The Calling
I was feeling drawn to go some place where I could be surrounded by trees…lots and lots of trees, and in particular, pines.
To be in that specific kind of natural arena, where I could walk through the woods, gaze up at the endless trees, and hear the sounds of the natural world—the kind that can best be heard in the presence of vast open nature.
I wanted to take in the woodsy smells of the Earth, trees, and plants, and breathe in fresh mountain air.
I had a strong desire to be surrounded by the natural landscape that only the master architect—known as mother nature—was capable of creating. There is nothing more beautiful than the Earth herself, and seeing her in her natural form is healing for the soul. We are all stewards of the Earth, and it is our duty to help her in whatever way we can, to preserve her, so that others may continue to benefit from what we have been lucky enough to experience in our own life.
Coming from the busy Southern California climate, the mountains were calling me—loudly. I wanted to spend time in nature, yet also choose a destination that was drivable. Mammoth Lakes, California, better known simply as Mammoth, came to mind. I had never been there, and only knew it was a popular snowboarding destination in the winter. I decided to do some research, and in the process, I came across a co-worker who told me he, his wife, and dogs headed up to Mammoth in their RV every summer, and loved it. He was also able to give me the missing link of personal information that I needed to feel confident to make the drive, that only someone who had been there could provide, which for me was clarification on whether or not my vehicle was suitable for the drive/getting to hikes, etc. I was concerned that being in a mountainy destination some of the trails might only have dirt road access, which would not be suitable for my car.
One time my car got stuck in the California beach town of Carlsbad, on a dirt shoulder, and ever since then I realized that if my car could get stuck there, then it could potentially get stuck anywhere. My co-worker assured me that many of the popular destinations were paved, and that my car, which has thinner (but not quite low-profile tires) would be just fine. After hearing that, I was all in!
As I began researching Mammoth, I quickly discovered there was so much to do in the summer in this amazing area located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. From hiking, to kayaking, to mountain biking, to exploring, it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. I wanted an adventure in nature’s playground, and Mammoth seemed to fit the bill!
On the Road
Mammoth was just under a six-hour drive from where I call home in Southern California, but could be less (or potentially more) depending on the time and day of the week you leave, and of course your starting destination. I looked up hotels and Airbnb’s, and I found a better deal using Airbnb. I booked four days/nights at a great one bedroom condo with a small outdoor patio. I wasn’t sure what the setup in Mammoth looked like, for example, how near or far I’d be to the various destinations, hikes, etc. that I wanted to explore. Thankfully there were reviews for the rental I booked that mentioned it being in a really good location, so I felt confident booking it (even though the address wasn’t provided in advance). When in doubt read reviews, they constantly help me make informed decisions. The good news is that Mammoth is like a big-smaller town in a way. As long as you have a vehicle, no matter where you stay it’s likely to be in a decent spot for the majority of the activities you want to do.
After packing up everything I needed for the trip, including a good bottle of wine, I kissed my French Bulldog goodbye (she stayed with her grandparents) and I was on my way to Mammoth, to have a much-needed adventure in nature!
I went solo, which meant I got to choose all aspects of my trip, what activities to do and when, and what music to play on the radio, etc. That’s one of the beautiful things about solo travel is that the adventure is all under your complete creative control. Solo travel can also be a great way to learn more about yourself. Lord Huron’s, Strange Trails, was the soundtrack throughout the duration of my Mammoth adventure. Even after the fact, listening to it still brings me right back.
For my road trip, I brought water and road snacks, and stopped for an iced coffee along the way. After getting out of the city, the surrounding area opened up into expansive open land that at times was bordered by mountains. The drive along US-395 North (making up the majority of my drive) was very scenic, and made the drive itself a great part of the adventure.
It’s worth mentioning that there is a significant stretch of time when there is no place to stop and use the restroom, or get a snack, etc., so stop where you can, pack water and snacks, and download some of your favorite music onto your phone so you don’t have to worry in case your reception is spotty while you’re driving through the middle of nowhere. Then, just relax, and enjoy the ride…
I headed out early in the day, which I recommend because you get to look at all the beautiful scenery, and the one to two lane road that extends for the majority of the drive out there is not something I’d want to be driving on at night if it could be avoided. Did I already mention that for a large portion of the drive you’re in the middle of nowhere, as in no street lights, etc.? Just another reason I’d recommend heading out during daylight hours.
After a few hours into my journey I found a nice area to stop at in the town of Lone Pine (there are clear signs letting you know a town is up ahead, and the highway literally passes right through it—making it impossible to miss). It’s about one hour and forty-five minutes to Mammoth after this stop. There was a Shell gas station (for a refuel) next to a Carl’s Jr. (for a quick snack or bathroom), and an adjacent park with a small stream, shade, and a couple of tables. As I walked around a breeze was blowing through the park, and it was a nice place to stop and stretch after a long car ride. If you decide not to stop there, about 40-ish miles further (if you’re traveling North) is Big Pine, which also has a gas station and food.
Note: You’ll want to watch your speed limit whenever the main road passes through any of the small towns along the highway because the speed limit is very slow. This will also help ensure you avoid a speeding ticket. I noticed a few vehicles being pulled over in the smaller towns.
As you get closer to Mammoth you’ll pass through the town of Bishop first (heading there on US-395 North). The one thing I wish I would have done is stop at the original Erick Schat’s Bakery in Bishop. There is one in Mammoth, but it’s not the original, and doesn’t have the same atmosphere or notoriety as the one in Bishop. I wasn’t a superfan of the one in Mammoth. On my next trip, I’ll definitely stop at the original bakery in Bishop.
One thing I was very thankful for throughout the duration of my trip while traveling to/from, and while in Mammoth, was that the GPS on my phone (I often used the Waze App) worked nearly everywhere I went, even places that seemed like they were more remote! I’d printed out some directions in advance just in case. However, my GPS worked the majority of the time.
Visiting Red’s Meadow and the Surrounding Area
On my first full day in Mammoth I woke up early to get my day started. I’d pre-scheduled a horseback riding tour at Red’s Meadow Resort. It was only about 15 miles from where I was staying, but the roads are often one lane, and the speed limit is not very fast in many areas (which is nice because it enables you to really enjoy your surroundings) so it took about 40-45 minutes to get there, which I planned ahead for. In order to get to the area of Red’s Meadow and the trails around that area, you have to enter Inyo National Forest which had a daily fee of somewhere between $10-$20 per vehicle.
After entering the national forest you will drive down the mountain on a one lane road, so you have to drive slowly and watch for other cars on the road approaching from the opposite direction. I don’t think I even passed anyone on my way down, and maybe three cars on my way back up at the end of the day.
While descending down the mountain, surrounded by trees, listening to music, not quite sure where I was going or what I’d find when I got there, I couldn’t help thinking how much I was enjoying myself. It felt exciting to see new sights and embark into the unknown. Traveling solo, especially somewhere new, increases your level of awareness, and causes you to really take in your experience.
Note: When you come to a fork in the road, stay to the left, it will say “Red’s Meadow,” there will also be a sign for “Reds Meadow Campground,” which is something different.
I arrived at Red’s Meadow which was clearly marked by signs, and parked in the large parking lot. I headed to the small general store, stopped at the restrooms nearby, and then made my way over to the horse stables. Soon, a small group of about 15 of us had gathered there, and we were each assigned a horse for the ride. We began our trek to Rainbow Falls, which was a pretty easy ride. My horse was first in line, which meant I got to chat with the guide leading our group, ask questions, and learn a bit more about the area. It also meant that I had the benefit of not getting all the dirt kicked up in my face that comes with riding at the end of the group.
When we arrived at upper Rainbow Falls we unmounted from our horses to take a break and check out the area.
Rainbow Falls
Visiting Rainbow Falls was at the top of my list of things I absolutely wanted to do, which is why I made a point to go there first. It was the right move. Simply put, Rainbow Falls is spectacular! It is a grandiose and beautiful waterfall. Also, true to its name, there is a good chance that you’ll catch the glimmer of a water rainbow due to the mixture of the waterfall’s downpour and resulting spray mixed with the sunshine (assuming you’re there on a sunny day of course).
At the falls, there is an upper lookout with great views of the falls, which makes for an ideal photo opportunity.
Upper Rainbow Falls
However, if you head down a nearby path of somewhat steep (but wide) stairs to the base of the waterfall that is the best spot for photo opportunities, and the best spot to enjoy the waterfall.
At the lower falls/base of the waterfall you can feel the mist and spray of the water, and will likely be amongst other people climbing over rocks, taking pictures, or sticking their feet in the cold river water that runs from the base of the falls.
Rainbow Falls is definitely worth the visit! If I could do it again I would probably hike to Rainbow Falls instead of taking a horseback ride. I would have enjoyed being able to stay as long as I wanted to instead of being on the group’s schedule for the horseback ride. It was so beautiful that I would like to have hung out at the base of the falls longer, soaked my feet in the cold water under the summer sun, and just took my time there soaking it all in.
Note: There is a shuttle that runs to the Red’s Meadow area during certain times of the year and according to the Mammoth Lakes website it boards at the Mammoth Adventure Center, and is a mandatory shuttle as personal vehicles are not allowed during the shuttle season. The Mammoth Adventure Center has a large parking area and is conveniently located on the way you would be traveling towards the entrance into Inyo National Park anyway. The area wasn’t crowded when I went, but other reviews mention it can get busy once the shuttles begin letting people off.
After the horseback tour returned to Red’s Meadow I was sufficiently hungry. I’d brought plenty of water but only a light snack (due to being afraid a wild animal would potentially smell my food). There is literally only one place to eat in that whole area. At Red’s Meadow Campground and Resort you can walk up to a little window and order from a menu. Then you take your lunch to a picnic table and eat. I got lucky, after I got my tuna sandwich I located one out of the way table in the shade (all other open tables were in the sun) and I sat at the end of it.
Before long, a man came over and asked to sit down at the table with me. He dropped off his backpacking gear, and returned a short while later with his lunch. As he sat and ate he informed me he’d literally just got done with a backpacking trip, and the meal he was eating was the first real meal he’d had in an entire week! It turned out he was also from Southern California, and did that solo backpacking trip once a year as a sort of birthday present to himself.
He also informed me that the entrance to Inyo National Park had been closed, and just opened six days prior. According to the National Park Service website https://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo, Red’s Meadow and the surrounding hikes, such as Devil’s Postpile, usually open mid-June and close for the season in October, giving visitors roughly about a five-month window to see these particular sites. I hadn’t even known that when I planned my trip. Lucky timing I thought. I seem to always have good luck when I travel, which I thank for Jupiter’s placement in the 9thhouse in my natal chart. Jupiter is the planet of good fortune and expansion, and the 9thhouse rules travel, amongst other things. Further, Jupiter is the natural ruler of the 9thhouse which means it is right at home there. Just a bit of astrology thrown in there for you.
One of the cool things about the area surrounding Red’s Meadow is that it connects with the 211-mile John Muir Trail, and the infamous 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which extends from Southern California at the Mexican border up to Oregon, and Washington, and eventually ends at the Canadian border. It is common to see people backpacking when you’re out hiking some of the trails in the area—which was pretty cool to see. Red’s Meadow is also a supply station where backpackers can have supplies sent to them.
Devils Postpile
After lunch, I wanted to hike to Devils Postpile. It was one of the places on my wish list that I wanted to experience. Devils Postpile National Monument, or simply known as Devils Postpile, is made up of large vertical, hexagonal basalt columns that formed from cooling lava.
After asking for directions at the supply station, to my surprise I learned the hike to Devils Postpile started across the street from where I was at (like literally a walk across the street). I didn’t even have to move my car from the Red’s Meadow parking lot. So I walked down a small path and crossed the street, and sure enough there was a small parking lot with a sign for the trail to Devils Postpile! (There are other parking areas in the vicinity, and off the main road to park at for this hike, and the hike can be accessed from different entry points).
I walked along the trail admiring the pine trees and simply enjoying being in nature. I’d pass other hikers every so often, but also got the pleasure of being in my own company for very large stretches. The trail to Devils Postpile was well pathed out and clear.
Before long I reached Devils Postpile. It is definitely a unique natural wonder to look at. I found a spot in the shade and sat there in admiration of my surroundings, and where I found myself at that moment in time. People would pass by on the trail surrounding the monument, and even though there were more people in this location than I’d experienced anywhere else in Mammoth, it still wasn’t crowded—there was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves.
You can also climb to the top of Devils Postpile (via steps/trail), which I would have done except I only brought one bottle of water with me, and it wasn’t even full. I won’t need it I thought as I initially set out on the trail. I’ll just go and come back. Well it turned out I definitely needed it because after reaching my first destination I wanted to explore further and I ended up going on a long hike with very little water. Oh well, it was a lesson learned, and one mistake that I’ll never make again.
After passing Devil’s Postpile I noticed a bridge over water in the distance and became curious where it led.
I couldn’t tell from my vantage point how to get to it, but I took a chance on a small dirt trail that seemed to be headed in that direction. Sure enough it was the right path, and moments later I found myself standing on the bridge I’d seen, watching the San Joaquin River rushing towards me, and then off out of sight as it curved around the mountain.
The bridge offered a great vantage point of a spectacular lovely green meadow that bordered one side of the river.
Being in that area and the surrounding nature was one of my favorite spots during all my explorations, and the picturesque image is burned into my mind. The scene/experience was so beautiful, spacious, open, free-feeling, and held some other illusive qualities—the kind that are difficult to translate into words, and instead are best simply felt. It just suited me on a level that’s difficult to describe. If we’re lucky sometimes life is like that.
Minaret Falls
Wanting to see another waterfall, I took the trail towards Minaret Falls. Again, the trail wasn’t very populated. I’d pass another hiker or two every so often, and then would have the wilderness to myself again. We would typically exchange hellos and pass on our way. I found people to be friendly like that.
The hike to Minaret Falls eventually led down a mountain side, which was the only point along the trail where I wasn’t sure if I was still on the trail because the path was hardly evident, and there was no one else around. I had to play a mental game with myself and go over all the reasons in my mind why I was likely still on the correct path. Thankfully, that part didn’t last too long before it became apparent that I was on an obvious trail again.
The path eventually came to end at a shaded area at the base of Minaret Falls, with a view of the waterfall rushing over the rocks above.
To get back, you have to return the way you came. The trail is about 3 miles roundtrip back to Devil’s Postpile. On my way back, I stopped at the beautiful meadow I’d seen at the start of the trail, and soaked my feet in the cold water as I sat on the riverbank admiring my scenic surroundings. A little while later a woman came by and did the same. It was a nice way to relax for a bit after a long hike.
I let my feet dry and then put my shoes back on, and headed back towards Devils Postpile, taking the trail back to my parking spot at Red’s Meadow. I had water in my trunk, however, it was warm due to being a very sunny day. Although not a big soda drinker, I stopped by the food stand at Red’s Meadow and bought an ice cold orange soda, which was extremely refreshing, and which I immediately gulped down. After that, it was time to head back to my Airbnb to unwind. Thankfully, I had leftover pizza in the fridge, and some red wine, and didn’t have to go searching for food, because after a full day of outdoor activities, good food, a nice warm shower, and some comfy pj’s were calling my name.
Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
The next day I was scheduled for the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park. I’d purchased my ticket online a week or two in advance. I had never mountain biked before, and out of all the things I wanted to do in Mammoth, mountain biking was something that I was really looking forward to.
I picked my bike rental up at Mountain Center at The Village (reservations are highly recommended) and from there got on a shuttle which took me over to the bike park. The shuttles had easy to use bike racks on the back of them which made getting around with a bike super convenient. You just stick one wheel in each insert and you’re good to go. If you’ve never used one before just watch, or ask someone putting their bike on (like I did) and they can show you. After that, you’ll be golden.
When I got to the bike park I took the chairlift to the top of the trails and that was a bonus because it was very scenic and a bit of a thrill being so high off the ground. Once I got off the chairlift I was so excited to begin my first mountain biking experience. There were different courses you could choose from based on your experience level, and with it being my first attempt at mountain biking I went with the beginner routes which were color coded a certain way to identify the trails.
I rode for a few minutes traveling down two wide and long roads and then found myself back out on the main road on the mountain with cars passing by on the street, feeling very confused. What just happened? I’m still not sure. I think it was an introductory trail that looked more like a road than a trail—it’s still a mystery. I soon found myself back at the starting point near the chair lift, and at that point I was cold. I’d forgotten my sweatshirt and decided to buy one from the gift shop. Didn’t need a new sweatshirt, but hey I guess I got a souvenir at the same time, so it worked out. After speaking to an employee in the bike shop I learned where the other trails started which was in the same area but did not require getting on the chairlift.
From outside of the gift shop I could see the beginning of the trail which was in the opposite direction of the chairlift. Go figure. I entered the trail and began my trek through the actual bike park. This time feeling excited to see what lay ahead. The “easy” trail gave me a run for my money. It was a bit more challenging than I’d expected. It didn’t have the technical challenges I imagine the more advanced runs had but I think I expected a wide open trail with a few bumps and dips here and there. You know, something mild.
Meanwhile, the real trail (not the version in my head) was narrow and had a lot of quick turns. I would gain speed simply by the design of the trail and as a result, was constantly pumping my breaks. I enjoyed myself but also felt challenged as a first-time rider. I liked the set up of the park, there were choices to go different routes and I got to one spot on the trail where I stopped to take a short break and admire the beautiful scenery. It was a sight I would not have seen had I not been in the bike park.
At some point I must have gotten on a wrong trail because there was a large yellow bulldozer coming down the path towards me and there was no other way to go! I pulled over to the side of the road as far as I could to let it pass. As I continued on that path I came to the steepest hill I’d seen yet, and after walking my bike down half of it, I got on again and rode for a short distance until I saw another bulldozer up ahead clearing the pathway, and it looked like it turned into a dead end. At that point, something seemed strange, and I determined I should probably get off that trail. The weird thing was I never saw a sign that said not to go that way.
As I looked around I could see people passing by on bikes on another trail nearby. I hauled my bike up the dirt embankment to that trail, and from there I had success. I was able to continue on that trail until it eventually ended a short distance from the area in town I had rented my bike at. Whew!
After making it down the mountain it was definitely time for lunch. I stopped at The Village and wandered into Shelter Distilling, a restaurant, distillery, and brewery where I sat at the bar counter and had some tasty sweet potato tacos and a beer sampler flight. As I was sitting there, a man walked in with full mountain biking gear on (it should be noted I was wearing regular active/workout attire) so I knew he was definitely more serious about mountain biking than I was. It turned out he was a fellow solo traveler from San Diego. He had also stopped in for lunch before heading back out on the trails.
We got to chatting and he informed me he drove up to Mammoth once a month in order to go mountain biking, and had actually joined a mountain biking club in the area. Suddenly my trek to Mammoth didn’t seem like such a momentous thing—as it can tend to when you’re solo traveling—compared to his monthly trips. I love how our experiences are always shaping our perspective. Hearing what he had to say caused me to view my own experience differently.
Solo travel tip: When dining solo, taking a seat at the counter of a restaurant, bar, or wherever you happen to be, instead of at a table by yourself, puts you in a great position to be able to converse with others who might work there, or be stopping in to grab a bite to eat, etc.
After I finished mountain biking for the day, I decided to head over to the lakes basin area to explore, for the simple reason that I was curious. Letting curiosity be our guide I’ve come to find is a very freeing way to live. I think that’s one of the things I love most about travel, the freedom to live life simply based on what we are interested in doing and experiencing. It’s such a beautiful way to live.
Mammoth Lakes Basin
While traveling towards the lakes basin area, the colorful views of the valley below began to take shape, giving way to an expansive and scenic view of the area. Mammoth is full of endless beautiful views by the way. Have I mentioned that yet? Everywhere you look there is beautiful, woodsy, often tree-filled scenery. Get your camera ready, because you won’t be able to resist taking a multitude of pictures.
There were a good amount of people either walking or riding their bikes along the Lakes Basin Path—a designated pathway that follows the side of the road. It seemed like a great way to take in the views.
A good way to do the Lakes Basin Path would be to take a bike to the last/furthest shuttle stop on the path and head back towards town because you’d be going downhill the whole time—making for an easy ride. If you were to ride your bike from town towards the lake basin area it would primarily be an uphill journey and something the average person would find difficult—unless of course you were riding an electric bike, which they do rent at various spots in town.
Twin Falls Overlook
My first stop in the lakes basin area was the Twin Falls Overlook. There is a designated lookout you can park at (typing Twin Falls Overlook into your GPS should get you there). After you park you can walk around the area and admire the view below.
Lake Mamie
Across the street from the Twin Falls Overlook I noticed a beautiful lake, which turned out to be Lake Mamie. I wandered over there and spent time sitting at the shore of the lake, simply marveling at its beauty, and observing the comings and goings of the wildlife—like a momma duck and her baby who swam right by me. It had been a full day at that point, and I decided to head back to the Airbnb I was staying at for a relaxing evening with a glass of wine, leftover pizza, and a fire in the fireplace—It’s all about balance.
Lake Mamie
Feeling peaceful yet inspired
A Day of Lakes and Hiking
The next day I spent some time in the morning relaxing, and enjoying some me time before I headed out for the Horseshoe Lake Loop, which was supposed to be a two-mile flat loop trail with a lot of shade, and views of the lake. My GPS took me to a parking area at nearby Lake George, and from the beginning things appeared somewhat sketchy. Long story short, my mistake was the parking lot I chose. Although it technically accessed the Horseshoe Lake Loop, it wasn’t the best spot to do so.
What you should do instead: Drive to the end of the main road (which heads along the Lakes Basin Path). When you get to the end of the road, on your left will be a large parking lot, and in it a sign that says Horseshoe Lake Trailhead (located near some restrooms). You can park there to access the entrance to the trail. The entrance will be behind the sign for the trailhead, and is clearly visible.
The path I took off Lake George Road (the one I wouldn’t recommend) had an initial small wooden sign at the beginning marking the trail which was comforting, but after that, the path split and wasn’t distinctly marked any longer. At one point, while walking through trees as far as I could see in any direction, I came to a fork in the road and had to take a picture so that if I needed to turn around, at least I would know which way I came from—it was that type of sketch. After wandering through the trees for a while with no one else around, I was startled when I thought I saw two coyotes running through the bushes.
It turned out they were actually two large dogs off leash, and eventually their owners appeared, following behind them at a distance. After wandering around, not sure I was headed in the right direction, I was excited and relieved to see human beings. They probably had no idea.
It turned out I had finally reached the main path for the Horseshoe Lake Trail. Now that I knew where I was, I could relax more.
Horseshoe Lake Trail
The path for the Horseshoe Lake Trail (an approximately 1.8 mile loop) was wide all the way around. It was primarily a dirt trail, and clearly marked, with people passing by occasionally. I could also see the lake the whole time as the path circled it, so that felt good. It was infinitely better than wandering around aimlessly in the wilderness not sure what trail I was on, or if I was even headed in the right direction.
I’d brought a beach towel with me, and a book. Upon spotting a nice stretch of sand along the pine tree-lined lake I set my towel out, laid down, and read for a bit, just enjoying my surroundings. Nothing I did in Mammoth was crowded during the time I was there, so it was completely magical, laying there on my private stretch of sand, with the lake at my toes, looking up at the gorgeous contrast of the deep green pines above. I almost couldn’t believe the pristine location I found myself in.
The cool thing about the Horseshoe Lake Trail is that you can mountain bike on it! Had I known that in advance, and what it looked like, this would have been my choice for my first mountain biking experience as a beginner, although I’m sure all levels would enjoy it too. The trail is mostly dirt, the path is very wide, and it’s well shaded by the trees, with constant views of the lake. There are a few dips for some mountain biking fun, and a few short wooden bridges that looked like they’d be fun to ride over.
Next time I return I would definitely take a mountain bike out on this trail. It would be easy to rent a mountain bike from Mountain Center at The Village, which is where I’d rented mine the day prior, and then take the shuttle bus up the lakes basin path. I’m not certain, but I believe I was told the shuttle goes halfway up the lakes basin path. At the last stop you could get off your bike, have fun riding up the path, and it wouldn’t be very far until you reached the Horseshoe Lake Loop Trailhead. I would recommend bringing a small backpack with water, snacks, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, a phone, camera, and whatever else you might need. I would also suggest bringing a hat and wearing easily removable layers.
For shuttle and other transit routes around Mammoth the following website has a lot of information https://www.estransit.com
Eventually, I reached the end of the trail for the Horseshoe Lake Loop and found myself in the parking area (the one I should’ve parked in but didn’t) at the trailhead. Then it was time to head back, and this time I opted to take another route that ran along the side of the main road, and I eventually ended up walking along the main road. I figured as long as I could see the road I couldn’t get lost again. I followed it the way I had driven, and turned down the road I’d driven down to reach the parking lot I’d parked in. It wasn’t the most scenic route, but it made the most sense, which at that point I was fine with.
By the time I reached my car I’d been out exploring for quite a while and after checking out the surrounding area on foot, including some of the nearby lakes, I decided to head back into town to grab dinner and have a relaxing evening in. I would be leaving the next day, so I stopped at a gas station to fill up my tank, and then went inside where I selected some local beer to try. Next, I opted to try out another pizza place in the area for some variety.
Lake George
All Good Things Must Come to an End—Or So The Saying Goes
On my last day in Mammoth after packing up most of my belongings and cleaning out the random items I had in the fridge, I headed to Black Velvet Coffee for a delicious iced coffee. If you’re looking for great coffee during your trip to Mammoth Lakes I highly recommend Black Velvet Coffee. I tried a few coffee shops in Mammoth, and this one was my favorite, and worth checking out. They make their own syrups for their coffee in-house so you know you’re getting higher quality, and more natural ingredients (always check ingredients for yourself). I went twice, and if I’d discovered them earlier in my trip I would have gone more than that. Afterwards, I returned to my accommodations to relax, and savor the last couple of hours before it was time to leave. I hung out on the small patio that contained only a pile of chopped wood for burning. As I sipped my iced coffee I simply admired the pine trees overhead, and watched the chipmunks scurrying around through the dirt and over the rocks below me. With every breath I took, I could feel myself breathing in the nature surrounding me as I took in the final moments of this unforgettable experience.
Afterthoughts
In Mammoth I felt free, adventurous, curious about life and what I might discover next. I noticed I felt very grounded, calm, and so far removed from the busyness of living in a crowded city, and a fast paced work environment. I felt like me again. The way you feel when all the distractions have been removed and you’re not thinking about what you do for work, or who you are in relation to other people (like family, friends, other types of relationships, etc.). It would have been hard to think about those things even if I had wanted to. Getting out of your usual bubble really makes a difference. It is freeing. It helps move you back into alignment. It also causes you to begin to relate to yourself in new ways.
To sum it all up, Mammoth is a truly awesome place to visit. Hands down a great experience. It is nature’s playground, and can be tailored to suit you and the experience that you want to have.
Many months have passed since my time there, but I frequently find myself remembering, reliving, and drawing from the experiences I had. It continues to feel like a breath of fresh air, grounding me, and giving me exactly what I need each time I think about the trees, the land, the outdoors, and the way it felt to be there experiencing it all.
Additional Notes: What I didn’t have time for, but would definitely do next time would be to go to the hot springs. Mammoth has a few of them. However, I just consider this an incentive to go back—which I definitely plan to do.
After the journey takeaways: Nearly one year later, I continue to find myself going through my day and will flash back to my time in Mammoth, and it fills me with a sense that words cannot fully describe. Kind of like a sense of a time, adventure, and experience, that I treasure, that’s invaluable, and that’s all mine. It was me being me, following my interests and bliss, and there is nothing more beautiful than living life authentically. It’s an energy I can continue to draw from, and every time I do, I’m instantly transported back to the pines, to the Earth, to the rivers, lakes, and streams, and I feel grounded, inspired, and replenished. The sense of adventure comes right back, and it fills my spirit with exactly what is needed at that time. What a beautiful gift.
Thank you Mammoth for all of your wonderful offerings!