Trail Counters

Project Description: The Mammoth Lakes Trail System (MLTS) has implemented a trail counter program since 2011. The program consists of dozens of trail counters placed at trailheads, in parking lots, and along multi-use pathways throughout the system in the summer and winter. There are two types of trail counters. The first uses a infrared beam to count hikers, bikers, and equestrians as they pass by. The second uses a magnet to count vehicles on their way to trailheads and parks.

The MLTS trail counters are able to show recreation hotspots and seasonal peaks in use. The user counts have been used to plan for growing demand for recreation and advocate for improvements to the MLTS.

Winter Trail Counter Dashboard

As a sample of the MLTS' trail counter data, check out this dashboard, which shows the average daily number of users at six trailheads around town.

Trail Counter Data from Summer 2021

This map shows the number of users at four trailheads in the summer of 2021. Try clicking on each trail counter location (the green circle) to see a breakdown of users each day of the week.

Last updated November 10, 2023