Tips for sleeping in car near mammoth?

[trenchdigger]

Build a Igloo.

I am hoping to find a spot in or just outside of Mammoth where I can do some winter camping and maybe build one of these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinzhee

I could camp in it every time I come back

[sun_boarder]

i did it once. i slept at mammoth main lodge... biggest mistake i've done. apparently nobody checked up so i didn't get a ticket and whatnot.

this was april 26, 2009.

at night... oh man... it was very windy!!!

some of the stuff i've learned (remind you that i only slept in car once)

1. don't be sick. i had a cold and with the cold temps... that bugger in your chest... it gets rock solid.
2. your trunk (i drove an accord) is not well insulated as your cabin. so... my legs were somewhat freezing while my upper body was "ok"
3. i had a 0deg bag. legs cold. blanket over leg not helping. it was humid. opening window JUST a tad bit helped but WINDY!!!!
4. getting up in the morning was good because... it was hell during night.
5. did NOT sleep well. i put a piece of wood board between the cabin in the trunk as the seat kind of creates a bump. so i tried to "flatten" it essentially. i had the air mattress type thing you use for sleeping made by THERMAREST. it wasnt' ideal. sleeping in the bag was unusual than sleeping outside in the wild...
6. i had to pee once!!!! it's doable but so hard at night. so lazy to put shoes on... go figure. peed next to my car... i think i peed on my foot prob too a bit...

i'd do it again... but i'll be better prepared.

also... i am all about budget too. i have another guy who is about budget. we're going up to mammoth this weekend. he seems to be able to find a neat deal if we can get 4 people. so if you're from the OC or socal... let's budget together somehow.

see ya

[sun_boarder]

some pics.

upper body in cabin. lower body in trunk. parked at main lodge parking lot near ticket booth area.

[Mountain Guy]

I have the same kind of car... before I found the hostel, I car camped just like that outside of town off the Mammoth Scenic Loop road. I figured I wouldn't get hassled by the MLPD if I went past the town line. This was in spring so there was minimal snow on the ground...

[Mogulforever]

I heard the hostel is book for the season already?

[Sierra Lady]

Build a Igloo.

I am hoping to find a spot in or just outside of Mammoth where I can do some winter camping and maybe build one of these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinzhee

I could camp in it every time I come back

^ First of all, you have to have snow out there, which there isn't much of yet:

To begin one must locate a relatively flat area where snow is in abundance.

Second, after a big dumping storm, good luck trying to find your abode again!

Third, I hope a snow plow doesn't mistake your abode for a snow pile to remove, with you in it!

Fourth, you do know that the Scenic Loop Road can be closed and gated after a huge storm until the road crews have time to plow it? You could get stuck inside or outside of the gates!

[socalcanuck]

hey sunboarder, im in the san fernando valley, can't get up there this weekend, was thinking of later in the month when more runs would be open

[squid]

socalnut - have you ever car camped in the sierra before ? Way different than big bear or west hollywood.

If not, I'd lean toward a low key approach in a populated area (mtl6 cough).
that way if you get stuck in a dump, you can always walk to perry's and beg for gas money.

funny story here - saved for another time - shout to the loser !

[AngelOfArcane]

Well this thread has certainly been amusing...If your that cute cant you butter up some "cougar" for a backrub at $20 bucks?

[socalcanuck]

the price of these 0 degree sleeping bags doesn't seem very budget oriented! any sales out there guys?

[trenchdigger]

For additional tips check out this thread on TGR: http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/show ... p?t=169864

[AngelOfArcane]

the price of these 0 degree sleeping bags doesn't seem very budget oriented! any sales out there guys?

I see lots of rubbing in your future..

[ridewkdays]

www.campmor.com has good deals. Try the rei outlet page, maybe sierra trading post .com too.

[Mogulforever]

So you want to winter camp at Mammoth Mt. so hear is some of the equipment you will first you will need a good tent like The North Face Mountain 25 Tent. Do you camp in high altitude in the dead of winter, in howling winds? If you do, this is your tent. It has 4 poles (Geodesic design), 2 doors, 2 vestibules (1 hooped), vents in the roof & ripstop polyester fly. These features make this a safe comfortable shelter for 2 people. It's low narrow shape & 16 external guypoints make the Mountain 25 virtually impervious to wind, rain & snow. Then you will need Thermarest DreamTime Large Self Inflating which is a great Mattress Crafted for maximum comfort. The warmest, most comfortable mattresses ever. Ideal for winter camping. These mattresses boast such luxurious features as stretch knit fabrics, extra-thick foam and cushy pillow tops for unmatched softness and warmth. Last you will need a warm sleeping bag like the North Face Inferno -40 Degree 800+ Fill Down Mummy Sleeping Bag Long which is suited for use at the edge of human tolerance, this thermal expedition bag is amply filled with 800+ fill goose down, making it the warmest bag available from The North Face®. For expeditions where the choice of gear may be the difference between summit success or air lift rescue, this premier bag features an ergonomic footbox, waterproof, breathable shell fabric, and a trapezoidal box baffle construction that eliminates any cold spots. and a good foot print. Last all you need is a spot very close to Main Lodge like in the woods in between lift 2 and lift 6 or lift 21 and lift 20 along the uptown and downtown trails.

[Mountain Guy]

the price of these 0 degree sleeping bags doesn't seem very budget oriented! any sales out there guys?

Head into Walmart, they have a +5F rated sleep bag for $20. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product. ... id=2581360

If you do that, bring extra blankets and comforters to layer over your sleeping bag...