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Pet Friendly Travel: Mammoth Lakes, California
by Susan Benton
There’s nothing more relaxing than a long weekend in Mammoth Lakes, California. My favorite time of the year is spring, when the ice starts to melt; and the lakes – still too cold for humans - become the perfect playground for pooches.
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Swimming in the Lake |
My beau
Jeff and I often visit Mammoth Lakes throughout the year to ski, camp and hike. Our trips have been made all the more enjoyable since we welcomed the newest addition of our family. Crimson, a three-year old black lab enjoys running in the wide open fields, exploring the hills; and discovering the trails, waterfalls, streams and the many lakes this section of the Eastern Sierras has to offer.
Located in the Inyo National Forest, bordered by the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas, and located 32 miles south of the entrance to Yosemite; Mammoth Lakes is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. A mere five hours northeast of Los Angeles, the air is clearer, the water is cleaner and the people are friendlier.
The town itself is going through a bit of a renaissance, as expected with the recent announcement that Starwood Capital Group, parent company to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, shelled out a reported $365 million – the highest price ever paid for a ski resort - to acquire the property.
All signs point to explosive growth for this four-square-mile town in the next couple of years. There are plans to introduce a more high-end ski experience – akin to Aspen or Vail – to this down-to-earth, unpretentious area. Real estate prices are skyrocketing, and a new hotel or condominium complex seems to have erected with each return visit. Luxurious alternatives are beginning to surface in abundance too.
In the meantime, parts of Mammoth remain unchanged - untouched. And many places remain dog-friendly. Several hotels allow pets in the rooms, including the cozy Mammoth Creek Inn or the ever-economical Motel 6. Restaurants (even the newer ones in The Village – like Hennessey’s Tavern) have dog-accommodating patios and gracious waitstaff who will bring fresh water for your pooch while you enjoy a cold beer. Not to mention, the town boasts several long and winding trails – perfect for hiking, biking and walking with your pet. The Mountain itself (for the time being) also allows pets in the main gondola for scenic view rides to the top, as long as they are leashed. In addition, there are plenty of open fields, where dogs can stretch their legs and meet up with other furry friends.
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Playtime in Snowy Field |
Just outside of town, natural beauty abounds. One could visit numerous times and still never see all the unique topography and geologic wonder the area has to offer. From geothermal activity - including freshwater warm springs and steam vents, to the hidden "locals-only" beaches at June Lake; to the mind-blowing vistas and unexplored treasures – waterfalls, cliffs, glaciers and wildlife - of Rock Creek, to the intimidating Inyo Craters and eerie tufa of Mono Lake; Mammoth Lakes and its neighboring towns boast some of the most unique and ethereal landscape in the world.
While change is afoot for this quaint little mountain town, we’re hoping - perhaps unrealistically – with all the construction and development, the charm and beauty of Mammoth Lakes will be preserved, and the things we find so special will not be lost in the name of "progress."
For now, we’re living in the moment. Crimson chases a tennis ball into the cool, crystal blue waters of Convict Lake, just a short drive south on 395 outside of town. Her web-like paws sound like paddles beneath the surface, as she glides effortlessly to retrieve the ball. She turns around and heads back to shore, tennis ball proudly displayed above sea-level. She climbs onto the rocky shore and shakes fiercely in an attempt to dry her thick coat.
Before Jeff can hurl the ball to the center of the lake for what we dub "the final toss of the day," she’s already off. With a valiant leap, she launches excitedly back into the cool water to retrieve the ball once more.
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