Mammoth Lakes Area Trails Report
June 16, 2013
After the junction of the northern Mammoth Pass trail and the John Muir Trail, the trail to the northwest towards Reds Meadow has a few downed trees.
The trail from Mammoth Pass towards Reds Meadow Campground is indistinct due to debris and downed trees. The trail to Rainbow Falls and trails leaving the Devil’s Postpile National Monument are open. Flowers: Look for Pretty Face, a member of the lily family, along these trails.
From Rainbow Falls the Pacific Crest Trail heads southeast to Upper Crater Meadows. This section of the trail is well maintained and the gradual switchbacks and flowing springs make for a pleasant hike. With both the Mountain Pennyroyal and the Tobacco Brush being in full bloom the trail has a rich fragrance attracting many pollinators.
The most eastern trail between Upper Crater Meadows, McCleod Lake and Horseshoe Lake is clear of trees and snow.
The trails from Coldwater Campground, including Duck Pass and Emerald Lake, are all open, but the mosquitoes have hatched and are abundant. The short trail leading to Arrowhead Lake is clear of snow, and near the lake’s inlet there are many flowers in bloom including the peculiar Brewer’s Mitrewort with green, feathery petals.
Around three miles from the Coldwater Campground trailhead towards Duck Pass there is still heavy snow covering the trail. Many hikers are able to make it to Duck Lake, but take care when walking on the slippery, melting snow. The white Alpine Columbine, one of the more spectacular of the alpine flowers in the Eastern Sierra, has bloomed along the last mile of the trail to the pass.
The trail to Woods Lakes is open with a few downed trees across it. Snowmelt runoff is very high right now and the stream crossing is a bit challenging and requires navigating upstream a ways unless you want to get your feet wet.
A bit north of the Mammoth Lakes area, the Bloody Canyon-Mono Pass trail from Little Walker Lake to Yosemite is in fine bloom with the trail newly brushed and logs cut out by Friends of the Inyo volunteers. The flowers are still exploding in Lundy Canyon, too.
This trail report is provided by Friends of the Inyo with support from the Town of Mammoth Lakes – Mammoth Lakes Trails System funding. The next opportunity to get out and give back to your public lands is next Saturday, June 22nd for the fourth annual June Lake Trails Day at Gull Lake Park. Additionally, Join Friends of the Inyo for “Breakfast with a Botanist” on Sunday, June 23, 8 am. Meet in the morning at the East Side Bake Shop to discuss the botanical basics of how to identify wildflowers before heading to McGee Canyon for a flower walk. For more information on either event contact Drew Foster at drew@friendsoftheinyo.org or check us out on Facebook and friendsoftheiyo.org. Respect, protect, and enjoy your public lands in the Eastern Sierra!