When the weather gets too warm for the Owens Valley, you can drive north for one hour and 4000 vertical feet to sample the abundant volcanic crags around Mammoth Lakes. Bouldering at Deadmans Summit, sport climbing at Clark Canyon; pocket pulling at it's funnest. The only hassle in May was the biting flies. These microscopic monsters are the worst! Huge welts develop the day after a bite and stay for a week. I made it a habit to scratch them until they bled, and they'd still itch.
Some of the finest steep climbing I've done is at the secret local area in Reds Meadow near Mammoth Lakes. The Bear Crag is columner tuff with huge inverted areas for powerful sport craggin'. A long approach and invisible trail keep out those not in the know, but if you like it burly, this place is for you!
Beauty abounds around Mammoth Lakes, and with a bit of hiking, you can even get a bit of solitude. I spent a day in June with my friend Theresa checking it out, and realized that this place has it all!
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to meet several of the locals who work at SKADI's Restaurant and who also climb, bike, ski, and generally enjoy the area to it's fullest. Paul, Matt and Olivier always make my visits fun by being not only great hosts, but great guides as well. Free camping just outside of town on the scenic loop road makes it even more appealing, since I was able to ride my mountain bike into town for shopping and rest days. There are also some nice spots near the hotsprings where you can camp and soak up the natural wonders.
With all this, I always find it hard to leave...