Reds Meadow Road to Open Wednesday, June 29th

Reds Meadow Road to Open Wednesday, June 29th
Release Date: Jun 24, 2011 Bishop, CA
Contact(s): Nancy Upham

A record snowfall and resulting damage has delayed the opening of the Reds Meadow Road to Wednesday, June 29th. The target date of June 24th was not met due to the time required to remove hazards and debris, and to make repairs along the roadway as a result of winter avalanches and harsh conditions. The road, with access to the Devils Postpile National Monument, will open at 8:00 am on June 29th with shuttle bus services beginning immediately.

Mandatory shuttle service will commence on Wednesday, June 29th, and operate through Wednesday, September 7, 2011. Shuttles will depart from the base of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main Lodge “Adventure Center” every 15-20 minutes during peak times (10:00am - 4:00pm) and 45 minutes during off-peak times (7:30am - 9:45am; 4:45pm – 7:00pm). The first shuttle will depart the Adventure Center daily at 7:30 a.m. Shuttles depart from The Village at Mammoth Lakes daily at 7:15, 8:00, 8:45, 9:15, and then every 30 minutes or less from 9:30 to 4:00.

Motorists traveling as exception vehicles are urged to use caution, drive slowly, and watch for wildlife!

The snowpack in the valley is variable and is preventing the opening of several campgrounds and trails. Facilities that will be open on June 29th include Reds Meadow Resort, Devils Postpile National Monument (including trails to the Postpile and Rainbow Falls), and Reds Meadow Campground. Devils Postpile Campground will open on July 1st, but may have snow patches. Additional facilities, campgrounds and trails should open before the July 4th holiday weekend, depending on weather conditions.

Backcountry travelers must take extra precautions and understand the many hazards that exist with the late spring conditions. Stream crossings are deep, swift, and dangerous. Many trails are covered with deep snow and large drifts. Passes are covered in snow and ice. Most lakes above 9000 feet are covered with snow and ice and unsafe for travel. Snow-free hiking opportunities are limited above 8500 feet.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/24/2011 12:05PM by eeek.

Reds Meadow-Devils Postpile Shuttle – Schedule
Release Date: Jun 24, 2011 Bishop, CA
Contact(s): Nancy Upham


The Inyo National Forest, in cooperation with Devils Postpile National Monument and Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA), announces the 2011 Reds Meadow-Devils Postpile Shuttle schedule. The shuttle has provided transit service into the Reds Meadow Valley and to the Devils Postpile National Monument for 32 years. The shuttle operating season is scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 29th and run through Wednesday, September 7th, weather and roadway conditions permitting. Most visitors must ride the shuttle to access the Valley and Devils Postpile.*

Ticket prices
Day pass
$7/adult
$4/child 3-15
children 2 and under free

3 day pass
$14/adult
$8/child 3-15
children 2 and under free

Season pass
$35/adult
$20/child 3-15
children 2 and under free

Well behaved, leashed and muzzled dogs are welcome to ride the shuttle.

Purchase tickets
In the Village at Mammoth Lakes
The Village Lodge - 24 hours a day
Mountain Center - 8:30am – 4:00pm

At the base of the mountain
Mammoth Mountain Inn - 24 hours a day
Adventure Center - 8:00am – 5:30pm

Or from the shuttle driver with exact change. Ticket sales are cash only on the shuttles.

Ride the shuttle
From the Village at Mammoth Lakes
7:15am, 8:00am, 8:45am, and then every 30 mins or less from 9:30am to 4:00pm

From the base of the mountain (Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center)
7:30am, 8:15am, 9:00am, and 9:45am
10:00am – 4:00pm every 15 – 20 minutes
4:45pm – 7:00pm every 45 minutes

Commerical tour operators or large groups should call ESTA in advance at (800) 922-1930 so they may be prepared for your visit.

*Exceptions to the mandatory shuttle:

• Vehicles meeting any of the following criteria may drive into the Valley; however, astandard amenity fee must be paid at the Minaret Vista Station upon entry or exit:
• Parties with a valid Disabled Persons parking placard or plate
• Campers staying in a Valley campground
• Guests of the Reds Meadow Resort
• Vehicles towing stock trailers or carrying watercraft
• Hunters transporting weapons or large game, and
• Vehicles arriving before 7:00am or after 7:00pm.

For additional information regarding the shuttle operation please contact Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) at (800) 922-1930 or visit the web site at http://www.EasternSierraTransitAuthority.com.