Snowmobiling
SNOWMOBILING IN MAMMOTH LAKES
When the broad valleys and high desert meadows of the Upper Owens River Basin are blanketed with snow, there’s no better way to get out and explore the country than on a well-tuned snowmobile. Speed through ancient Jeffrey pine forests, across wide-open expanses ringed with snowy peaks. Visit Mammoth’s incredible geological wonders in deep solitude, far beyond the reach of ordinary vehicles or human-powered travelers.
From the Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) Staging Area at Shady Rest, the Inyo National Forest offers more than one hundred miles of groomed multi-use trails stretching from Minaret Vista and the San Joaquin Ridge to June Lake and the remote Bald Mountain warming hut. Appropriate trails are marked with orange diamonds and groomed by the U.S. Forest Service and its permittees with funds from the California State “green sticker” program. Snowmobiles must have a current registration sticker displayed. Riders from out of state should contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles to register their machines prior to operating in California.
In addition to the groomed trail network, there are more than 150,000 acres of public land on the Inyo National Forest that are open to snowmobiles. For detailed information on off-trail play areas, including those along the base of the Sherwins Range to the south and east of town, stop by the Welcome Center or download a copy of the latest Eastern Sierra Winter Recreation Map.
Remember: Snowmobile trails are shared with skiers, snowshoers and dog teams. Operate snow machines at minimum speed until well beyond those on foot. There is a 15 mph speed limit where posted or within 50 feet of developed recreation areas and concentrations of people. Crossing two-lane plowed roads at right angles is permitted. Crossing four-lane plowed roads is prohibited unless otherwise posted. Always respect boundaries, closures and all other signage.
Where to Go
Snowmobiling in Mammoth Lakes
More Ideas for
Winter Activities in Mammoth Lakes
Where to
Snowmobile & get gear
Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures
10001 Minaret Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
800-626-6684
If you’ve ever been snowmobiling, you know it’s the ultimate snow-venture. If you haven’t, well, it’s time you tried. Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures is the perfect outfitter for first-timers or seasoned experts. Experienced guides and top-of-the-line equipment grant you access to California’s greatest playground including: thousands of acres of trails, pristine… Learn More
Mammoth Lakes Trail System
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Mammothtrails.org is the all-season reference for information about the trails of the Mammoth Lakes Trail System. Operated in conjunction with the National Forest Service and the Town of Mammoth Lakes, the Mammoth Lakes Trail System website provides visitors with accurate location, terrain, and difficulty information for over 100 individual trails… Learn More