In the valley of the Minarets
Majestic Happiness
Campgrounds Mammoth Lakes
A yearly camping trip with friends usually starts the day after the Fourth of July. This year with the fourth falling on a Sunday, the drive up was perfect everything was smooth until a friend following behind us brakes went out on the way into the campground. Now, this road is a single-lane steep, scary road. Fortunately, he knew to put the drive on low and worked the breaks until he reaches the campground, terrified but happy to have survived the camping Now What moment. Camping is an adventure; even though brakes were checked before the camping trip, they went out anyway. So a checklist is not always perfect in this case. AAA was a significant investment for this camp outing. First two days spent looking for someone in Mammoth to pick up the car. The tow truck had to come up from Bishop, California, a 38-mile drive down into the campground; thank goodness for the perfect camp spot to soothe our nerves, that and a few drinks.
Do not count on proximity for all your camping “Now What!” moments,
have an emergency plan that works for all your camping needs.
Down in the valley, just past the Mammoth Mountain Ski Lodge, there is a majestic surprise.
Stop at ranger station for camping information. If you are not camping check hours for taking the shuttle bus down to see the monument.
Devils Postpile National Monument
Columnar Basalt are a perfect learning experience: Talk about the landscape, history, geology, rock formations at the campfire.
Things to Do with Kids and Adults
The main attraction down this stretch of steep road is Devils Postpile National Monument. Taking the trail to this geological beauty is the first thing you should do with your kids. The columnar basalt is 60 feet; a must-do at least once, climb to the top for a surprising force of nature when you see the column top formations. It is an authentic learning experience for both children and adults. Bring water for all including pets.
Devils Postpile Formations
Things to do with Kids, climb to the top. How many sides to columns?
As of this date there is currently no camping at Devils Postpile, see camping sights below for open campgrounds.
Open Mid-June through Mid-October and closed during the winter.
Stop at the ranger station to get more information on this awe-inspiring 800-acre preserve.
Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls Mammoth, California
Continue on the trail to Rainbow Falls. It is worth the hike down a lovely path filled with nature and streams. It is a journey, so please remember to bring water for all, including pets. If you are lucky enough to be there at the right time of day, the sun and mist create a rainbow at the base of the falls.
Campgrounds
One of our favorite camp spots is down in the valley; on this trip, it was quiet, peaceful, and empty, so for the moment, we are going to keep it a secret while going over all the campgrounds down in the valley of meadows, minarets, and monuments.
All Campgrounds are First come, First Serve-No Reservations.
You can feel nature, not just the camper next to you.
Restrooms are clean, but if you want to take a shower, you have to go to the Red’s Meadows Pack Station
First Night Meal using the Saucer-X Campfire Grill
Showers at Red’s Meadow Pack Station $5.00 Tokens
Make sure to have an automotive RV check before heading down this road, especially brakes and towing capacity. There are spaces for RV’s but check first before you drive down because some sites are tent only. Every campsite has its magic, so we list the sites with uncomplicated comments but know that some are closer to the water, while other sites have majestic views. So if you are camping, drive to all the other campgrounds and check them out; make notes in your journal for spots you’d love to camp in on your next trip. This is a beautiful place to wander, explore, nap, and wind down to the basics.
For our Beloved Jake
The Amazing Jack Russell Terrier
19 years and 4 months of happiness
Have Fun!
Campgrounds as you drive down into the valley
Upper Soda Spring-28 Campsites: revamped, smaller campground.
Pumice Flat-17 Campsites: 10 great spots on the river.
Minaret Falls-27 Campsites: spots for large RV’s and tents.
Reds Meadows-52 Campsites-large campground with small creek running through it.
All campgrounds are perfect for camping, fishing, and hiking with the least amount of human life.
Campground-amenities
Portable Water
Vault Toilets
Campsites
Bear Lockers
Fire Pit
Table
*Bring your grill
*Lots of mosquitos in the summer so be ready.
Camp Note: We have seen bears in campgrounds so USE BEAR LOCKERS!
There may be bears in the campgrounds
use bear lockers and dispose of all trash and scents.
Drive down to Red’s Meadows Resort: General Store, restaurant, and cabins; they offer horseback riding, hiking, and backcountry trips. Showers are $5.00 with tokens purchase at the general store.
Hikers resupply station: This is the 900-mile mark if you take the back-country hiking trails.
Checklist thing to do
Things To Do
Lakes: Starkweather and Sotcher Lakes.
Hiking trails: John Muir, King Creek, Pacific Crest
Bicycles on roads only
Bird-watching
Nature watching
Golf-Mammoth
Fishing: Streams not stocked this season.
Mammoth is a 25-minute drive from campgrounds.
To Devils Postpile: Highway 395 to Highway 203 Mammoth. Drive time Los Angeles Valley 5 ½ hours.
Camping Notes-Upon entrance, you are notified that there is a No Clothes Line policy and a $3,000.00 fine for oversized logs hanging over the fire pit.
Check out Road Trip 395 for stops.
Check out our Postcards from a Campground