Because of the governor's stay-at-home order, the Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mono County have restricted rentals at homes, hotels and campgrounds to non-essential persons through June 30. 

But 395 traffic data and traffic around town make it clear that many guests are choosing to visit the Eastern Sierra despite the lack of accommodation.  And why wouldn't you want to? Its a breathtaking escape and distant by nature.

If you do choose to visit the Eastern Sierra during this time, either as an essential traveler, a day-tripper, or a dispersed camper, it is important that you reduce risk of Covid exposure to yourself and others, follow local norms, and protect the land by following a few simple guidelines::

Check out our tips based on the 7 principles of Leave No Trace:

1. Be considerate of others by respecting the community vibe and ordinances for social distancing and mask wearing.

• Mammoth residents are excited to welcome guests back but are worried about a possible spike in Covid cases due to an influx of travelers. If you travel to Mono County, please respect social norms and ordinances which require masks and physical distancing.
• Some stores (like Von's) have floors marked for 1-way traffic in isles and all stores require that customers wait at a safe distance while checking out.
• On trails, pathways, and in the community, please observe 6 feet of physical distancing from persons not related to you.

2. Plan ahead and prepare to follow Covid-19 ordinances and community norms.

• Bring a mask and wear it for all indoor activities. Mono County requires masks be worn in all indoor settings and most stores will require one. 
• Carry a mask for all outdoor activities and wear it when passing persons who are not related to you.

• Plan ahead for outdoor activity but also be prepared for change. Most bathrooms are closed. Most trailheads are open. Developed campgrounds are closed. But things are changing by the second.
• Bring hand sanitizer -- opportunities to wash hands with soap and water are limited.

3. Travel and camp on durable surfaces and avoid crowded areas where physical distancing may be difficult.

• If you plan to disperse camp, please do not disturb the forest by parking/camping in a virgin area.
• If you arrive at a trailhead or outdoor area and find that it is crowded, please choose another location.
• Please do not gather with crowds or groups of persons unrelated you.

4. Dispose of waste properly.

• Most bathrooms at trailheads are not open. If you have to "go," and cannot find a bathroom, please be responsible about your waste. For a list of bathrooms that are open along HWY 395, click here.
• Do not dump waste tanks in the forest.
• Pack it in and carry it out. It is true that disposing of waste is difficult when so many areas are closed and there are no services. But please respect the land and carry your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly.

5. Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).

• Due to our low snow year and windy conditions, fire risk is high.
• Fires are prohibited when dispersed camping. Just last week a camper started a fire close to Bridgeport which could have been devastating and threatened the land as well as homes.

6. Respect wildlife.

• With wildlife habitats more crowded than ever with dispersed campers and hikers seeking recreation, its is vital that we all respect wildlife.
• Protect our bears by storing food and waste safely.
• Be attentive while driving on highways and roads. Deer and other animals are migrating, and their activity inceases at sunset. Many of these animals will be crossing the 395 and are difficult to see in the low light. Be prepared to stop suddenly as they may dart out suddenly.

7. Leave what you find.

• Some souvenir shops are open for curbside pick up and some are also open for physically distanced foot traffic. Please buy your treasures at a shop, don't take them from the forest or lands.

Times are tough. Work and other essential travel keeps the 395 busy with traffic but when you gotta 'go,' where do you go in the Covid-19 era?

I'll admit that as a mom of 4 boys, I've had to stop the car *many* times to let them do what all boys (that I've raised, anyway) love to do -- pee behind a bush.  We've been forced to do this more recently, when we were unable to find a developed bathroom because of Covid closures. 

Its also obvious from the bottles filled with urine that line the roadside that some travelers are irresponsibly tossing their plastic-covered waste onto the land. Please be respectful of our Eastern Sierra home. If you pee in a bottle, please dispose of it in a rubbish bin, not on the land. And particularly if you have to do 'big business' in the wild, be responsible and pack it out or handle it responsibly using a (very deep) cat hole.

To solve these issues as much as possible, here's our list of where you can 'go' along the 395. Have an update for me? Please contact me using the chat button at the bottom right of your screen. I'll keep updating this list!

Coso Junction Rest Area
Crestview Rest Area
Division Creek Rest Area

Carl's Jr in Bishop
Bishop park next to Amigo's restaurant

Fort Independence Gas Station & Casino
Pearsonville Shell & Subway

Bathrooms NOT Open
McDonald's in Lone Pine
Subway in Lone Pine

What a wild ride this has been! But you, our guests, have been so kind, so understanding, so patience as we have all muddled our way through the chaos that Covid19 brought to your spring plans and our bookings.

Truth is, we had emergency plans in place. We'd managed avalanches,wildfires, medical emergencies with our guests. We'd helped many with travel troubles and dramatic personal issues. But nothing. Nothing. had prepared us for the sudden upheaval that Covid19 brought to our business, our guests, and our staff. 

Hearing you share your disappointment of weddings cancelled, family reunions postponed, long-dreamt-of trips delayed was an important part of our journey through the last months, and we are grateful that you shared your troubles with us.

Despite our usual cancelation policy, we were able to work with guests to find resolutions to most of the booking delimmas. Thank you, guests, for taking time to understand the needs of our home owners who have contractual cancelation policies in place to protect themselves from loss. And for recognizing that this pandemic is devastating to guests and owners alike.

Moving forward, we appreciate that making plans is still difficult when there continues to be so much uncertainty. Mammoth and Mono County are working toward a June 1 open date, but even that is not yet certain.

In the meantime, we will be using flexible policies to assist guests:

• Guests who book future stays with before an official Mammoth open date is announced can cancel 24 hours prior to checkin and receive a full refund or choose to reschedule their stay if Mammoth does not open prior to your travel.
• If you book a future trip and your stay in our home is prohibited by the town of Mammoth, we will refund you fully or reschedule your stay if you choose.
• If you book with us and would like to cancel for another extenuating circumstance related to Covid19 but you are within your non-cancelation window, we will help you to reschedule your stay for a future date in 2020-21. Amount paid will be credited toward the future stay. 

If you have questions, feel free to contact Mary Beth by clicking on the "Chat with Us" message bubble on the lower right hand of this page. 

Dang. What day is it? For that matter, what month is it?

The struggle is real to come up with ways to describe our current situation because I have a long list of sayings that I would never like to hear -- much less use -- again:

• uncertain times
• the new normal
• unprecendented moment
• abundance of caution

But like most super-annoying, trite colloquialisms, these phrases are over-used because they are also accurate, and necessary.

So rather than blather on, I'll just leave this here: despite a frightening early peak of cases, Mammoth and Mono County stayed strong and they have crushed the curve.

Early on, Mammoth Mountain shut down operations and Mono County and Mammoth Lakes activated a Emergency Operations Center. They actively discouraged visitors (and even second home owners) from traveling in. Largely because of the adoption of fairly extreme distancing measures, the EOC had time to manage the local Covid-19 situation and increase healthcare capacity. 

As of today, no one is hospitalized for Covid 19 in Mono County. There have been 29 positive Covid-19 tests of 313 tests given.

Mammoth is now working toward a June 1 opening to visitors and we are also hoping to be allowed to host visitors soon. 

For the most up-to-date info about the situation in Mammoth, visit the Mono County Covid-19 portal.

Have we missed something? Please feel free to send us a message if we've left anything out that you feel is important.

Wellness:

• We ask that guests self-assess for health and Covid-19 exposure prior to traveling. Click here to take our Covid-19 self-assessment.
• Our crew will also be directed to use the self-assessment prior to working and to report fever or symptoms of illness immediately.

Staff and Guest Interaction:

• We will continue no-contact check-in/check-out by using keyless check-in and self check-out.
• Housekeeping and/or maintenance will no longer enter homes while guests are present, except in an emergency. 
• If mid-stay emergency cleaning or maintenance are required, we will make every effort to perform those services while guests are not present. 
• If emergency direct interaction is required, our staff will be directed to wear a mask and gloves. We will ask guests to wear a mask and use 6 foot distancing during the interaction.

Supplies:

• We will leave a bottle of hand sanitizer for you as our gift. Please use it during your stay and take it with you when you leave.
• Kleenex and other paper goods will be replaced at each stay. Feel free to take opened/partially-used paper goods with you upon departure.
• There are many spices and staples in our kitchens which may have been used by other guests. If this is a concern for you, we encourage you not to use those items but to bring your own.
• If you are concerned about using dishes and utensils from our kitchens, please feel free to bring your own. Please be cautious not to inadvertently take ours home, though.

Bedding:

• We will temporarily remove all throw pillows and other unnecessary bedding. Feel free to bring your own if you feel these are necessary for your stay.
• We will not provide extra bedding without prior notice. If you will need additional bedding (for an air-up, rollaway, pack-n-play etc), please notify us at least 3 days prior to check in.
• As always, all bedding and toweling will be laundered between stays.
• As always, mattresses and pillowcas will be covered in protective encasements.
• If you prefer to supply your own linen, we are happy to accommodate that. Please let us know at least 3 days prior to check-in so that we can strip our linen prior to your arrival.

High Touch Items:

• As always, high-touch items will be disinfected between stays.
• We will provide our crew with a list of high-touch items and areas that require diligent cleaning.

Timing:

• When feasible, units will be left empty for 24-72 hours between guests.
• Natural airing & ventilation will be used to improve safety for guests and staff.
• When 24-72 hours downtime is not feasible, we will direct cleaning staff to wear N95 masks, gloves, and disposable gowns.

This self-assessment is based on USDA guidance that is being implemented with all forest service visitors -- including those in the Eastern Sierra.

​Please read through the self-assessment and if your answer is YES to any of these questions, please delay your trip to the Eastern Sierra. ​

1. Have you, someone living in your household, someone with you, someone you have been in close or frequent contact with, or someone you are caring for been diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) or had any contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?
2. In the last 14 days, have you, someone living in your household, or someone with you have been in close or frequent contact with, or someone you are caring for returned from, or made a travel connection through a CDC Level 2 or Level 3 country or State Department Level 3 or Level 4 country, for example, China, Korea, Japan, the European Union, Iran?
3. Do you currently have, or have you had within the last 24 hours, any cold or flu symptoms, including a fever greater than 100.4, shortness of breath, body aches and coughing?

For an update on the Covid situation in the Eastern Sierra, check out our Covid Portal Page.

We recognize that making plans is difficult when there is so much uncertainty.

We also realize that many of our guests are very close to trip dates and no longer qualify for a full refund. Other guests want to book, but are hesitant due to the current situation.

Because of that, we have created more flexible policies to assist guests:

• Guests who book future stays with us for stays between now and May 15 can cancel up to 24 hours prior to checkin and receive a full refund.
• If you have already booked with us but are not within the free cancelation window and would like to cancel your trip, you may reschedule your stay for a future date in 2020-21. Amount paid will be credited toward the future stay. That rescheduled stay is non-changeable, non-refundable.

Other altnatives might include:

• Did you purchase trip insurance? If so, contact your insurance company.
• Did you pay for your trip with a credit card? Contact the card issuer. Some do provide travel insurance which may cover your trip.

Wondering how booking sites are responding?
​VRBO info on reservations affected by Covid-19: here.
Airbnb info on reservations affected by Covid-19: here. And a 3/13 update, here.
​
If you have additional questions or would like to take advantage of these policies, please reach out to marybeth@adventurerefined.com.

As of today, CA is under a Stay at Home order. This means that we cannot host guests unless those guests fit the criteria outlined in the order. Please check this article for more info about who we can host.

There are currently:

• 6 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Mono Co
  
• 66 residents have been tested
  
• 48 tests are negative
• 12 tests are pending
• 0 deaths in Mono Co due to Covid-19

March 17. 2020 7:00PM  PT

A little while ago, Mono County released updated directives to contain Covid19 in our community:

• bars, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, tasting rooms must close to the public but can offer take-out or delivery if applicable.
• indoor recreation like bowling, theatres, gyms, fitness centers must close
• waiting areas must be limited to 6 people, with 6 feet of clearance between
• no gatherings of any kind or size

Read the full directive at the Mono County Covid Portal; click on Directives

March 17. 2020 10:00AM PT

Happy St. Patty's Day to Guests and Visitors.
As families have begun to settle into a lifestyle of social distancing, we are seeing increased requests for bookings as urban visitors look to shelter and socially isolate in our tranquil, small-town setting.

As of this morning, there are still no cases of Covid-19 in Mono County.

It is critical that guests and locals use sensible precautions to prevent exposure and spread of disease. If you are planning to book with us, please take time to check out our quick self-assessment.

Mammoth Mountain and most mountain operations remain closed.

Many services (like public transport) have been either limited or closed down. Some stores are still open, though many have shortened their hours. Some restaurants are still open but only for take-out, not for dine-in. Bars are closed. Stores seem to be fairly well-stocked as compared to urban markets, tho predictably short on paper goods.

Please get the most recent health updates and travel advisories from trusted, professional resources at the following links:

Main Mono County Covid Portal
Mono County Health Department
Mammoth Hospital Covid Task Force
Caltrans Road Conditions
Weather Forecast - National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration - 
Mammoth Yosemite Airport
Mono County Tourism
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3/15/2020
​A personal note from Mary Beth:
​Over the last few days I've had an opportunity to talk with many of you about the disappointment, frustration, and fear are all experiencing during this strange and extraordinary time. 

Many of you have expressed both concern for our staff and and encouragement as we all navigate this situation together. I cannot tell you how much your kindness has meant to us. We all love Mammoth, the Eastern Sierra, and the hard-working men and women who support visitors to our area -- people whose futures are now uncertain. Thank you for your sensitivity to how this crisis will affect them.

Thank you, too, for your patience as we process through the complicated process of rescheduling your stay.

Although many of your reservations are no longer refundable, we are working dilligently to re-book guests to accepted future dates under our new (and temporary), more relaxed booking policy.

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3/14/2020 UPDATE: Alterra & Epic Mountains Closed Until Further Notice

3/14/2020 Statement from Mammoth Mountain: After careful thought and deliberation of our duty in the face of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, and in what I believe is in the best interest of our guests, employees and local communities, Alterra Mountain Company will suspend operations at our 15 North American ski resorts, starting the morning of Sunday, March 15, until further notice. All lift operations, food and beverage, retail and rental services will be closed until further notice.

From Mono County Tourism:
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic situation facing all of us       .....
At this time (March 14, 5:00pm), there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Mono County or Inyo County.
While outdoor recreation comes with a certain element of natural “social distancing,” we do ask that all guests and visitors comply carefully with the recommended California Department of Public Health common sense directives – cdph.ca.gov/covid19. The safety and health of our communities, residents, businesses and you, our visitors, are of critical importance to all of us at Mono County – the top priority, as always.
Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas, along with all Alterra Resorts, are suspending operations until further notice as of Sunday, March 15, 2020. Mammoth Mountain updates can be found at mammothmountain.com/covid and June Mountain updates are available at junemountain.com/covid
If you have a trip to Mono County planned and have reservations made with hotels or other accommodations, please contact the lodging property directly with any questions or concerns. Mono County Tourism staff are also available to assist with your trip planning questions at 800-845-7922 / www.MonoCounty.org.
Please keep yourselves well-informed. For Mono County Tourism updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or visit www.MonoCounty.org / 800-845-7922. The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center is open seven days a week and can be reached at 760-924-5500; the Bridgeport Ranger Station is open weekdays, 760-932-7070. The Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Book Store is closed until at least March 31st but staff members are answering telephone calls Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm at 760-647-6595.
At this time, the following secondary roads are open in Mono County – SR 270 to Bodie State Historic Park (currently Bodie ghost town is open from 9am-4pm daily; road access is subject to closure depending on weather/snow), Twin Lakes Road from Bridgeport to Twin Lakes Resort, Virginia Lakes Road to Big Virginia Lake parking lot, Lundy Lake Road to the dam, Hwy 120 East to Benton, the entire June Lake Loop (SR 158; subject to closure depending on weather/snow), Mammoth Scenic Loop, Convict Lake Road, and Rock Creek Road to East Fork campground. The east-west Sierra mountain passes (Tioga Pass/Hwy 120 West, Sonora Pass/Hwy 108, Monitor Pass/Hwy 89) are currently closed.
Please get the most recent health updates and travel advisories from trusted, professional resources at the following links:
• Mono County Health Department - https://monohealth.com or Mono County Health Department
• Mammoth Hospital - mammothhospital.org/
• Caltrans Road Conditions - roads.dot.ca.gov/
• Weather Forecast - National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration - www.weather.gov/
• Mammoth Yosemite Airport - www.ci.mammoth-lakes.ca.us/98/Mammoth-Yosemite-Airport
• Mono County Tourism -www.MonoCounty.org

At Adventure Refined, we strive to provide guests with a world-class vacation, even in challenging times.

We are monitoring guidance provided by state and community resources and will continue to post info to keep you informed about the Covid-19 situation in our community.

As of March 14th, there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mono or Inyo County.  The Mono County Health Department is closely monitoring the risk of COVID-19 for the general public in the Eastern Sierra, which remains low at present. 

Community Links and Resources:
​According to Mono County's Public Health Dept, "Risk of Covid-19 for the general public in the Eastern Sierra ... remains low. There are no cases of Covid-19 in either Mono or Inyo Counties at this time." To read Mono County's full condition report, click here. 

​Mammoth Hospital has also created a task force dedicated to Covid-19 planning and response. Their info can be found here.

State Links:
As you may be aware, on 3/12/2020 Governor Newsom issued an executive order with respect to the Covid-19 virus. You can read the executive order here.

The California Dept of Health has also issued guidance for group gatherings. That guidance is referenced in the executive order. You can read that guidance here.

Those actions have led to some changes to planned group events in Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Mountain:​

• 'As of 3/13/2020, there continues to be no plan to close the mountain.
• The Mountain has made some changes to operations including increasing social distancing on lift lines, in lodges and on transportation, more hand sanitizing stations, and more frequent disinfection and cleaning of high-touch areas. 
• Some large group events have been postponed. "...per Governor Newsom's guidance, we are making changes to our event schedule in the immediate future, including the announcement of the postponement of Elevation Week, the postponement of Mammoth Invitational, and other ancillary events like Woolly's Parade in The Village. We are closely monitoring the situation, and are in contact with state and local government and health officials to assess this evolving situation. Things are changing daily and we will continue to adjust as necessary." – MMSA

Click here for the Mammoth Mountain Covid portal page.
​
Our New, Relaxed Policy on Cancels and Bookings:
We understand the challenge these uncertaintainties present to guests and have adjusted our policies to provide greater flexibility to guests. You can read that info here.

The crisp, cold temps in Mammoth make for some amazing days on the hill. But the cold, dry weather and altitude can cause sleepless nights, head congestion, dry eyes as our bodies evaporate moisture from our lungs and skin. Running a humidifier while you sleep can ease these symptoms, which is why we provide humidifiers in each of our homes. We offer serveral different brands, but they all work in a similar way. Here's a quick how-to.