Hiker hub for the Eastern Sierra
Carl and Maggy Hillenbrand owners of the hostel on Davison Street in Mammoth Lakes, also known as the Davison House, have been welcoming people for 20 years. The house was originally purchased from the USC ski team in a deal that took more than two years to complete.
The hostel is located on a beautiful corner spot at the bottom of Davison. Incredible views of the Sherwin mountain range and the Mammoth Crest, plus a nearby bus stop make it a convenient and scenic place to rest your head. Prices range from $40 a night during the week to $55 on the weekends. They also rent out the compound for private parties. Online booking will be availible in the near future.
Any hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail or the John Muir Trail who stops in at the hostel for a rest receives the “Thru-Hiker Special” of $25 a night.
The hostel sleeps 26, with a women’s dorm, men’s dorm, and three private rooms. There is a full kitchen, and when I say full I mean it. Every spice, cooking utensil and the best stove in the business are available to guests. With a large luxurious commen room, heated by a wood stove, it’s about as comfortable and cozy as it gets.
BBQ parties on Friday afternoons with horseshoes — what more could you ask for? It reminded me of a bed and breakfast where you make your own breakfast.
Manager Andy Thies has been a Mammoth resident since 1999. Thies has two children, one already out of high school, and said, “Mammoth was a great place to raise kids, plus you can’t beat the recration up here in the mountains.” Thies also works as a bartender at Gomez’s in the Village and the Mogul Restaurant.
Assistant manager Eric made it to Mammoth on his own two feet, literally, hiking the PCT seven times, including one year where he hiked it twiced, which is known as a “yoyo.”
Cooper is the 12-year-old resident hostel dog and descendant of the famous Jack Russell Terrier, Wishbone. This dog is still full of spunk looking for a little attention and a nibble of whatever your munching on.
Open year-round you can visit the hostel at 19 Davison, or call Thies for a reservation at 310.625.8166.
