Top Spots for Snowshoeing in Mammoth Lakes

November 29, 2025

Tips for Safe Snowshoeing

Winter transforms Mammoth Lakes into a quiet, snow-covered playground, and snowshoeing is one of the easiest ways to explore it. Whether you're trying winter recreation for the first time or you’re an experienced hiker looking for scenic backcountry terrain, the Mammoth area offers miles of trails with breathtaking views, peaceful forests, and frozen alpine lakes.

With more than 3 million acres of public land and wilderness surrounding town, you’ll find snowshoe routes for every skill level. Below are some of the most popular trails, organized from beginner to advanced, so you can choose your perfect winter adventure.

Beginner Snowshoeing Trails

Shady Rest Park

Right in the heart of town, Shady Rest Park is a convenient and family-friendly place to try snowshoeing for the first time. The mostly flat multi-use trails wind through peaceful Jeffrey pines with beautiful views of Mammoth Mountain in the distance. The season here is shorter than higher elevations, but when there’s snow on the ground, it’s a great option for those looking to stay close to town.

Trail length: ~1–3 miles, depending on route

Duration: 1–2 hours

Getting there: Ride the free Purple Line shuttle or park at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and walk toward Sawmill Cutoff Road to access the trail.

Panorama Dome

Short, scenic, and rewarding—Panorama Dome offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Mammoth Crest, White Mountains, Sherwin Range, and the town below. The route begins from the Lake Mary Road winter closure parking area and follows a short but steady climb to the summit.

Trail length: ~0.8 miles round trip

Duration: 1–2 hours

Why it’s great for beginners: It’s one of the quickest ways to experience a “big-view” payoff with minimal mileage.

Intermediate Snowshoeing Trails

Twin Lakes to Horseshoe Lake

A trek along the Lakes Basin Winter Public Access Corridor is the main route for travel into the Mammoth Lakes Basin in winter. From the top of Lake Mary Road winter closure parking area, the public access trail runs along the left side of the Tamarack fee-based nordic track all the way to Horseshoe Lake. (Please stay off the right side of the road.) After an uphill climb, you will reach the shore of Lake Mary in the first mile or so. It is a great rest spot or turn around point for a shorter day. From here the views of Crystal Crag and the Mammoth Crest are fantastic. Continue along the route, which is mostly flat from here, past Lake Mamie to Horseshoe Lake. Return the same route.

Trail length: 2.5 miles (5 miles round trip)

Duration: 3-4 hours

Main Lodge to Minaret Vista

From Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge, follow the summer road up to the Minaret Vista. You will start at the Gondola building and head past Discovery Chair—11. The road climbs up a groomed trail shared with snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. The ascent is well worth the trek as the road passes through a dense Lodgepole and Jeffery pine forest that eventually opens up for an expansive view of the Minarets and Ritter range. Return to the trailhead the same way.

Trail length: 2.5 miles (5 miles round trip)

Duration: 3-4 hours

Advanced or Adventurous Routes

Inyo Craters

Inyo Craters is not only a scenic snowshoeing destination but also a great place to learn about the volcanic history of the area. From the Inyo Craters winter parking area on the Mammoth Scenic Loop, follow signs and orange diamonds to the trailhead. The multi-use trail is groomed and also frequented by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. For a view into the craters, take the short trail that climbs up to the rim. Return to the trailhead the same way you came.

Trail length: ~3.1 miles each way (6.2 miles round trip)

Duration: 3–4 hours

Tip: Expect to share the multi-use trail with snowmobiles and cross-country skiers—confident navigation is helpful here.

Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Snowshoeing Experience

Dress in warm, breathable layers and avoid cotton.
Bring water and snacks; high-elevation winter exercise uses more energy.
Watch for early sunsets and consider carrying a headlamp.
Stay off groomed cross-country ski tracks to preserve trail quality.
Stay close to shorelines when exploring around frozen lakes—ice thickness varies.

Plan Your Winter Snowshoeing Trip

Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter activities in Mammoth Lakes—you don’t need lessons or experience, just curiosity and the right gear. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll through snowy pines or a longer alpine adventure, Mammoth offers trails for every style.

Explore more winter activities around Mammoth Lakes and start planning your snowy getaway.

Author

Monica Prelle

Monica Prelle is an outdoors, wine, and travel writer who would rather be running, climbing, or mountain biking.

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