Mammoth Minarets?

[haywoodphotomaccom]

10 years ago or so I took a dirt road at the end of Lookout Road off the 203 in Mammoth. Top of the hill before going down towards Devils Postpile. It wandered through the trees Northish to some great viewing spots of the Minarets.

Anyone know if you can camp overnight out there or if our vans can make it through the tress. I don't remember much about the trip other than the views up there but I believe my Chevy Tahoe just made it through some of the spots without scraping.

Anyone have a knowledge of that road/area?

[billwilson]

Well, we did have the forest service keys for a while and took that "trip"
in a vw rabbit for a jaunt after a small paper dinner from Mr. Owsley,
but the details are murky (but colorfull).....

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by haywoodphotomaccom

10 years ago or so I took a dirt road at the end of Lookout Road off the 203 in Mammoth. Top of the hill before going down towards Devils Postpile. It wandered through the trees Northish to some great viewing spots of the Minarets.

Anyone know if you can camp overnight out there or if our vans can make it through the tress. I don't remember much about the trip other than the views up there but I believe my Chevy Tahoe just made it through some of the spots without scraping.

Anyone have a knowledge of that road/area?

Yep, I know this area well. I know that it is fine to boondock camp in the Inyo around Mammoth and that many do off of the scenic route that connects 395 to the 203.

I tried to take the SMB on this road up onto the ridgeline last year and stopped after a relatively short distance. The "trail" was deeply rutted and I was having difficulty getting through the trees. I suspect it is doable in the SMB, but would want to do some recon on foot or bike beforehand just to confirm.

R

[haywoodphotomaccom]

Thanks Gentleman, I remember it being spectacular but tight to get through one small section. Might do the recon thing. Like to spend one night on that ridge line if possible.

Any issues spending the night at Laurel Lakes? Another favorite spot over the years with the motorcycle so like to try with the van.

[Vegasrandall]

I remember some really fine camping spots near hot creek. People had dammed up some hot springs and made hot tubs. It was free BLM camping.

[dig255]

Originally Posted by haywoodphotomaccom

Any issues spending the night at Laurel Lakes? Another favorite spot over the years with the motorcycle so like to try with the van.

Waiting for delivery of my SMB, about 7 more weeks, this will be one of my first trips.
I have seen other trucks camped there.

[EMrider]

Originally Posted by haywoodphotomaccom

Thanks Gentleman, I remember is being spectacular but tight to get through one small section. Might do the recon thing. Like to spend one night on that ridge line if possible.

Any issues spending the night at Laurel Lakes? Another favorite spot over the years with the motorcycle so like to try with the van.

Camping at Laurel lakes or anywhere on the route up is fine. There is a nice semi developed camping area in an aspen grove about halfway up the hill. Just be alert for any odd visitors http://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=15855

I'll be up there later this month.

R

[haywoodphotomaccom]

Like to get an image or two of that hairy beast. Let me know if you see him!

[NRL]

Originally Posted by haywoodphotomaccom

Like to get an image or two of that hairy beast. Let me know if you see him!

They've got some trained bears up there..

My buddy was out there camping with his Sporto, and in the middle of the night or early morning, had his backpack that was mounted on the enduro surgically opened up and removed of any edibles.

The bear also went on to "professionally" puncture and drink all Pepsi and Dr. Peppers and left all the diet drinks and beercans alone!