XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Recreating in the Eastern Sierra is an experience of unparalleled scenery, serenity, fitness and fun for beginners to experts, thanks to the varied terrain and unrivaled backdrop of the Sierra Nevada landscape. There are over 30 miles of groomed, non-motorized winter trails in and around Mammoth Lakes, providing opportunities to explore the Inyo National Forest on skis, snowshoes, and winter fat bikes. There is a wide variety of terrain for every ability level.

The Mammoth Lakes Blue Diamond Nordic Routes offer 7 miles of un-groomed opportunities marked with blue diamonds attached to trees along the way. These ski and snowshoe routes were established by the US Forest Service in the early 1980s and have been maintained by the Range of Light Group, Sierra Club, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

You can also check the Eastern Sierra Winter Recreation Map to start planning your trip. Orange trails are groomed and open to all users, including snowmobiles. Ski and snowshoe users should use caution and listen for motorized traffic.

Other helpful information:

Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and Ranger Station: (760) 924-5500.
Town of Mammoth Lakes Parks and Recreation Department: (760) 934-8989 X222
Backcountry Avalanch Report
- Call (760) 924-7055 for recorded messages of avalanche control closures at June Mountain.
Mammoth Lake Trails Conditions

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Areas

Mammoth Ranger District
Mammoth Lakes Ranger District is located in the northern half of Inyo National Forest, and is centered around the town of Mammoth Lakes, CA. While known for winter sports, it is also a mecca for mountain biking and fishing enthusiasts when the snow melts. Hiking and equestrian trails go into wilderness areas of Sierra Nevada.

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Long Valley Caldera
During a gigantic eruption about 760,000 years ago, an area bordered by what is now Mammoth Mountain, the Glass Mountains and Crowley Lake (approximately 12 miles wide by 18 miles long), collapsed to form the Long Valley Caldera. The eruption produced the Bishop Tuff, a pinkish-red rock that can be seen along US 395 on the Sherwin Grade. Three hundred and fifty square miles were buried beneath 500 feet of Bishop Tuff. Ash from the eruption has been found as far east as Nebraska. Later, other volcanoes erupted along the rim of this gigantic Caldera, one of which was Mammoth Mountain, which grew on the rim of the Caldera over 50,000 years ago.

Volcanic eruptions have continued within the Caldera and north along the Inyo-Mono volcanic chain. Eruptions at Obsidian Dome, South Deadman Dome and Panum Crater all occurred as recently as 500 to 800 years ago. The bottom of the Mono Lake was pushed up above the lake surface by an injection of magma to form Paoha (the white) Island approximately 300 years ago.
Earthquake Fault
Hot Creek Geologic Site
Inyo Craters
Inyo Craters Trailhead
Mammoth Lakes Area
Mammoth Lakes Area is a year-round destination for recreation. From day hiking to alpine lakes and volcanic features in the summer, to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter, there is something for everyone!

Expand the accordians below to see specific trails and locations for each recreation activity you're interested in.
Sawmill Cutoff Road
Shady Rest Park Trails
Sherwin Creek Snow Trail
Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center
Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center
June Lake Loop
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June Mountain Ski Area
Obsidian Dome Ski Trail
White Mountain Ranger District
White Mountain Ranger District extends from the crest of the Sierra Nevada to the White Mountains. There are lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks for fishing. Roads and trails explore a wide variety of terrain and life zones. Elevations accessible by car range from 3,900 ft in Big Pine to 10,100 ft at the end of Rock Creek Road.

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Sno-Park - Rock Creek
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is an enjoyable way to spend a day learning about the oldest trees in the world. Living trees exceed 4000 years of age with weathered, twisted, and beautifully colored wood. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Natural History. Bristlecone pines and limber pines dot this high elevation landscape with great views of the Great Basin in Nevada.

At Schulman Grove, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is open in summer, with interpretive programs, gifts, and information about the trees. Bristlecone trees can be viewed from the parking area and boardwalks around the visitor center. Further exploration of the forest may be done via three self-guided trails.

Beyond Schulman Grove lies the Patriarch Grove, 13 miles north on a good dirt road. Patriarch Grove is home to the world's largest Bristlecone Pine, the Patriarch Tree. Its splendid remoteness and moonscape appearance gives the Patriarch Grove a surreal atmosphere. There are 2 short trails at the Patriarch Grove, with a picnic area and restroom.

A visit to both Schulman Grove and Patriarch Grove is possible in the same day if you get an early start. This is a high elevation, remote area with limited cell phone coverage. You need to be prepared to be self-sufficient, and remember that the nearest food, water or fuel is in Big Pine, CA.

Camping is not allowed in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, however there is one campground on the way up: Grandview Campground.

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Areas

Alerts & Warnings

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities