Mammoth Lakes is set to host the Mammoth Trailfest this weekend, beginning Friday, September 25, drawing over 3,000 trail runners to the area. This multi-day event is described as an inclusive, world-class trail running experience, featuring various races, storytelling, free entertainment, a vendor village, and local food. Designed to enhance access to trail running through opportunity, education, and trail stewardship, the festival is presented as an event "built by our community, for our community" right in the heart of California. Local traffic conditions around The Village will be changed due to the event.
The festival includes three distinct trail races, each presenting unique challenges. Friday marks California’s highest hill climb, a rigorous 3-mile course with a 2,400-foot ascent to the top of Mammoth Mountain. On Saturday, competitors will tackle California’s highest ultra, a demanding 32-mile race involving 7,000 feet of climbing. The weekend concludes on Sunday with the California Crown, spanning 16.1 miles and incorporating 3,900 feet of elevation gain.
As evenings grow longer and cooler, signaling the approach of winter recreation, residents are invited to the 3rd annual Winter Expo and LA Kings Ice Opening Night. This event is scheduled for next Thursday, October 1, from 5-7:30 pm at LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes, located within the Community Recreation Center (CRC).
The Winter Expo offers a comprehensive opportunity for community members to prepare for the upcoming cold season. Attendees can register in-person for Parks and Recreation winter programs and gather information about various local winter recreation opportunities. The event also features free ice skating and rentals, along with chances to win lucky door prizes. Additionally, Parks & Recreation Memberships will be available for purchase at a 50% discount during the expo, which is promoted as a one-stop shop for recreation in the Eastern Sierra.
Significant progress continues on the Reds Meadow Road project. The contractor is actively engaged in sub excavation, curb installation, riprap work, aggregate base placement, full-depth replacement, and asphalt application along the entire length of the roadway. Effective September 20, 2026, the road’s operational hours have been adjusted for the remainder of the season. It is now closed from Monday through Friday, opening only from Saturday at 7 a.m. through Sunday at 11 p.m.
Further updates regarding the Reds Meadow Road project are anticipated. Representatives from the FHWA project management team are scheduled to provide additional information to the Town Council on October 21.
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars for a free Electronic Waste and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection day event. This service will be provided on Saturday, October 17, from 8 am to 3 pm at the Mammoth Disposal transfer station, situated at 59 Commerce Drive in Mammoth.
During the event, all accepted materials will be recycled at no charge, a service available exclusively to residents of the Town of Mammoth Lakes. It is important to note that commercial or construction materials will not be permitted for collection. The event is a collaborative effort, hosted in conjunction with Mammoth Disposal. For more detailed information, residents may contact Mammoth Disposal directly at 760-934-2201 or visit MammothDisposal.com.
