Location

MONO LAKE STATE NATURAL RESERVE

You may recognize the iconic tufa of Mono Lake and wonder what’s up with that?  Mono Lake is a highly alkaline lake with a salt content almost 3 times that of the ocean.  As the lake does not have an outlet and the surrounding mountain runoffs deposit large volumes of dissolved salts in the lake, the salt concentration and PH level are high.  Tufa are limestone columns of calcite. From the bottom of the lake subsurface waters containing calcium mix with the inorganic carbon of the alkaline lake through spring orifices and around those orifices develop the calcite tufa. They only appear to you today as the water levels have severely decreased mostly due to water divergent projects of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power since 1913. It is a fascinating history and geological investigation which you can discover more of through Mono Lake Commitee and The California Department of Parks and Recreation. We recommend starting at the Visitors Center.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Yosemite National Park…where does one start to talk about it?  Encompassing over 750,000 acres of the Sierra Nevada mountains of California spanning to both the Eastern and Western slopes, you could spend a month alone exploring it’s abundance of waterfalls, hikes, vistas and wildlife.  If you are a climber…well, you’ll be in paradise.  From our side of the park (Eastern) you’ll go through Tuolumne Meadows at 8,585ft above sea level before descending into Yosemite Valley at 4,000 ft above.  Depending on traffic it will take approximately 2 hours to get to the valley.  When folks talk of Yosemite, they are thinking of the impressive valley which encompasses the incredible rock formations of El Capitan and Half Dome as well as the iconic Yosemite falls, Bridalveil falls and Vernal falls.  You can hike, bike, enjoy a meal, listen to forest service talks or just lounge in the multitude of meadows watching the big wall climbers on El Capitan.  Don’t however, dismiss the drive through Tuolumne Meadows.  You’ll pass lakes to stop and swim in, meadows to take photos of wildlife, and so many vistas that you might want to plan a few extra hours just for the drive alone. 

To enter Yosemite NP, things have changed a bit since COVID19.  A reservation permit is now required to enter or drive through the park. 

Please look here for details and plan ahead.  This is one of the most magical places in the United States and hence a popular one.  Have an idea of what you want to see and then go explore all the possibilities.

DEVILS POSTPILE NATIONAL MONUMENT

In 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument was created to protect and preserve the Devils Postpile formation, Rainbow falls and it’s pristine mountain environment.  The dramatic symmetry and 60’ height of the Columnar basalt towers is one of the world’s finest examples.  Current studies suggest that they were formed less than 100,000 years ago when a cooling lava flow cracked into multi-sided columns.  To explore the depths of this fascinating natural phenomenon further, check out it’s geology at the National Park Service.

To get here, you must take a shuttle from the main lodge of Mammoth Mountain. You will be taking the shuttle down to one of two stops at the end of the line (Red’s Meadow) depending on whether you are hiking to Rainbow Falls as well as the postpile. Both are easy hikes that any adult or child can do.  You can find maps for more information here.  National Park Service Maps 

BODIE STATE HISTORIC PARK

No trip to the West coast of the US is complete without experiencing an iconic Western Ghost Town. As you walk down the streets and peer into the windows of houses, stores, the school and church, you’ll begin to hear the whispers of those 8,000 souls that once called this place home. In 1875, Waterman S Body discovered gold deposits in the hills above Mono Lake. By 1877, the Standard Mining Company bought the land that is now the Bodie Ghost Town and by 1882 these pioneers pulled upwards of $38 million in gold and silver from those hills. It became a state historic park in 1962. Today, as you look in those windows of the 200 abandoned structures, you’ll see what was left behind as the deposits dried up and residents departed taking only what they could carry; leaving behind furniture, dishes, tools and old vehicles. The general store is still stocked with cans of spice and lanterns, the mortuary has caskets, and the school has poems on the chalkboard with desks lined up awaiting the children that will never arrive. You get this glimpse of what life was like in this time of discovery and hardship; particularly when you visit the tombs of the cemetery. Don’t miss visiting the store/museum in the old community building where you can read their log books and see the photos and time pieces of those who lived here. You can even purchase books written by these folks for an even more in-depth experience.

Tips:

• From Mammoth Lakes, it will take about an hour to get into the park. It is on a well maintained dirt road 13 miles off of 395
• You’ll want to spend the full day exploring so bring water, lunch, snacks and plan on taking your time. This isn’t the kind of place that you can really experience with an hour stop over.
• Check in the store/museum for the schedule of daily historical talks and Stamp Mill tours
• ring your camera. Every time that I visit (every family visit) I see things within my camera lens that I didn’t see before and it is truly fascinating
• Due to the historical artifacts that are in this park, please collect nothing to take home as a souvenir. You can purchase items in the store/museum.
• If you become a member of the Bodie Foundation many special events will open up to you such the “Friends of Bodie” day in august where members come dressed in the era to enjoy what life would have been like or the evening “Ghost Walks” that occur 3 times per summer.

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• When hiking our trails please don’t shortcut the switchbacks, you may be tired but it causes undo erosion of the structure of the trail. If you do venture off the trail, be aware of what you are walking over. With our short warm season, those little plants need all the help to survive that they can.
• When driving on our dirt roads do not drive off them to explore other areas as you will be destroying important vegetation and creating a track where others will think they can go. You can download a topographic map app to see where roads connect in order to get to your desired location.
• Please dispose of trash and waste appropriately. Carry out anything that you bring into the wilderness and dispose of it in a bear proof bin. If you need to..ahum..poop in the woods, grab a stick to dig a hole and bury it putting a stone on top. Make sure that you are at least 200’ from water. If you have a dog with you, please please don’t pick it up in a blue pet bag and leave it on the side of the trail. We appreciate not leaving the poop in the middle of the trail for someone to step in but they too often get left for someone else to pick up. I suggest grabbing a pine cone (they are everywhere) to press into the poop in order to throw it into the forest. The poop will disintegrate and no blue bag is left behind.
• As you are out and about, whether you are hiking the day away or picnicking by a stunning lake, there is a good chance that you’ll see our bears, coyotes, racoons, red tail hawks and maybe even one of our eagles. Please don’t approach them or feed them. Sure, they are looking for food but when they eat food we provide, they will get more demanding which will cause them to become ‘problems’. This will eventually lead to them having to be killed. We like our wildlife…please don’t let that happen.
• It is natural to have the desire to leave or take tokens of things that express our experiences and the fact that we were there. Please don’t leave little bits of you behind such as carving your name into a tree. As the saying goes: Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

Weather:

• Spring & Summer: With the melting of the snow in spring (Typically May-June) the lakes defrost, the mountain trails open up and the flowers bloom.  This is also the time when the Tioga Pass (Hwy 120) opens into Yosemite NP.  You’ll see temperatures go from mid 50s to mid 80s by September and then back down again until October/November.  Our days are mostly sunny with occasional showers.  We are, however, high in the mountains so the weather can change quickly. Come prepare for hot days and cool evenings.  Watch the weather as you plan your visit.
• Fall & Winter: In September or October, the temperatures begin to drop creating a spectacular display of orange and red as the Aspen trees begin to fade into winter. Come October/November winter starts to settle in as the nights become near freezing. This is the time for Mammoth Mountain to start making snow on a few of the main runs. The mountain tries to open with this man made snow by the beginning of November.  Winter typically has numerous storms that drop an annual average of 17 feet of snow.  The amount of fresh powder that we receive is a joy for everyone that is coming to play in it but can be a bit scary for those unfamiliar with driving in it.  If that is you, please make sure that you are tracking weather as we approach your arrival date and cancel before your cancellation policy.  We do not allow exceptions to our cancellation policies for snow storms.

Road Conditions:

As we are a mountain community we are very affected by weather and in the snowy winter the road conditions can get icy with low visibility. That being said, all services in town and on the highways have become...…adept at managing the snow. This does not mean, however, that the roads will be free from snow and ice build up. You are coming to the mountain during this season to play in the snow and therefore need to be expecting to have to drive in it.  If you prefer to come when the risk is lower, please pay attention to the weather and make your decision to cancel prior to your cancellation policy.  We do not allow exceptions to the cancellation policy due to snow storms

Tips:

• You are required by law to carry snow chains whenever driving into our winter environment.  Make sure that you know how to use them and be prepared to have a safe drive getting to us.  
• If visibility gets tough, don’t just pull over to the side of the road. The side may not be obvious and other vehicles won’t see you well enough to avoid you.  Keep moving slowly feathering your brakes as the brake lights are the easiest to see. Try putting on your ski goggles as they can improve what you can see.
• Take your time keeping distance from the vehicle in front of you. Anticipate others around you sliding and feather your brakes or gas.  Never slam your brakes  or gas as you will most likely go into a skid yourself.

Road Closures:

Occasionally, you will find highway 395 closed due to snow activity.  (You can check road conditions here or for up-to-the-minute road updates call: 800.427.7623.) This is usually temporary depending on the situation.  It could be an accident that needs to get moved or perhaps a wind gust that needs to pass for it to be safe.  There are alternate side roads but if you choose to take them, know that you are taking a possibly serious risk as many of those roads may not be plowed at all. Be patient and wait until the DOT opens it up.  We do not automatically allow cancellation exceptions for this situation. 

• WINTER DISCOUNT: Receive a 20% discount when you stay at the Empeiria High Sierra Hotel.  Reserve your fitting time online or by calling 760-934-7009. RESERVE HERE  Enter code:Empeiria
• SUMMER DISCOUNT: Receive a 10% discount when you stay at the Empeiria High Sierra Hotel.  Arrange your rental online or by calling 760-934-7009. RESERVE HERE Enter Code: EmperiaHS10
• DELIVERY AND PICKUP: When reserving your gear for either summer or winter you have two options.  They will deliver to the hotel fitting you in your room or you can go to them at 501 Old Mammoth Rd #9.  You can walk in but it is recommended that you make an appointment.
• SUPPORT: With a knowledgeable service, Black Tie will meet you at any point in your rental period to switch out equipment.  Simply give them a call and they’ll be on their way.
• EQUIPMENT: With Black Tie’s vast variety of ski, snowboard and ebike brands, you are sure to find the perfect one for your ultimate experience.  They have bike brands such as Trek, Aventon, Rad Radster, and Road Runner in both road and mountain e bikes.  Among the 37 brands of skis and snowboards you’ll find Vokl, Atomic, Burton, Elan, Fischer, K2, Nordica and Roxy. 
• DROP OFF: For your convenience, you can leave them in the ski rack located in the lobby.  Black Tie Staff will stop by daily to retrieve them.  You can of course drop them off at their location at 501 Old Mammoth Rd #9.

• LODGING DISCOUNT: 15% discount for those participating in either a program or individualized support from DSES.  Call the hotel at 760-924-1234 and mention you are with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra.
• PROGRAMS: In the sports of downhill skiing, nordic skiing, snowboarding, paddleboarding, road & mountain biking and hiking, you can participate in daily lessons, custom group lessons, or a multitude of specialized camps.
• VOLUNTEER: There are so many ways to become involved with DSES through volunteering your time in lesson instruction, outreach & fundraising, cooking, or working in the office or 2nd Chance Thrift Store

• LODGING DISCOUNT: Stay with us prior to your trip to acclimate and after your adventure to refresh.  Receive a 10% discount by booking a guided adventure with IAG then calling us at 760-924-1234 with the details of your trip.
• GEAR: From tents, backpacks to food, IAG is a full service mountain guiding company. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and your clothes.
• GOURMET MEALS: Taking a lot of pride in what they prepare, they like to call it “backcountry gourmet”. They never use ‘freeze dried’ meals. Their guides go through extensive backcountry cooking training each year and are certified in California food handling. They can accommodate most special diets.
• REASONS TO CHOOSE IAG: When you choose IAG, you will have a small guide to guest ratio, an easy-going, professional, skilled and friendly guide that is trained as a Wilderness First Responder and pre-trip communications with your guide to ensure that you are ready.
• YOUR GUIDES: Their top-notch mountain guides are highly trained & easy-going professionals with many years of experience climbing, skiing, and trekking throughout the world.  Their lead mountain guides have professional training and/or certification with the AMGA…some even with the highest certification in the world, IFMGA International mountain guide certification.

• LODGING DISCOUNT: The Empeiria High Sierra Hotel is pleased to offer a 10% discount to Mammoth Film Festival goers. You can book through their lodging deal page at Mammoth Film Festival or by calling the hotel directly at 760-924-1234.
• FESTIVAL DETAILS: The festival includes interactive panels, discussions with top industry leaders, red carpets, event parties, galas and mixers, our Annual Charity Celebrity Bowling Tournament, MammothCON Vendor Exhibition Hall, activations, tech and so much more.
• SUBMIT YOUR FILM: To submit your film, check out the submission page at filmfreeway.com/MammothFilmFestival

• FESTIVAL DETAILS: Five days of viewing, Opening Night Gala, Filmmakers Late Night Happy Hour, Panel discussion with industry professionals, Filmmakers Bash, Closing Night Award Ceremony.
• SUBMIT YOUR FILM: To submit your film, check out the submission page at https://www.mammothlakesfilmfestival.com/submit

• LODGING DISCOUNT: 15% discount for participating in the event or camp.  You can book 2 days prior and 2 days after the event to acclimate and recuperate.  Book by calling the hotel at 760-924-1234 and mention that you are coming in for Mammoth Tuff. For booking online at https://empeiriahighsierrahotel.com/ , first get a promo code from the partner page at https://www.tuff.ventures/
• EVENTS: You have until mid September to decide how TUFF you really are. Are you TUFF and going for a 40 mile ride with 2300 ft elevation gain? Maybe you are TUFFER and ready to hit 70 miles with 3900 ft gain? How about the ultimate challenge of 90+ miles and 7500 feet of elevation gain? In any case, you are up for an excellent adventure.
• CAMPS: In preparation for Mammoth TUFF come enjoy two camps, one in Bishop and the other in Mammoth Lakes. Come hit the gravel with a great community of all abilities. You can find the exact dates at the Mammoth Tuff website.

Proprietor and Chef de Cuisine Ian Algeroen brings his love of the mountains and cuisine to create for you, our guests, the most exceptional dining experience that you’ll have in Mammoth Lakes. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner but first come first served for breakfast. Please see his website at SKADIRestaurant.com for more information.

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• RENTAL DISCOUNT: You can book through this link or by calling them directly @ 877.754.7754. Mention that you are staying at the Empeiria High Sierra Hotel to receive 10% off your entire rental.
• DELIVERY: Ski Butlers will deliver all your equipment rentals directly to your accommodations. They even bring extra boots for a guaranteed perfect fit.
• SUPPORT: Ski Butlers will meet you to switch out any equipment you like throughout your rental period. Simply give them a call and they’ll meet you within 45 minutes.
• EQUIPTMENT: From the skis and boards down to the boots, Ski Butlers brings the right gear for the terrain you like to ski and ride.
• DROP OFF: On your final rental day, Ski Butlers will come to your accommodations to pick up all your rental equipment. You do not need to be present for a pickup. Simply leave your gear at the Ski Butler rack in the hotel lobby

• LODGING DISCOUNT:Empeiria High Sierra Hotel is pleased to provide Trek Sierra adventurers with a 10% lodging discount for before and after your backcountry trek.   Once you book with Trek Sierra, they will provide you with a promotion code to use at our booking site.  You can also call 760-924-1234 to speak with our front desk.
• TREK SIERRA DISCOUNT: Trek Sierra will provide you with a 10% discount when you also book lodging before and/or after your trek.
• PLANNING: Your trip includes a detailed itinerary and instruction, pre/post-trek communication and training tips! (and of course tons of great photos from your trip!Your trip includes a detailed itinerary and instruction, pre/post-trek communication and training tips! (and of course tons of great photos from your trip!
• GEAR: At no extra cost, TrekSierra supplies you with some of the most durable and reliable outdoor brands on the market, including Gregory, Osprey, Big Agnes, Mammut, Mountain Hardware, MSR and Outdoor Research…
• GOURMET MEALS: At TrekSierra, we have a passion for cooking hearty and delicious meals in the backcountry! From pasta dishes with meat and fresh veggies to burritos, french toast and bacon- you are sure to not be hungry on one of our treks! Each person is provided breakfast, lunch and a 4-course dinner for the trip duration. No pre packaged freeze dried meals on this one!
• CAMP SET UP: At TrekSierra, enjoy your time in the outdoors and leave camp set up to your guide! For those wanting to learn, we can provide instruction on how to properly set up camp and fortify your shelter. This can also include Leave No Trace and other Backcountry Procedures for those that may be training for a longer endeavor, looking to set themselves up for success on their next trip or just curious and eager to learn!
• YOUR GUIDES: You can feel safe with our skilled and experienced guides. They are Certified Wilderness First Responder,s Leave No Trace Trainer,s AIARE Certified, AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide and Single Pitch Instructors.  They have extensive backpacking experience here in the US as well as internationally, and over 15 years experience in hospitality
• OUR MISSION: To help others experience the breathtaking backcountry in the most supported way possible and provide a unique, premium backcountry experience that allows us to reconnect with nature, our loved ones and ourselves!