. Don’t assume a place is safe just because you parked there last winter. Instead, always look for signs that let you know the area is off-limits. The signage is also important during the summer, since certain streets may restrict parking to make room for special events or to deter people from crowding certain areas.
3. Consider Using Paid Parking
There are multiple paid parking areas you can use for both overnight and daytime parking. These areas are usually inexpensive, and they provide an additional layer of safety, since many have security systems or guards in place. Keep in mind paid parking also sometimes has hours and regulations you must follow, so check into the rules before you leave your car unattended for any length of time.
4. Ask About Parking When You Book Your Lodging
Many of the resorts and hotels in the area offer amenities such as shuttle service to the mountain, which allows you to leave your vehicle where you’re staying while you enjoy a fun-filled day without any worries. You should also ask if there are restrictions regarding how many vehicles you can park in the lot. Some hotels and resorts restrict vehicles to only one or two per unit.
5. Get There Early
You came to Mammoth to enjoy the beauty of the area, and you can pack more into your day by arriving early. The parking areas at the base of the mountain tend to fill up quickly, but you can increase your chances of securing a spot by showing up early in the morning. This strategy also lets you be one of the first to hit the slopes, and you just can’t beat seeing that gorgeous mountain sunrise.
No matter what time of year you visit Mammoth Mountain, plan ahead for parking so you can spend your time enjoying all the beauty the area has to offer. Whether you’re here to fish, hike, bike, ski, or snowboard, drop by ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for everything you need to enjoy your time on the mountain. If you need biking gear, fishing licenses, or Mammoth Lakes ski rental, our friendly team is here to help. Give us a call today at 760-965-3444.