Since 2009 the Mammoth Lakes Trail System and Inyo National Forest have been teaming up for the annual Trail Days Stewardship events. With more opportunities than ever you're invited to join the Mammoth Lakes Trail System trail crew and hosts to help with new trail construction, maintenance and stewardship activities all summer long. We hope you’ll join us to Build – Host – Care – and Re-Connect. All ages and abilities are welcome!

From the inception of the MLTS partnership, data collection and mapping have been a vital tool. Computer mapping (GIS) reveals information through visual interpretation and can be used as a powerful tool for trails planning, design and concept development. The GIS team provides mapping support and oversees the robust trail counter program. The MLTS currently has 40 trail counters deployed throughout the trail system. Please explore this dashboard to learn more about the winter data collection program and the Summer Counters Interactive Map.

Mammoth Lakes Recreation (MLR) convenes and facilitates the Mammoth Trails Committee (The MTC), a sub-committee which provides oversight for the Mammoth Lakes Trail System. Regular meetings occur quarterly and are public. Click here to view upcoming meeting dates and archived meetings.

During the summers of 2021 and 2022 Trail Crew and volunteers are busy constructing several new trails in the Lakes Basin. The new trails will connect Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mamie, and Twin Lakes with multi-use, non-motorized soft surface trails. The Lakes Basin Special Study provides information for the Inyo National Forest to help draft a Lakes Basin Management Plan. The trails under construction are derived from this effort. 

Mammoth Lakes Trail System Trail Crew and Volunteers work to reroute problematic sections of trails for long term sustainability. Better design and construction keep trail users on trails while protecting the environment. Part of the Panorama MTB Trail (2019) was reconstructed to avoid a large wet area and to add more fun. The Mammoth Rock Trail (2020) had extensive work done on the east end of the trail near Sherwin Creek Road. The Mountain View Trail (2020) underwent an extensive reroute, removing a road ride and creating a fun and sustainable single-track trail. The new reroute leads you to great views of the San Joaquin Ridge. Mountain View Trail also received a new bridge and widening to create a more accessible trail.

In 2016 the Town of Mammoth Lakes and Inyo National Forest formalized an agreement for soft surface trail maintenance within the Town boundary. This program includes over 30 miles of soft surface trails. Each season MLTS identifies issues and develops a strategy for maintenance throughout the season. Areas that have recurring problems will be considered for reroute projects. Popular trails like the Mammoth Pass Trail, Duck Pass Trail, and Heart Lake Trail have been maintained and reconstructed to create a more sustainable trail system. Volunteers support trail maintenance through the Eastern Sierra Adopt A Trail program. Help support our efforts - sign up here!

The Mammoth Lakes Trail System Trail Host program is helping trail users have fun safely. We provide information, clean up litter, and collect data related to trail facilities and trail use. There are volunteer opportunities for people who want to work with staff to contribute to community efforts. Trail Hosts and volunteers have proven to be a vital resource for visitor and locals alike as they enjoy the trail system. If you see a Trail Host feel free to ask them questions or just say hello! Hosts are active year-round.

The Town of Mammoth Lakes in partnership with Inyo National Forest provides several miles of non-motorized, multi-use winter trails located between Shady Rest Park and the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Winter fat biking, Nordic skiing, snow shoeing and hiking are all welcome activities on the Shady Rest Winter Trails. The grooming operation can begin with at least 18 inches of snow pack. Watch for updated grooming reports throughout the season on the Trails Condition Page. In winter 2021, a pilot program was started for grooming the Meadow Trail (1.8 miles) in the Sherwins area for all users. Click here for a PDF map handout of all MLTS groomed winter trails.   

There are multiple sign types used throughout the Mammoth Lakes trail system. These include informational and interpretive kiosks as well as various trail guides equipped with wayfinding information and maps. This allows for smooth navigation while using pathways such as the Town Loop and Lakes Basin Path. Simple milepost markers are also a part of this sign array - happy wayfinding!

Pet waste accumulation is a serious problem in Mammoth Lakes, especially troubling as our area serves as an important watershed for the state of California. To combat this hazardous waste accumulation problem, the Mammoth Lakes Trail System (MLTS) has installed dog waste receptacles stocked with branded "there is no poo fairy" bags at critical areas. The MLTS is working hard to ensure that our trails and trailheads stay clean for all to enjoy.