SHOULDER SEASON? It’s a colorful catch-all loved by travelers, tourism boards, and anyone looking for a visit-ready place that isn’t at its busy-busy peak. There are more than a few places around California that shine in the shoulder department, offering visitors savings, unusual offerings, or a chance to breathe before the expected bustle returns. But there is one place that really feels like it lives between worlds, or at least distinct seasons, in a way that is quite captivating, and you can almost — almost — time these captivating moments by your calendar. It’s the Mammoth Lakes area, a destination that enjoys a spectacular shoulder-style moment right around April, when a winter and spring have a majestic meet-up, and September or early October, when fall leaves in the foreground and snowcapped peaks in the background create a landscape that is nearly mythical in appearance. And if you’re a winter-spring fan? Sweet sights are now happening in Mono County.
Kim Espinosa/Mammoth Lakes TourismKim Espinosa/Mammoth Lakes Tourism
MONO LAKES TOURISM… shared some snapshots of the recent snowstorm in the area on April 13, with some sweet guest stars in the photos: Brilliant pink wildflowers that may be fireweed, one of the springtime stars of the region. It’s a reminder that seasons have a way of weaving together in the mountainous area, and warm afternoons can turn into drizzly or even frosty mornings. If you’re still seeking snow and the chance to ski or ride, Mammoth Mountain is open through Memorial Day. If you’re eager to connect with the colorful wildflowers of Mono County, they’re on the way and Mammoth Lakes Tourism has suggestions about where to find your floral fantasy in the weeks to come.