Thru-Hikers: Limited Access to Mammoth Lakes From Red’s Meadow in 2024

Ongoing construction will limit road access to the popular JMT and PCT trail town of Mammoth Lakes from Red’s Meadow Resort in 2024.

This year, JMT and PCT thru-hikers should plan to either skip Mammoth Lakes as a resupply option or to access the town via the Mammoth Pass/Horseshoe Lake side trail from PCT northbound mile 903.3. The 3.5-mile spur connects the PCT to the outskirts of Mammoth Lakes.

Inyo National Forest says Red’s Meadow Road should open for the season on June 7, 2024, weather permitting. However, the shuttle bus operated by Eastern Sierra Transit Authority, which typically takes PCT and JMT thru-hikers to and from Mammoth Lakes, will only run Friday at 9 a.m. through Sunday at 7 p.m. There will be no vehicle access into the valley Monday through Thursday. 

Exceptions to these construction closures include holidays such as Independence Day weekend, when the road will be open from Wednesday, July 3 at 12 p.m. to Sunday, July 7 at 7 p.m. Similarly, the road will be open for Labor Day weekend from Friday, August 30 at 9 a.m. to Monday, September 2 at 7 p.m.

“Please keep in mind we must have full closure days in order for this construction work to take place, for safety reasons, and to get the road finished as quickly as possible,” said Mammoth Lakes District Ranger Fred Wong in a January press release.

The General Store and Mule House Cafe may have shorter weekday hours, but hikers can expect this beloved shop to be open all week. Resupply packages will also be available for pick-up at the General Store. Please note their limited hours as the season approaches.

Lodging, showers, and laundry at Red’s Meadow Resort will be available seven nights a week for hikers arriving on foot. The Red’s Meadow Campground, located just outside the resort, will only be open Fridays through Sundays. 

Despite these roadblocks, Red’s remains eager to welcome the Class of 2024 with showers, a tempting hiker box, and delicious burgers. On their website, they write: “Although we have been through a rollercoaster of emotions, we are for sure excited to be sharing this news in hopes many of you can visit this wonderful place. Happy trails!”