The Inyo National Forest is preparing for winter conditions. The forecast brings the possibility of snow in the upcoming days. As such, the forest may implement winter closures for roads that access the Reds Meadow Valley and Mammoth Lakes Basin areas of the Inyo National Forest.
Overnight parking in the Reds Meadow Valley will be discontinued starting October 15th. This practice, implemented annually, is designed to prevent vehicles from becoming stranded during winter storms.
The forest is prepared to close the Reds Meadow Valley Road and the Mammoth Lakes Basin if there is significant snow accumulation.
The forest recognizes that these areas are popular destinations for visitors and residents alike. If it is safe to do so, the roads will remain open. In the past, the roads closed on or around October 31stin anticipation of snowy conditions. The forest will keep the roads open if the dry, warm pattern of the past few years persists as long as it is safe to do so. After substantial accumulations of snow, these roads are prepared for winter recreation activities.
All visitors to the Mammoth Lakes Basin are encouraged to travel with vehicles and equipment that are suitable for driving in winter mountain weather.
The Mono Basin Visitor Center will begin its winter hours starting on October 17th. The visitor center will be open Thursday through Monday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The visitor center will close for the season on December 1st and re-open in April of 2016.
Information on road closures, current conditions, and winter recreation on the Inyo National Forest can be obtained at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by visiting the Inyo National Forest website, or by calling 760-924-5500.
