TW Mammoth Lakes Off Road trip July 27th - 29th

If I don't end up going July 20th I may have to go those same days. I have a work trip that messed up my plans for the 27th but since they are making me work on the weekend I am going to try and use August 2/3 as comp days.

 

So after talking with a buddy, thinking I might head up Thursday night and camp then ride Mammoth bike park for the day Friday then meet up with you fine folks.

 

Went out to Laurel Lakes on the 14th. There is still a snow drift blocking the road about 1/4 mile from the lake. Hard to guess how deep it was, maybe a foot plus on the downhill side, maybe 3' on the uphill. I'd guess it would be gone in a few weeks but I know very little about snow melt. Some rocks in the road too, nothing 2 guys couldn't push out of the way. It is a beautiful lake and spot for camping.

 

I would like to join the group on the 27th of july if thats cool. @TacoSauceHB

 

I’m down for the 20th

 

Atta boy!!!! Let’s gooooooo

 

UPDATE: I just drove through Mammoth yesterday and it looks like a volcano blew or something, apparently there is a pretty big fire that just turned direction and headed towards Mammoth now. Really hoping they can contain it or at least it change direction because camping would not even be worth it if it was like yesterday. I am supposed to head up this weekend to scope out spots for the trip so Ill keep the thread updated the best i can.

 

Crap I was planning a trip there this weekend...

Any other cool places remotely on the way back to the Bay Area from So-Cal? Looks like I need to re-plan

 

Its all dependent on wind direction. The whole stretch of Owens Valley on the 395 has a ton of stuff to explore as a plan B. Ever been to Alabama Hills in Lone Pine? Pretty cool area with lots of off roading and back roads to explore. Just not as many trees until you get closer to Bishop. Here is a picture of our campsite from this past Thursday night in Alabama Hills. Free campsites everywhere

 

Yes we are planning on picking up Sliders in San Bernardino then camping our first night in Alabama Hills then going up to mammoth to get some fishing and relaxing camping in. I was thinking of going up along Owens river but would love some lake action as well. Looks like I’ll need to just hope it blows away.

Any tips on spots are appreciated! I’ll be sure to post my experiences back here for the group

 

I am headed up there after work on Friday night if weather is clear. Gonna camp in Alabama Hills then wake up super early and mob it to Mammoth. Maybe we will cross paths... what days are you going?

 

Picked up my camper shell yesterday, not done with my sleeping platform build yet so I threw a full pillow top mattress in the back. Pretty stoked on this shell sol far. I will be headed out to Lone Pine after I get off work today meeting up with 2 other Tacos Then headed into Mammoth Saturday morning with the sole intent to locate campsites and scope out some trails. I will be solo in Mammoth so not sure if I want to try Laurel Lakes without a spotter or help. I will do my best to post while I am up there internet and cell service is always a little spotty.

 

Sounds awesome Brian! You'll certainly love your shell. When camping, I never minded sleeping in a tent before, but now I just want to always sleep in the bed of my truck. It's so convenient and comfortable that I'm spoiled.
Have fun and I look forward to your updates. Thanks so much for scouting for our trip! I can't wait.

 

I'm a littler nervous about this fire..... its only 5% contained and has now entered Mammoth.... Bringing my gas mask in case it gets bad haha

 

Right on dude be safe and have a good time. Hopefully, they will get a handle on things with the fire.

Just in case, maybe we should come up with a plan B Location? Shaver lake ? Big bear? Monache Meadows?

 

I would be SO down for shaver lake. But then again I am going the 20th not the 27th.

 

Check the Air Quality site. Don’t think the fires really gonna bug ya much. It’s quite common for giant fires to burn for weeks or months during summer (they anticipate this one will be 6 weeks old by the time they stop it). Fires part of a healthy ecosystem so don’t let it stop you from enjoying 395

https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&zipcode=93541&submit=Go

 

Last Sunday I was driving home from. Tahoe and you could not see more than a mile from all the thick smoke. Its all depends on where the wind blows....

 

I was thinking Lone Pine area as a plan B? , tons of camping spots, lots of trails, old mine shafts you can drive through, fishing spots nearby. Only downside is hardly any pine trees or shade and its a bit hotter there.

 

Yea that sounds good. I was just reading this morning about this old mining town east of LP is for sale. Looks like it'd be a fun place to drive up to and check out.
https://www.countryliving.com/real-estate/a21966655/cerro-gordo-mines-ghost-town-for-sale/