WINTER RECREATION UPDATES
Winter in the Eastern Sierra turns the region into a dynamic, snow-covered playground offering recreation, wellness, and adventure for every age and ability. Framed by the dramatic Sierra Nevada, this landscape of open meadows, forested corridors, volcanic domes, and high alpine views delivers unparalleled opportunities for snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, backcountry skiing, snow play, and even ice skating. Whether you’re seeking serenity or speed, the region’s varied terrain invites everyone to get outside and explore.
Motorized multi-use trails, marked with orange diamonds, are groomed by the Town of Mammoth Lakes through a partnership with the Inyo National Forest creating reliable access across varied terrain. Snowmobilers can enjoy everything from family-friendly scenic rides to deep-powder challenges in more advanced terrain. Dozens of groomed and snowmobile-packed trails are accessible from the winter staging areas identified on the Eastern Sierra Winter Recreation Map. Orange trails are groomed and open to all users, except wheeled vehicles. Ski and snowshoe users should use caution and listen for motorized traffic.
For non-motorized recreationists, dozens of miles of groomed and ungroomed winter trails provide classic and skate skiing, snowshoeing, and winter fat biking within the Inyo National Forest. Winter fat biking is allowed on groomed motorized OSV trails, and also on designated non-motorized winter trails at Obsidian Dome and Shady Rest Park. Purpose-built fat bikes with tires 3.8 inches wide or greater are required, with recommended tire pressures between 6–10 PSI. Riders are encouraged to wait for firm snow conditions - if you leave a rut deeper than two inches or can’t ride in a straight line, it’s too soft. Conditions can change quickly throughout the day, and icy patches are common, but when conditions are right, fat biking offers a fun addition to your winter recreation delights.
Also, please remember to yield the trail to grooming equipment. Groomers are typically unable to "move over". For your safety it is important that you get yourself, your equipment, and your pet clear of the groomed area to allow the machine to pass through.
For guaranteed ice time indoors, LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes offers public skate sessions, rentals, sharpening, hockey, curling, and lessons. You can even host your next birthday party there!
The Bridgeport Winter trails, which include Buckeye Winter Trail and the Paha Trail, are now open and being groomed regularly. The grooming of this area is provided on a volunteer basis. We know these trails are beloved areas to travel in your vehicle the rest of the year, from January to April they are closed to wheeled vehicles so that we can offer everyone this unique experience in the winter. This includes South Twin Road past the trailhead before the bridge. Additionally, Buckeye Road is closed by Forest Order. Taking vehicles past closure points is illegal and users will be cited for trespassing. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping this area accessible for all.
For a special treat, don’t miss this first-time special event at Twin Lakes. Soak up the new moon & Milky Way overlooking Lower Twin Lake in Bridgeport. Ski, snowshoe or hike about a half mile on the groomed winter trail. Find amazing views, a place to warm up, and create great memories with new and old friends.
To sum it all up, from quiet glides through snowy forests to adrenaline-filled rides across open terrain, winter recreation in the Eastern Sierra offers endless ways to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and make lasting memories - all while respecting shared trails and the remarkable landscape that makes our region a world-class winter destination.
About Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Formed in 2014, Mammoth Lakes Recreation’s mission is to deliver cutting edge sustainable recreation, mobility, and arts & culture opportunities and infrastructure for the benefit of the community and natural environment of Mammoth Lakes. For more information, go to www.mammothlakesrecreation.org.