Most people spend Memorial Day weekend fighting for parking at Costco.

Not us. 😄

We point the car north on Highway 395. We grab gas station coffee somewhere near Mojave. We watch the Sierra slowly rise out of the desert like a giant snowy wall.

And then…

The whole mood changes.

Snow still hangs high above Mammoth Lakes. Sagebrush blows across the valley floor. Cowboy hats suddenly appear at every gas station stop.

Because Memorial Day weekend belongs to Bishop Mule Days Celebration in Bishop. 🐴🔥

And honestly?

This may be one of the best late-season mountain weekends in California.

🐴 Why Skiers Secretly Love Mule Days

I know what you are thinking.

“Sasha… what do mules have to do with skiing?”

Actually?

A lot.

Because California ski culture has never been just about skiing.

It is about road trips.
Mountain towns.
Sunburns.
Spring snow.
395 playlists.
And random Sierra traditions that somehow become your favorite memories.

That is exactly what Mule Days feels like.

One minute you are skiing soft spring snow at Mammoth Mountain.

The next?

You are standing in downtown Bishop eating tri-tip while giant mule teams roll past historic wagons. 😂

It makes no sense.

And somehow it makes perfect sense.

🎉 What Is Mule Days?

Mule Days is one of the biggest and longest-running mule festivals in the country.

Yep. Really.

The event celebrates the history, skill, and partnership between people and mules across the American West.

And before you laugh…

These animals are incredible.

The week includes:

• Mule shows

• Packing competitions

• Team driving events

• Western performances

• Live entertainment

• The famous downtown parade 🐴

The whole town leans into the western mountain vibe all weekend long.

And honestly?

That energy fits the Eastern Sierra perfectly.

🎿 Yes… You Can Still Ski Mammoth

This is the magic combo most SoCal people forget about.

You can ski Mammoth AND hit Mule Days on the same trip.

Late May skiing at Mammoth can actually be ridiculously fun.

Especially in spring.

Here is the trick:

• Go early

• Ski before the snow gets too soft

• Wear sunscreen like your life depends on it 😅

• Embrace the slush

Spring skiing is playful skiing.

No storm stress.
No chain drama.
No white-knuckle canyon driving.

Just sunny laps and good vibes.

Honestly, some of my favorite Mammoth memories happen in May.

🚗 My Ideal Memorial Day Weekend Plan

If I were planning the perfect weekend, here is exactly how I would do it.

Friday

• Leave Southern California after work

• Drive north on 395

• Stop for snacks in Lone Pine

• Sleep in Mammoth or Bishop

Pro tip:

Leaving LA too late on Friday can turn your road trip into a spiritual test. 😄

Saturday

• Ski Mammoth early

• Take a long lunch on the mountain

• Cruise south to Bishop

• Explore Mule Days events at night

This is the sweet spot.

You get snow AND Sierra culture in one day.

Sunday

• Hit the Mule Days parade

• Walk downtown Bishop

• Grab fresh bread from Schat’s Bakery 🥖

• Relax and soak in the Eastern Sierra vibe

This is usually the day where everyone slows down and starts smiling more.

Mountain towns do that to people.

Monday

• Sneak in one more ski session

• Reload on beef jerky for the drive home

• Promise yourself you will move to the mountains someday 😂

We all do it.

🥐 Mandatory Food Stops

You cannot survive this trip on protein bars alone.

My must-hit stops:

• Erick Schat’s Bakery

• Mahogany Smoked Meats

• Looney Bean in Mammoth

• Local BBQ vendors during Mule Days

And yes…

Calories at altitude absolutely do not count.

That is mountain science.

❤️ The Real Reason I Love This Weekend

Memorial Day is bigger than skiing.

And bigger than festivals.

It is about slowing down long enough to appreciate what matters.

Fresh air.
Open roads.
Family traditions.
Mountain sunsets.
And the freedom to chase adventure with the people you love.

I still remember standing in Bishop years ago eating kettle corn while the Sierra turned pink at sunset.

That moment had nothing to do with skiing.

But somehow it became one of my favorite mountain memories ever.

That is the magic of the Eastern Sierra.

It sneaks up on you.

🏔️ Final Mountain Takeaway

You do not need perfect powder to have a perfect mountain weekend.

Sometimes all you need is:

• Spring snow

• A road trip on 395

• Cowboy hats

• Sierra sunsets

• And a little mountain-town weirdness 🐴✨

That is the real California ski lifestyle.

Not polished.

Not fancy.

Just real.

And honestly?

That is why I love it.

Find your flow. Find your people. The mountains will handle the rest. 🏔️

📌 Quick Weekend Notes

• Expect traffic on Highway 395

• Book lodging early if possible

• Pack layers for changing temps

• Spring sun at altitude is intense ☀️

• Hydrate more than you think you need

📣 Have you ever done Mule Days before? Reply and tell me your best Eastern Sierra story.

⭐ Save this newsletter for your Memorial Day planning.

📤 Or share it with that friend who is always “thinking about doing Mammoth someday.”

— Sasha 💙

P.S. We're building a crew of adventure-lovers like you—because more readers means more perks, like exclusive discounts and insider gear deals. Know someone who loves wildflowers, spring skiing, or just fresh air? 🌞 Send them this newsletter and invite them to subscribe at 👉- https://skisocalinsider.com/