MLTS Signage and Wayfinding - Soft Surface

Project Description: At the beginning of the Mammoth Lakes Trail System Signage and Wayfinding effort, MLTPA convened the community through the “Mammoth Trails Map, Signage & Wayfinding Committee." Over a series of meetings in 2010, local citizens and stakeholders established a variety of aesthetic and nomenclature conventions that “live on” in the signage of the Mammoth Lakes Trail System and are visible on the ground today. A significant component of these efforts includes the development and implementation of an MLTS Soft Surface Signage and Wayfinding System. Soft Surface signage focuses on trail signage situated on unpaved dirt surfaces. Much of the soft surface sign array includes a variety signs designed with USFS material and messaging standards to help assist trail users in navigating their way along trails in the Mammoth Lakes area. There are currently 16 soft surface sign types serving purposes such as identifying trail names, mileage, direction, features, markers, regulatory information, Poo Fairies, Winter Access/Egress, loop blazes, donors and adopters. Other types in the sign array offer seasonal or temporary information. All soft surface trail signage is maintained by the Mammoth Lakes Trail System.

Project Update: As of Spring 2020, the Mammoth Lakes Trail System made a recommendation to conduct a pilot study utilizing USFS standard HDPE recycled plastic material to replace existing weathered and/or damaged soft surface oak trail signage. Currently there are three of these signs deployed in the field located at the Mountain View Trailhead, Mcleod Trailhead, and the Meadow Trail Connector. Recycled plastic HDPE material is the best choice for outdoor signage as it is UV stabilized, and more durable and cost effective than other available materials. Keep an eye out for the three new signs and feel free to provide your thoughts and feedback to info@mltpa.org!

Last updated on January 17, 2021