A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with multiple lush green valleys, as if plucked from the Zero Day Guide to Mammoth. Blue lakes nestle among rocky terrain and forests under a clear blue sky, with distant mountains visible in the background.

PCT/JMT Zero Day Guide: Mammoth Lakes, California (Sierra)

ByMac Hours Comments Reading Time: 10 minutes

To many Pacific Crest Trail (and, to a lesser extent, John Muir Trail) thru-hikers, zero days are the real reward for their efforts – days spent (typically) in town relaxing, eating, drinking, doing laundry, using a flushing toilet, bathing, and even sleeping in a bed (if you’re lucky enough not to be sharing a room with a dozen other foul-smelling hikers).

That said, not all towns offer equal opportunities for hikers looking to zero; in the worst cases, towns can even be hostile toward hikers. Mammoth Lakes offers every opportunity you could ever dream of as a thru-hiker. It’s consistently rated one of the top resupply points by PCT hikers in the annual Pacific Crest Trail hiker survey. It is my favorite town in the Sierra (and possibly the entire PCT).

Here’s your guide to taking a zero day in Mammoth Lakes.

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How to Get to Mammoth Lakes

Unlike all the other towns in the Sierra Nevada, Mammoth Lakes—at an elevation of nearly 8,000 ft / 2,400 m—is easily accessible from the trail. No long and precarious hitches down windy mountain roads are required.

Here are the spots (and approximate FarOut NOBO/SOBO mile markers) where you can access Mammoth Lakes from the PCT. Locations are listed from south to north.

  • Mammoth Pass/Horseshoe Lake Trail (904.5/1750.7): A 3.6 mi / 5.8 km one-way hike from the PCT to Lake Mary Road at the Lakes Basin Path / Horseshoe Lake Trailhead (map). This spot is accessible by private vehicle (all the other spots listed here have restricted traffic during the day) and is also served by the Mammoth Lakes (free) trolley. You want the Lakes Basin Trolley arriving at Horseshoe Lake (Stop #104), which typically runs every 30 minutes (arriving/departing on the hour and 30 minutes past); the last trolley is at 17:30 daily. Read more here.
  • Reds Meadow (907.9/1747.3): A 0.3 mi / 500 m one-way hike from the PCT to Reds Meadow Resort (map). The Red’s Meadow Shuttle stops here. Tickets are $15 one-way and can be purchased from the driver with exact change. The final shuttle leaves Reds Meadow at 19:00. Find a map of the Reds Meadow area and road here (the numbers are shuttle stops).
  • Devils Postpile (908.4/1743): A 1.7 mi / 2.7 km one-way hike that parallels the PCT to the Devils Postpile Ranger Station; from the ranger station, it’s approximately 0.7 mi / 1.1 km to reconnect with the PCT heading north (map); for southbound hikers, these distances are reversed. The Red’s Meadow Shuttle stops here. Tickets are $15 one-way and can be purchased from the driver with exact change. Find a map of the Reds Meadow area and road here (the numbers are shuttle stops).
  • Agnew Meadows (916.2/1745): On the PCT (map). The Red’s Meadow Shuttle stops here. Tickets are $15 one-way and can be purchased from the driver with exact change. Find a map of the Reds Meadow area and road here (the numbers are shuttle stops).

The Reds Meadow Shuttle (the transportation option for Reds Meadow, Devils Postpile, and Agnew Meadows) will bring you to Main Lodge. This is still outside of town, but it’s accessible via private transportation and served by the free Mammoth Lakes trolley. You’ll want to take the Bike Park Shuttle (Yellow Line) to the other end of the line at the Village (map) – an area with hotels, restaurants, and shops. You can access Mammoth Lakes from the Village on foot, via another trolley, or by taxi/private transportation.

Note: The Reds Meadow Shuttle will have limited operational capacity during the summer of 2024. More info here.

Getting Around

As a hiker, you couldn’t ask for a more accessible town than Mammoth Lakes.

Most of Mammoth Lakes is arguably walkable. I know town miles don’t count, but it’s at least worth pointing out that you could get around walking if you were so inclined. What really makes Mammoth Lakes awesome isn’t its walkability score but, instead, the free trolly (yes, it’s free; anyone can get on/off as they please) that operates between May and November (i.e., the time you’ll be in Mammoth Lakes as a thru-hiker).

Here’s a link to the trolly map. Again, it’s free (and awesome).

If you’re in a rush, you can also call Mammoth Taxi or try Sierra Shuttle Service (they’re more a book-in-advance thing, but could be worth a shout; maybe better for scheduling a ride back to the trailhead than getting picked up from it).

Where to Resupply

Resupply is likely at the top of your mind when getting into town—that chore that must be done before you forget about the trail and enjoy your zero. Here’s where to resupply on food and gear while you’re in town.

Food: Grocery Outlet

The spot to resupply in Mammoth Lakes is Grocery Outlet (map). If you’re unfamiliar with Grocery Outlet, get ready to be spoiled. This is one of what I believe are four (currently) accessible Grocery Outlets among the traditional Pacific Crest Trail resupply stops (and the only one accessible via the John Muir Trail other than in Bishop – where you’re probably not stopping as a JMT hiker).

  • Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 11 or Purple Line Stop 11 (trolley map)
  • Address: 37 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 760 934 1510
  • Website: https://www.groceryoutlet.com/
  • Map

Apparel: Ridge Merino

Do you need a new sun hoody, gloves, shirt, underwear, base layer, or hat? Ridge Merino has an awesome selection of top-notch merino products perfect for thru-hiking. They also have a hiker box and give free beer to PCT thru-hikers (yes, you read that correctly).

  • Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 12 pm – 5 pm Sat, Closed Sun
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 15 or Purple Line Stop 38 (trolley map)
  • Address: 4 Alpine Cir, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 760 914 2008
  • Website: http://www.ridgemerino.com/
  • Map

Gear: Mammoth Mountaineering Supply

Mammoth Mountaineering Supply has all the gear you could need for a thru-hike. This includes fuel canisters. Want to replace your entire kit, from your backpack and shelter to your ice axe and shoes? Mammoth Mountaineering Supply will have it.

  • Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 10 or Purple Line Stop 31 (trolley map)
  • Address: 361 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 760 934 4191
  • Website: http://mammothgear.com/
  • Map
An A frame building with a sign out front that reads "Ridge"
Ridge Merino

Where to Eat

Among the most accessible resupply towns, Mammoth Lakes has arguably one of the best restaurant selections on the Pacific Crest Trail. One zero day won’t be enough to try all of them, but with your hiker hunger, you can probably do some damage.

$: Rolling Chef Food Truck

Located in the Rite Aid parking lot, the Rolling Chef Food Truck serves incredible Latin American food. It also has a covered outdoor seating area with trash cans beside the truck.

  • Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tue-Sat, 9 am – 4 pm Sun, Closed Mon
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 12 (trolley map)
  • Address: 3069 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 760 920 7935
  • Map

$$: Dos Alas CubaRican Café & Lounge

Dos Alas CubaRican Café & Lounge is a welcoming space on the southern edge of town that serves a fusion of Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes. If you’re looking for Latin food, cocktails, and an upbeat dining experience far removed from eating lukewarm ramen in your tent, it’s worth a visit.

  • Hours: 5 pm – 9 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon/Tue
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 7 (trolley map)
  • Address: 101 Sherwin Creek Rd Building A, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 760 965 0345
  • Website: http://www.dosalascafe.com/
  • Map

$$$: Harmony Brazilian Steakhouse

Harmony Brazilian Steakhouse offers an all-you-can-eat option, which thru-hikers love. That said, it doesn’t come cheap. But if you want to treat yourself for making it into the heart of the Sierra Nevada on a zero day, it’s worth a visit.

  • Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon/Tue
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 10 (trolley map)
  • Address: 106 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 310 708 6539
  • Notes: All-you-can-eat available
  • Map
A food truck with an outdoor seating area set up next to it.
The Rolling Chef

Where to Drink

In addition to restaurants, there are plenty of bars, breweries, and even wine bars in Mammoth Lakes—more than enough to be explored on a single zero day (or even a double zero).

$: Distant Brewing

Distant Brewing is a hiker-friendly brewery with indoor/outdoor seating, Wi-Fi, a pool table, and happy hour from 3 pm to 5 pm Monday through Thursday—basically everything you could ask for in a trailside drinking establishment. They’ve also got a kitchen serving pizza, burgers, and pub fare until an hour before closing daily.

  • Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm Sun-Thur, 12 pm – 10 pm Fri/Sat
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 7 (trolley map)
  • Address: 568 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 760 266 5023
  • Website: http://distantbeer.com/
  • Map

$$: Mammoth Brewing Company

Check out Mammoth Mountain Brewing Company, hang out in the indoor or outdoor seating areas, and do some people-watching at the edge of the Village. They also have a wide selection of awesome craft beers and food. If you’re eager to return to your accommodation and spend your zero day watching Lord of the Rings, they’ve also got beer to go.

$$$: The Shed

Want to forget about the hiker trash life for a while? Check out The Shed for wine, cheese, and charcuterie selections. Chances are you’ll be the most interesting people in the place – and not just because you look haggard.

  • Hours: 12 pm – 8 pm Thur-Mon, Closed Tue/Wed
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 13 (trolley map)
  • Address: 3325a Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 760 920 7935
  • Website: https://theshedmammoth.com/
  • Map
A veggie pizza on a table with a beer in back of it
Distant Brewing

Where to Stay

If you want to take full advantage of a zero day in Mammoth Lakes, you’ll want to book yourself two nights of accommodation – one for the day you arrive and then the next night so you can sleep in late, charge all your things, eat all your food, and download all the podcasts for the next section of trail (you listen to podcasts on the trail, right?)

$: Moderne Hostel

Moderne Hostel offers bunk rooms (male, female, or mixed), private rooms, casitas, and a two-bedroom chalet. There’s Wi-Fi and a kitchen area. There’s no laundry, but there’s a laundromat down the street.

$$: Alpenhof Lodge

Located just across the street from the Village, the Alpenhof Lodge has various rooms (some even with fireplaces), Wi-Fi, and a pool. There’s laundry available (for an additional charge) and an on-site bar/restaurant, the Clocktower Cellar. If you want some space to yourself on a zero day and want to be within walking distance of everything you could need, check out the Alpenhof.

$$$: Outbound Mammoth

For hikers who want to treat themselves big time, there’s Outbound Mammoth. It has a spa, hot tub, sauna, gym (not that you’ll want to work out on your zero day), bar, restaurant, fridges, and microwaves.

Outbound Mammoth
The Outbound Mammoth

Where to Camp

If you don’t want to splurge on a hotel room in Mammoth Lakes for your zero day (even though you probably should because Mammoth Lakes is one of the best and most hiker-friendly towns to hang out and relax in), you could opt for one of the town’s campgrounds instead.

If you’re looking for dispersed camping, you’ll have to get outside the city. Camp Like a Pro has a detailed map of where to find legally dispersed camping.

Old Shady Rest Campground

New Shady Rest Campground

Pine Glen Campground

Sherwin Creek Campground

This campground is tougher to reach than the others, but 15 walk-in/tent-only sites are also available. This means that you’ll (probably) be able to snag a spot here.

Sherwin Creek Campground
Sherwin Creek Campground

Where to Do Laundry

Laundry is another town chore that should be done whenever possible despite not being as important as resupply. It’s always easiest to do laundry where you’re staying in town, but that’s not always possible. Here are the three places (other than your accommodation) where you can do laundry in Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes Laundromat

  • Hours: 8 am – 9 pm daily
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 13 (trolley map)
  • Address: 3343 Main St, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Phone: +1 760 934 8207
  • Note: You can pay with a credit card here
  • Website: http://mammothlakeslaundry.com/
  • Map

Hollywood Soaps & Suds

  • Hours: 24 hours
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 7 (trolley map)
  • Address: 549 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Map

Aloha Sudz

  • Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily
  • Closest Shuttle Stop: Town Trolley Stop 11, Purple Line Stop 11 (trolley map)
  • Address: E, 26 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
  • Map

Thru-Hiker Map of Mammoth Lakes

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