LA - Camping: Mammoth Lakes/ Owens Valley

Mammoth Lakes/ Owens Valley Tent Camping Adventure

Theme:  Pride in the High Sierra!

Start:  Friday June 12, 2026, 2 PM

End:  Monday, June 15, 2026, 12:00 PM

Location:  Sherwin Creek Campground, Mammoth Lakes, INYO NATIONAL FOREST, CA

Join us for a four-day tent camping adventure exploring the spectacular landscapes of California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada. From our base camp near Mammoth Lakes, we’ll visit alpine lakes, volcanic craters, geothermal springs, historic mining towns, and some of the oldest trees on Earth.

This trip combines scenic drives, natural history exploration, easy hikes, and relaxed social time around camp.

In celebration of Pride Month, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ community while enjoying connection, friendship, and the beauty of the Eastern Sierra together.

Base Camp:

We will tent camp at Sherwin Creek Campground (elevation 7,600 ft), located in a Jeffrey pine forest just south of Mammoth Lakes.

Amenities:

• Potable water
• Vault toilets
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings
• Bear-proof food lockers (required)

Trip Highlights:

• Volcanic Landscapes: Hot Creek Geological Site and Panum Crater
• Tufa Towers: Mono Lake
• Gold Rush History: Bodie State Historic Park
• Sierra Scenery: Convict Lake and the Mammoth Lakes Basin
• Ancient Trees: Optional visit to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
• Saturday Night Potluck: Group potluck dinner at camp

Pace & Difficulty:

This trip is designed to be flexible and relaxed. Most walks are 1–3 miles or less, and participants are welcome to explore at their own pace or relax at camp.

Schedule:

Friday, June 12 – Travel & Arrival

• 0900 AM: Recommended Departure time from LA area
• 12:00 PM: Meet at Red Rock Canyon State park (parking lot on right side of highway 14) for picnic and geology explanation
• 2:00 PM: Meet at Fossil Falls parking lot (right on Cinder Road off Rt. 395) for a guided 1500 foot hike to the dry waterfall of the ancient Owens River
• 5:00 PM: Estimated arrival at Sherwin Creek Campground
• 6:00 PM: Informal meet-and-greet (bring snacks/beverages to share)
• 7:00 PM Dinner at camp (bring/cook your own)
• 8:00 PM: Campfire

Saturday, June 13 – Mammoth Area Natural History

• 9:00 AM: Depart camp for:
• • Horseshoe Lake
  • Hot Creek Geological Site
  • Convict Lake
  • Minaret Vista
  • Optional: Devils Postpile National Monument
• 6:00 PM: Group potluck dinner at camp
• Evening: Campfire

Sunday, June 14 – Mono Basin & High Desert

• 9:00 AM: Day trip to:
• • Mono Lake
  • Panum Crater
  • Bodie State Historic Park
  • June Lake Loop
• Evening: Return to camp, dinner on your own, and campfire

Monday, June 15 – Bristlecone Pines & Return

• Morning: Break camp (must be out by 12:00 noon)
• Optional stops at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
• Lunch stop in Bishop (location TBD)

Wildlife & Safety:

This is an active black bear habitat. All food, coolers, and scented items must be stored in bear-proof lockers—never in tents or vehicles.

What to Bring:

• The 10 Essentials
• Camp chair and sun protection
• Insect repellent
• Personal food, cooking gear, and reusable plates/utensils/cups
• Layers (night temperatures can drop into the 40s°F)
• Locally purchased Firewood bundle (available at camp)

Special Feature

Our excursions will include the expert leadership of Joe Holliday, former Professor of Geology and Earth Science and an international naturalist guide for National Geographic Expeditions and other organizations.

Carpool Requirement & Coordination (Important):

Due to limited parking at Sherwin Creek Campground, carpooling is required.

• Participants are responsible for arranging their own carpools
• Trip leaders cannot organize or assign carpools
• Participants without a carpool may not be allowed to attend

Drivers who are looking for another passenger, as well as potential passengers who wish to carpool are urged to communicate using the Group Carpool link below.  Event registration is not required before posting on the carpool link.  In addition, posting on the link does not mandate anyone to carpool with any one individual.  Drivers are responsible for choosing who they give a ride to. 

https://groupcarpool.com/t/er9dqg

Registration Options:

• Driver – $60 (Limited to 10); must carry at least one passenger)
• Passenger – $60 (up to 18 spots)  You may use the carpool link above to seek a ride. Join waitlist if none ride available at this time.
• Day Tripper – $10 (no overnight parking or camping)  Select this option if you will not be registering via GO but wish to join in club activities. 
• Designated Trip Leaders (2); must carry at least one passenger

Tent camping only.  No RVs, trailers, campers, motorhomes, etc. will be allowed as part of this event.  Anyone who wishes to bring theirs is welcome to make their own reservations directly with the campground.

Cancellations will be authorized up to 21 days prior to start day of event IF a replacement can be found; a $20 cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellation.

Contact John Blasco at johnlongbeachmsn.com if you need to cancel.