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Snowmobiling
We maintain approximately 100 miles of groomed trails, leading to approximately 150,000 cres of un-groomed snowmobile play areas in the Mammoth, June, and Mono Lake areas. Trails specifically designated for snowmobiling are marked with orange diamonds and groomed by Inyo National Forest and commercial guide service providers.
Staging areas and access for snowmobiles on Inyo National Forest are included on the Eastern Sierra Winter Recreation Map (PDF) or navigate this map without cell service for free on the Avenza App:
Get the app: Apple Store or Google Play
General Snowmobiling Rules:
- Closed areas in the map are indicated in the light orange color, including:
- Devils Postpile National Monument, Wilderness, and Research Natural Areas
- Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain Ski Areas
- All Blue diamond non-motorized trail, including Obsidian Dome
- Deadman Summit and Shady Rest Winter Trails
- Mammoth Lakes Basin, from winter until April 17. After that date, it is open to all users.
- Active timber sales and logging roads.
- No riding within designated Wilderness boundaries! Riding in Wilderness is a Federal offense carrying fines up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail, in addition to possible seizure of the snowmobiles (36 CFR Subpart A, § 261.18 and 261.14)
- Yield to skiers, snowshoers or other recreationists who may also be using the same area.
- You are allowed to ride off-trail provided there is enough snow.
The Winter Grooming Snowmobile Trail System is groomed by the U.S. Forest Service with funding provided by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, using monies generated by registration fees and gasoline taxes.
Inyo National Forest Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) Use Designation
The Inyo National Forest is evaluating its management of over snow vehicle (OSV) use to designate system roads, trails and areas where OSV use will be allowed, in compliance with 36 CFR 212, Subpart C. The outcome of this process will yeild a new forest-wide OSV plan, and also visitor maps equivalent to the forest's MVUM maps.
Other resources:
Snowmobiling Areas
Alerts & Warnings
- Phone lines and internet down intermittently at Visitor Centers
- Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective July 1
- Restroom site improvements resume August 26 through mid-October (see list here)
- Rock Creek Lake Boat Launch under construction
- Mechanical fuel reduction treatment in Sherwin Creek area August through October
- Intake 2 Dam in Bishop Creek under maintenance by SCE until October 31