SHARP Environmental Review: Phase III
Project Description: The Mammoth Ranger District of the Inyo National Forest, in partnership with the Town of Mammoth Lakes, proposes to implement trail improvements in the Sherwins area to provide diverse trail-based recreational opportunities near the Town of Mammoth Lakes while protecting natural and cultural resources. The proposed improvements include repair or closure of user-created trails and the construction of new non-motorized trails. Click here for detailed information on the comprehensive Sherwins Area Recreation Plan (SHARP) and insights into the Sherwins Working Group, the collective effort behind SHARP.
In June 2018, various trail alignments first described in SHARP underwent field verification and further development as SHARP Phase III. These alignments are cataloged in the archive at the bottom of this page.
Project Update: In December 2021, the majority of the SHARP Phase II & III trail alignments progressed to environmental analysis through grants awarded to Mammoth Lakes Recreation. The associated trail alignments are illustrated in the map linked below. Some include slight realignments from those proposed in SHARP Phase II in 2017 and Phase III in 2018. Mammoth Lakes Recreation secured two grants from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy totaling $1,460,000 to support this multi-faceted project. A planning grant of $510,000 for the Sherwins Area Trails and Trailhead Expansion will fund the environmental analysis on approximately 20 miles of new trails and an expanded trailhead area. The second award, a $950,00 implementation grant for the Sherwins Trailhead, will create a paved parking area and several new amenities, including a double vault toilet. An Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and a Mitigated Negative Declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are being prepared for this project.
SHERWINS AREA TRAILS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS - 2023
This map shows the trail alignments currently under environmental analysis through NEPA and CEQA.
INYO NF SHERWINS AREA TRAILS PROPOSED ACTION - 2021
This document is the current proposed action to the Inyo National Forest for trail implementation, reconstruction, and decommissioning in the Sherwins Area.
SHARP PHASE III TRAIL ALIGNMENT ARCHIVE
The following trail alignments were developed in 2018 under SHARP Phase III. Most of them have advanced to ongoing review under NEPA and CEQA, as shown in the map and proposed action linked above.
ARCHIVE SHARP Phase III Overview Map - 2018
Sherwins Area Recreation Plan (SHARP) PHASE III Overview of Proposed Trail Projects: These trail alignments are recommendations from SHARP that are currently under further field development in preperation for environmental analysis. This file is the "Trail Alignment Study DRAFT Map 06/28/2018"
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 9b (North) - 2018
Non-motorized stacked-loop trail system located in the eastern portion of the study area. Develop a stacked-loop trail system based on existing trails in the area that will address the needs of visitors who go on equestrian day rides, and those who use the trails for hiking, running, biking, and dog walking.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 9b (South) - 2018
Non-motorized stacked-loop trail system located in the eastern portion of the study area. Develop a stacked-loop trail system based on existing trails in the area that will address the needs of visitors who go on equestrian day rides, and those who use the trails for hiking, running, biking, and dog walking.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 10 - 2018
Soft-surface non-motorized connector from the borrow pit staging area across Mammoth Creek to Shady Rest Park. The trail would run adjacent to Sherwin Creek Road to Sherwin Creek Campground, then head east to the footbridge and northwest toward the existing MUP system leading to Shady Rest Park.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 11 - 2018
Soft-surface non-motorized trails along Mammoth Creek. Consolidate the multiple use-trails along Mammoth Creek into two parallel system trails: the north-bank trail will be open to all non-motorized use, while the south-bank trail will be designated as non-mechanized (no bicycles).
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 13b - 2018
Soft-surface non-motorized connector from the south side of the borrow pit staging area to Mammoth Rock Trail. Design concerns may necessitate rehabilitation of the two existing use-trails into one system trail that connects to the existing road on the south side of the borrow pit.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 13c - 2018
Soft-surface non-motorized connector from the south side of the borrow pit staging area to Mammoth Rock Trail. Design concerns may necessitate rehabilitation of the two existing use-trails into one system trail that connects to the existing road on the south side of the borrow pit.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 13d - 2018
Soft-surface non-motorized connector from the south side of the borrow pit staging area to Mammoth Rock Trail. Design concerns may necessitate rehabilitation of the two existing use-trails into one system trail that connects to the existing road on the south side of the borrow pit.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 16 - 2018
Soft-surface non-motorized connector from the Mill City staging area to the western end of the meadow and Mammoth Rock Trail, with additional connectivity to La Verne Street. This spur should be aligned with existing use-trails/roads and will include an ADA accessible constructed overlook.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 19a Panorama - 2018
While no specific trail or facility recommendations are offered, further study of the Solitude Canyon and Panorama Dome areas should be undertaken to analyze opportunities for future trail access, connectivity, and development.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 19b Panorama - 2018
While no specific trail or facility recommendations are offered, further study of the Solitude Canyon and Panorama Dome areas should be undertaken to analyze opportunities for future trail access, connectivity, and development.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 19c Panorama - 2018
While no specific trail or facility recommendations are offered, further study of the Solitude Canyon and Panorama Dome areas should be undertaken to analyze opportunities for future trail access, connectivity, and development.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 19d Panorama - 2018
While no specific trail or facility recommendations are offered, further study of the Solitude Canyon and Panorama Dome areas should be undertaken to analyze opportunities for future trail access, connectivity, and development.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 19e Solitude - 2018
While no specific trail or facility recommendations are offered, further study of the Solitude Canyon and Panorama Dome areas should be undertaken to analyze opportunities for future trail access, connectivity, and development.
Trail Alignment Study for SHARP ID # 19f Solitude - 2018
While no specific trail or facility recommendations are offered, further study of the Solitude Canyon and Panorama Dome areas should be undertaken to analyze opportunities for future trail access, connectivity, and development.
Last updated January 16, 2024
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