Protect yourself and the land

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.