Updated April 18, 2025

As we shift from winter to spring in Mono County, it’s not always clear what roads, activities, and attractions are open or not. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains and as such, we will update this blog periodically this spring to help you best navigate your visit, so please check back often.

Winter 2024-2025 was very close to normal (96% as of 4/1!) for snow water content. For the third straight year, the State has received near-average or above-average amounts of snow. Read more: "For the first time in 25 years, California has a snowpack trifecta"

This is wonderful news for the spring, summer, and fall ahead! The more water, the better for fishing, wildflowers, waterfalls, and fall colors. Even though we had a healthy winter, we thankfully do not expect any major impacts from snow this spring. We believe most, if not all, lakes will be ice-free in the next few weeks, we are optimistic that many roads will reopen from winter closures late May/early June, and we know many lower elevation hiking trails will be ready to hit very soon. 

Please scroll through for important information regarding visiting June Lake beach, Reds Meadow, Devils Postpile, and Yosemite National Park this summer as well as current conditions for roads and lakes. For questions and updates on activities not included here, or anything else, please call us at (800) 845-7922 (Monday through Friday 8am-5pm) or email tourism@mono.ca.gov. Finally, be sure to follow Mono County Tourism on Facebook and Instagram for the pictures of current conditions and road reopening announcements.

Important Updates for Summer 2025

New Fishing Regulations for Parker Lake

This year, anglers are urged to prioritize staying informed about the most current regulations. Changes have been implemented, notably at Parker Lake:

  • Parker Lake New Regulations:
    • Reduced bag limit: 2 fish.
    • Minimum size: 14 inches.
    • Artificial lures only (no bait).

These changes have been implemented to protect the Heritage Wild Trout population, as recent surveys indicate a decline in both Brook and Brown Trout numbers due to increased angling pressure.

Crucial Reminder: Do not rely on printed materials. Regulations can change. Please verify all regulations by visiting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website: wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations or by calling the Bishop CDFW office at 760-872-1171.
 

View of Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project and the MinaretsReds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project

Reds Meadow Road is being reconstructed to greatly improve public access and traffic safety for all who visit the area, reduce likelihood of vehicular accidents, and improve emergency response times. The U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service (Devils Postpile National Monument) appreciates your patience and understanding as the contractor works to reconstruct the road and stabilize the hillside.

Contractors are aiming to complete the project by 2026, with periodic full closures until the end of 2025, if not delayed by
unforseen events.

Road opening and closing dates are subject to change based on weather conditions. For the most up to date information, please visit the Inyo National Forest Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project page, contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center at (760) 923-5000. You may also reach out with questions via direct message on the Inyo National Forest Facebook page: www.facebook.com/inyonf

For more information on the project, accessing Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile National Monument, campgrounds, wilderness permits, Reds Meadow Resort and Pack Station, and the ESTA shuttle schedule, please visit the Inyo National Forest Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project page.
 

Yosemite National Park Reservation System TBD

Yosemite National Park anticipates sharing details about this year's reservation system in the near future. As of Friday, April 4, 2025, there has been no announcement yet. Before you visit Yosemite this year, please check for updated information on Yosemite National Park’s Peak Hour Reservation System by visiting https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm.

If the Yosemite National Park does require reservations, please visit recreation.gov to book a reservation. 


New Fees for June Lake Beach Day-Use

Last summer (2024), the Inyo National Forest implemented a new day use fee for June Lake beach-goers. The $10 per vehicle daily pass and $50 seasonal pass will be available for purchase at the June Lake Kiosk. Learn more by visiting https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20560

Road Conditions

These are general road conditions; mostly an update for roads that close seasonally with snow. Please always check weather and road conditions before travel to Mono County as things can change quickly.

Caltrans Road Information - check state highway road conditions using the numbers below. 

This section will be updated soon - stay tuned!

Lakes 

Wonder what Mono County lakes will be thawed and open for the regular fishing season, which opens on Saturday, April 26, 2025? Read on!

Updated 4/4/25

Rock Creek Lake 

  • TBD

Crowley Lake

  • Ice-free
  • For more information, please visit Crowley Lake Fish Camp’s website.

Convict Lake

  • Ice-free

Hot Creek

Mammoth Lakes Basin: Lake Mamie, Lake Mary, Lake George, Twin Lakes 

  • Assuming lakes are frozen. Lake Mary Road is closed at this time. 

June Lake Loop: June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, Grant Lake

  • All four lakes are ice-free
  • Please note: Parker Lake has new regulations. Open to year-round angling, two fish bag limit, 14-inch minimum size limit, and an artificial lures only gear restriction. 

Ellery Lake, Tioga Lake, Saddlebag Lake 

  • SR 120 W is currently closed, so TBD for these lakes. Due to the elevation, we assume they are still frozen. 

Lundy Lake

Upper & Lower Virginia Lakes

  • TBD

Upper & Lower Twin Lakes – Bridgeport

  • Both lakes are ice-free

Bridgeport Reservoir

  • Ice-free

Campgrounds

As of April 3rd, these are the tentative opening dates for some Mono County campgrounds:

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Campgrounds:

  • Crags 4/24
  • Matterhorn 5/16
  • Lower Twin 4/24
  • Paha 5/16
  • Robinson North 4/24
  • Robinson South 5/16
  • Upper Honeymoon 5/16
  • Lower Honeymoon 4/24
  • Obsidian 5/23
  • Sonora Bridge 4/24
  • Leavitt Meadows 5/16
  • Bootleg 5/16
  • Chris Flat 4/24
  • Green Creek 5/16
  • Trumbull 6/13
  • Buckeye 5/16
  • Virginia Creek Dispersed 6/20

Inyo National Forest Campgrounds - information should be updated here soon.