Press release

The Inyo National Forest, in cooperation with the Town of Mammoth Lakes and Cal Trans, is beginning work to open the Lakes Basin and Reds Meadow roads.

These areas are popular recreation destination for visitors and locals alike and provides access to the Devils Postpile National Monument, trailheads that access the John Muir Trail and destinations such as Agnew Meadow, Thousand Island Lakes, Rainbow Falls, and the Minarets. Fishing, camping, horseback riding are also popular with visitors.

Work in the Lakes Basin will begin on April 25th. The walking and bike paths will remain closed while work is underway since there will be heavy equipment removing hazard trees for the next several weeks. This will create unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Snow removal and routine maintenance (pothole repair, culvert clearing, etc.) will also be underway. The expected opening date is May 10th.

Work on the Reds Meadow Road will begin on May 10th. Similar maintenance work and hazard tree removal is also required on this road and the road will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists while this work is underway. It is anticipated that this road will open by mid-June.

“The opportunity to complete this important safety work now will allow providing safe public access throughout the summer,” said Jon Regelbrugge, Mammoth and Mono Lake District Ranger. “We appreciate your patience while this essential work is completed.”

Expect campground in the Lakes Basin to open in early June and campgrounds in the Reds Meadow Valley to open in mid-June.