分类: Safety

Installing Snow Chains: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road

11/2/2025

When driving in winter conditions along U.S. 395 and into Mammoth Lakes, being prepared matters. In particular:

You should bring tire snow chains with you. Chains are often required — especially when conditions get icy or when the California Highway Patrol (CHP) enforces chain controls near Bishop to allow exit from town. Even if CHP is not requiring chains on tires, they may require you to have them on board before you exit Bishop, even if you're riding snow tires and 4x4.
Chains and cable kits are very expensive in Mono and Inyo County. Buying ahead or renting chains can save you from high local markups.
Practice installing your chains in a dry, flat location before a storm hits so you’re comfortable when the weather turns.

✅ Step-by-Step: How to Install Snow Chains

There are lots of helpful videos on Youtube, but in a pinch, here's a quick overview. Be sure to also check your vehicle and tire manufacturer's instructions;Park safely. Pull off the road, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine.

Lay the chains on the ground behind the drive wheels while wearing boots and gloves.
Drape the chains over the tire, ensuring they hang evenly and wrap around.
Drive forward slowly a few feet, so the chains settle around the circumference of the tire.
Reconnect the back ends of the chains and ensure a snug fit — there should be no loose links.
Drive slowly (< 30 mph) for the first few hundred feet and re-check tension.
Remove chains when the chain control ends or when surface conditions are clear. Leaving them on pavement can damage tires and vehicle.

🛠 Local Chain-Install & Tire Services in the Mammoth Lakes Area

Mammoth Mobile Tire Services – Mobile tire & installation service; great for chain install help if you’re already in town.
Phone: (760) 914-2210.
Mammoth Chevron (3236 Main St., Mammoth Lakes) – Sells and installs snow chains/cables during winter. Phone: (760) 934-8111.
Norco Service Center-Goodyear (3670 Main St., Mammoth Lakes) – Full-service automotive shop; can assist with tires and chain setup. Phone: (760) 934-9693.

🧭 Quick Tips for Your Arrival

When driving into town on US-395, stop early to install chains if required — waiting too long can be risky.
If you’ll be staying for multiple days and expect snow, check your chain tension daily – mounting unevenly can cause damage.
Leaving Mammoth? Prepare in advance — chain requirements can come up suddenly when roads freeze overnight.

Bottom line: Bring your own chains, know how to install them, and keep the local service numbers handy. Being ready makes all the difference when snow hits the Eastern Sierra.

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It's Electric -- Where to charge up in the Eastern Sierra

10/26/2025

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EV Charging in Mammoth Lakes
The area around Mammoth Lakes provides a mix of public and private EV charging options—especially useful for guests staying at your townhome.
Mammoth Lakes has about 50 public charging ports, including several free or low-cost stations.

A key location is the Mammoth Lakes Supercharger at 1475 Tavern Rd with 8 Tesla Superchargers rated up to 150 kW.
Some hotels (e.g., The Village Lodge) offer destination or Level-2 chargers, but note: many are reserved for hotel guests and some require specific plug adapters.
Key tip: Because of altitude and cold weather conditions, EV range can drop faster than on flat terrain—plan to charge sooner rather than later.

Recommendations for Mammoth area guests:

If you drive an EV other than Tesla, make sure your adapter works with CCS/J-1772 plugs.
Consider charging at your arrival day and again mid-stay if you plan to explore the region.
Use apps like PlugShare or ChargeHub to locate current station status, availability, and connector types.
Leave plenty of buffer—especially if you’ll drive uphill or back to lower elevation.

EV Charging in Bishop
Just about 40 minutes south of Mammoth on US-395, Bishop offers more electric-vehicle charging infrastructure and is a useful stop either before arrival or as a backup.

Bishop has around 38 to 54 public charging station ports (depending on mapping service) with approximately 11 fast-charging stations (DC-Fast).
Notable locations include:
- An Electrify America fast-charging station at 1190 N Main St.
- A public charger at the Caltrans District 9 office (500 S Main St) with CCS & CHAdeMO connectors, free to users.
- Tesla Supercharger sites at 151 S Warren Street and 1335-1373 Rocking W Dr.

Recommendations for Bishop-area charging:

Use Bishop as a pre-trip top-up location if leaving from southern California or heading into the Eastern Sierra via US-395.
Check whether the charger is open and available (some DC-Fast stations may experience outages).
If you drive a non-Tesla vehicle, make sure you have the correct connector/adaptor since some stations are Tesla-specific.

Summary & Traveler Tips

Plan ahead. Elevation, colder temperatures, and fewer charging stations mean you should aim to charge sooner.
Use tools. Apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub help you filter by plug types (CCS, J-1772, Tesla NACS), charging speed, and availability.
Stay flexible. In high-season weekends or peak snow travel, chargers may be busy—factor in an extra 30-60 minutes buffer.
Know your adapter. If you have a non-Tesla EV and consider using Tesla stations, check compatibility and rules ahead of time.
Use both locations. Mammoth is your stay-destination with some charging support. Bishop is your go-to hub for backup or longer-range planning.

🔋 Top Charging Stations

1475 Tavern Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 — Tesla Supercharger (8 stalls, up to ~150 kW)
686 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 — Public EV chargers at Recreation Center PlugShare+1
50 Hillside Dr, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 — The Westin Monache Resort chargers for a fee
10001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 — The Village Lodge destination charger
1190 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514 — Electrify America fast-charging station Electrify America
500 S Main St, Bishop, CA 93514 — Caltrans District 9 EV charging station (public DC-Fast) inyocountyvisitor.com
151 S Warren St, Bishop, CA 93514 — Tesla Supercharger location
1335-1373 Rocking W Dr, Bishop, CA 93514 — Tesla Supercharger site
787 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514 — Rivian Adventure Network / CCS fast chargers
300 Mandich St, Bishop, CA 93514 — EV charging station: 1 fast + 4 Level 2 chargers
Additional options: Mammoth Lakes and Mono County have dozens of Level 2/Level 3 public stations; check PlugShare] or ChargeHub for latest.

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Be Bear Aware

11/21/2017

If you're curious to "see" bears, the safest way is to check out the videos at TheBearWhisperer.com, the website of local naturalist and bear conservator, Steve Searles.

Its not uncommon to come across a bear or two when you visit Mammoth. In fact, just last week a bear yanked out the back window of my car and hopped in. He cruised the neighborhood the rest of the week, always evading Mammoth PD when they would arrive.

According to Mammoth PD, some tourists on our street had been baiting the bear with trout carcasses for the week prior, so he was really only doing what he had been trained to do by careless, thoughtless humans.

This is both cruel to the bears, and dangerous for humans. To avoid issues like this, check out the info below from CA Fish and Wildlife.

Bears are attracted to anything that is edible or smelly. Use this checklist to help bear-proof your vacation:

Use a bear-proof garbage container like Sonenalp's bear-safe dumpster, located in the driveway. Be sure to re-engage the lock after closing.
Don’t leave trash, groceries or pet food in your car or in Sonenalp's garage.
Don’t leave any scented products outside, even suntan lotion, insect repellent, soap or candles.
Be sure to keep the garage doors closed during your stay. Scents can lure bears inside.
Drive slowly! Bears and other wildlife cross the local roads all the time. Be cautious when driving through town.
Use good judgment. Do not approach animals in the wild, respect their habitat and above all, never feed wildlife.
While hiking, make noise to avoid a surprise encounter with a bear.
If you encounter a bear, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to appear as large as possible. If attacked, fight back.

Excerpted from California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Keep Me Wild website and pamphlet, Guide to Living in Bear Country; Also Steve Searles guest blog for Mammoth Lakes, How to Co-Exist with Bears. To contact The Bear Whisperer call 760-937-BEAR.

Avoiding Dog Day Dangers

7/1/2017

Summer Safety

The hidden secret of Mammoth Lakes is that the summers are equally breathtaking, but less crowded, than the winters. And unlike winter, when activities are limited to the Mountain, in summers the lakes, hills, trails, waterfalls, and mountain all offer unlimited adventure. Whether you came to Mammoth to fish, hike, bike, run, climb or just hang out, there are a few considerations to keep you safe while you take on Adventure, Refined.

Altitude & Climate

Avoid sunburn and eye damage
Our thin atmosphere filters out only a minimum of the sun’s ultraviolet (“UV”) rays which makes us especially vulnerable to severe sunburn and eye damage.

Protect your skin. Parents should be especially careful with young children, and apply a generous amount of sunscreen prior to any outdoor activities. Use a minimum 30 SPF sunscreen and reapply often, especially if you are sweating or in the water.
It is important to use proper UV protection for your eyes. The surface of the dirt or water can act as a reflector of UV rays and can generate a great deal of UV exposure to the eyes. Use UV safe sunglasses or goggles for your children and yourself. Wind and blowing dust can wreak havoc on sensitive eyes so make sure to have protection even when the weather seems calm.

Keep warm
There's an old saying in Mammoth: "If you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes...it's sure to change." Even in summer, the weather can change quickly, leading to overheating or even hypothermia.

Layer your clothes, no matter what the season. A t-shirt, wool sweater, nylon windbreaker with hood and a bottle of water are basics for just about any summer activity.
Children are not always aware that they are becoming too cold. Parents should watch for red noses and red ears. If this occurs, remove wet clothes and warm the child and affected areas immediately.
Take frequent breaks from the cold or heat.

Thunderstorms and Lightening

The weather is very unpredictable in the Sierras; in summer thunderstorms, wind events and even snowstorms are common and often blow in unexpectedly. Seek shelter when you see a storm developing. Keep off ridge tops and stay clear of lift houses, lift towers, power lines, open ski runs, the tall trees, fences and signposts.

Lightning: What You Need to Know
- NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
- If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
-When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter.
- Stay in safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:
- Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks
- Never lie flat on the ground
- Never shelter under an isolated tree
- Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
- Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water
- Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

Boredom isn't the only risk of driving through the desert . ..

5/1/2017

Driving in Wind and Rain

The drive to Mammoth takes most guests through desolate desert areas. Although this may seem like easy driving, wind and flash flooding are serious risks during some times of the year. Wind can be especially dangerous when we have kayaks, gear or roof racks attached to our vehicles or if we are driving tall vehicles or pulling trailers.

Driving in
Heavy Winds

The wide open desert spaces and valleys that lead guests to Mammoth are commonly affected by dangerous wind. The following tips can help keep you on the road and safe if you encounter heavy winds.
1. Anticipate gusts. Take special care when driving through deserts and valleys that are prone to strong winds. The dramatic land forms along 395 make the road particularly gusty.
2. Take it slow. Its easier to control your vehicle in windy or gusty conditions when you drive more slowly than usual.
3. Notice larger vehicles. Be aware of large vehicles on the road such as tractor-trailers, toy haulers and RVs. They are more susceptible to high winds and drivers may have difficulties staying in their lanes. The best idea is to avoid them if at all possible.
4. Keep a firm grip on the wheel. Keep both hands on the wheel in case the wind begins to move your vehicle, especially if you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer.
5. Follow Caltrans signs and advisories. Caltrans will post high wind warning signs and advisories in areas of high wind and during wind events. Sometimes vehicles types will be limited and RVs and campers will be restricted. Please consult Caltrans road conditions reports and signage.

Driving in
Heavy Rain

In addition to the potentially poor visibility that accompanies most heavy rain, be aware of the risk of sliding or hydroplaning that can be common on wet desert roads. Hydroplaning can make steering and braking difficult and could even lead to losing control of your vehicle. Follow these tips to help you stay safe while driving in heavy rain.
1. Take your time. Since rain is rare in the California desert, oils build up making wet roads even slicker than drivers expect. Slowing down is the only way to keep your vehicle from sliding around on these slick surfaces. Also remember that one of the most dangerous times to drive is soon after it begins to rain, as oils on roadway make for slick conditions. Consider stopping in at a rest stop or restaurant or coffee shop and waiting a few minutes, rather than rushing to your destination to give the roads a chance to clear.
2. Turn your lights on. Turn your headlights on to help other vehicles see you. Many states require the use of headlights during rain, even in broad daylight.
3. Make sure your car is rain-ready. Prior to your trip check your tires, windshield wipers and lights to make sure they are in good working order. If wipers are more than one year old, they may need to be replaced. Tires should be checked to ensure proper tread depth. Also make sure pressure is correct for each tire.Check vehicle lights as they should be turned on whenever windshield wipers are in use, as required by law.
4. Be aware of the risk of flash floods. Deserts, and desert roads are susceptible to flash flooding. Never drive through standing water because it is impossible to tell how deep it is.

Adventure refined Articles

Installing Snow Chains: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road

It's Electric -- Where to charge up in the Eastern Sierra

Be Bear Aware

Bears are attracted to anything that is edible or smelly. Use this checklist to help bear-proof your vacation:

Avoiding Dog Day Dangers

Summer Safety

Altitude & Climate

Thunderstorms and Lightening

Boredom isn't the only risk of driving through the desert . ..

Driving in Wind and Rain

Driving in
Heavy Winds

Driving in
Heavy Rain

Author

Archives

Categories

Adventure refined Articles

Installing Snow Chains: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road

It's Electric -- Where to charge up in the Eastern Sierra

Be Bear Aware

​Bears are attracted to anything that is edible or smelly. Use this checklist to help bear-proof your vacation:

Avoiding Dog Day Dangers

Summer Safety

Altitude & Climate

Thunderstorms and Lightening

Boredom isn't the only risk of driving through the desert . ..

Driving in Wind and Rain

Driving in ​Heavy Winds​

Driving in ​Heavy Rain

Author

Archives

Categories

Bears are attracted to anything that is edible or smelly. Use this checklist to help bear-proof your vacation:

Driving in
Heavy Winds

Driving in
Heavy Rain