News release

The USFS will be opening the gate to the Lakes Basin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 24, 2019 for vehicle access.

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Twin Lakes/File photo courtesy of Barbara Richter

The USFS is the designated authority for the Lakes Basin and made the decision to open the area to the public with the provision of complimentary transit service and the placement of additional restroom facilities and trash bins. The Lakes Basin still has a considerable amount of snow limiting visitor services, restricted designated parking and limited access to the multi-use path.

The Town recommends taking the complimentary Lakes Basin Trolley departing from The Village every 30 minutes. The Lakes Basin Trolley commences operation on Monday, June 24 and will operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Access to Horseshoe Lake is currently closed, so the Trolley will be operating on a modified route.

Departing from The Village, the Trolley will travel up Lake Mary Road to Tamarack Lodge and Resort, Twin Lakes Campground, Lake Mary, Lake George and turning back down Lake Mary Road at Pokonobe Lodge. Due to the limited access to the multi-use path system, the Trolley will not be towing a bike trailer, however, it does have the capacity to load two bikes on the front bike rack. Please visit the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority website at www.estransit.com for additional route and time information.

The Mammoth Lakes Police Department is reminding drivers to obey the speed limit, watch for pedestrians and cyclists, and to park in designated parking areas only. There is considerable water runoff in the area and parking off pavement in the dirt/snow has potential to cause resource damage. Drivers of large motorhomes and RV’s should be aware of limited designated parking and narrow roads restricting access in and around the Lakes Basin.

Dogs are always welcome on the Inyo National Forest. As per Town of Mammoth Lakes Municipal Code 12.20.340, dogs are required to be on a leash (6 feet or shorter) at all times and the owner is responsible for removing the dogs waste. Please do not leave it in a bag on the ground but place it in a trash bin. Dogs allowed to roam freely can frighten or injure wildlife, disturb other forest visitors and create disruptive impacts to the natural resources. Thank you in advance for being a responsible dog owner.

The USFS would also like to notify visitors of the danger of naturally occurring Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas in the vicinity of Horseshoe Lake. CO2 is heavier than air and can collect at high concentrations in depressions and enclosures (under snow), posing a potential danger to people, especially small children and pets.

For additional information regarding the Lakes Basin area and what visitor services and recreation amenities are available, the Town advises residents and visitors to contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (760) 924-5500 or Toll Free: (888) 466-2666. The Welcome Center is located at 2510 Main Street and is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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