Trails report
As the dust settles from this year’s Mammoth Motocross event, patrons of the Mammoth Lakes Trail System (MLTS) are urged to visit the oft-overlooked Valentine and Sherwin Lakes trailheads located off the once bustling thoroughfare of Sherwin Creek Road (a well maintained un-paved road passable by any Prius). MLTS Stewards this week removed two fallen logs on trail, maintained water bars and switchbacks and removed hazards for the length of trail leading to Valentine Lake (named for the founders of Valentine Camp on Old Mammoth Road).
Western Junipers found on the Valentine/Sherwin Lakes Trailhead are among the largest specimens to be found anywhere throughout the MLTS and Eastern Sierra. Photo courtesy: Thomas Sandor.
What sets this trail apart from others is its dry, north-facing aspect, which hosts nine of the ten large tree species found commonly throughout the MLTS. This arboreal diversity well illustrates the geologic conditions that set the Eastern Sierra apart from other destinations. Specimens found on trail include; Lodgepole, Jeffery, Western White and Whitebark Pine, White Fir, Quaking Aspen, Mountain Hemlock, and some of the most beautiful, large growth Western Juniper to be found anywhere in the MLTS. Due to the sheltered conditions of the Sherwin range, these shaggy-barked behemoths attain exceptional stature, offering much needed shade to wildflower and hiker alike. For those interested in learning more about our local tree species, Friends of the Inyo steward Chris Niebuhr will be leading weekly Dendrology nature walks at various locations throughout the MLTS – for more information, visit the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center, or online at friendsoftheinyo.org
In addition to the work completed off of Sherwin Creek Road, Friends of the Inyo stewardship crews and volunteers also removed a total of 100+ pounds of litter and debris from the shoreline of Lakes Mary and George and—building on the momentum of June Lakes Trail Day on June 21st, spent this week maintaining trails in the June Lake Loop. Highlights include removing a nearly five foot diameter, 400-year old Lodgepole from the Yost Meadows Trail, removing a precarious log and Aspen-Lodgepole jumble from the Yost Lake Trail, and removing two felled logs from the Rush Creek trail near Gem Lakes. A special thanks to Mono County for providing the funding to help keep trails open and inviting in the June Lake Loop, and to the town of Mammoth Lakes, the USFS, and our exceptional volunteers for their constant support in maintaining our mammoth backyard.
Don’t miss the next Summer of Stewardship Day, July 5th— Meeting at 8:30 at Mammoth Rock Trailhead on Sherwin Creek Road MLTS stewards and volunteers will be maintaining the Mammoth Rock hike/biking trail. Come join us for a complimentary breakfast and lunch, and be sure to look for MLTPA/ Friends of the Inyo event signs to register. Hope to see you there!
