One of the best parts of staying in Mammoth Lakes? You don’t need a car to see some of the region’s most iconic sights. Thanks to two excellent transit systems—Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) and the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)—you can hop on a bus and explore everything from high alpine lakes to the heart of Yosemite National Park. Conveniently, both bus services stop directly across the street from Alpenhof Lodge.
Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA)
ESTA operates a variety of year-round and seasonal routes, making it easy to get around town and far beyond. Locally, you can catch an ESTA bus to:
- The Village at Mammoth
- Mammoth Lakes Basin
- The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center
- Old Mammoth Road dining and shopping
- All three Mammoth Mountain lodges
In the summer, ESTA operates the Reds Meadow Shuttle, a must for visitors heading to Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and other popular hiking trailheads. The road is closed to personal vehicles during peak season (mid-June to early September), so the shuttle (departing from the Mammoth Adventure Center) is the only way in. It’s easy, affordable, and spares you the parking headaches.
ESTA also offers town-to-town service along Highways 395 and 6, plus an interregional route (called CREST) that travels from Reno, Nevada, all the way to Lancaster, California, connecting you to the greater Los Angeles area.
Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)
Looking to explore Yosemite National Park without the drive or park pass/ reservation? YARTS makes it simple. In summer, YARTS offers direct service from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley, traveling through the stunning Eastern Sierra and across Tioga Pass. Stops include:
- June Lake
- Lee Vining
- Tuolumne Meadows
- White Wolf
- Crane Flat
- Yosemite Village
From Yosemite Village, free in-park shuttles connect you to trailheads, lodges, and scenic points throughout the valley. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about driving or parking. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Both YARTS and ESTA buses are equipped with storage, ADA-accessible features, and friendly drivers who know the area well.
Planning Tips:
- Reds Meadow Shuttle: Mandatory for Devils Postpile access during summer season
- YARTS Yosemite Service: Operates seasonally, typically July through September
- ESTA Local Routes: Perfect for shopping, dining, and hitting the slopes or trails
- Tickets & Schedules: Visit www.estransit.com and www.yarts.com for current info
Ready to ride? Once you arrive at the Alpenhof Lodge, let the bus do the driving, and spend your energy where it counts: on the trail, at the lake, or beneath a waterfall.