Guided Snowshoeing Tours in Mammoth Lakes

For many people, Mammoth Lakes may bring to mind images of hiking in the summer or skiing in the winter. But a perfect hybrid option for the snowy season exists: snowshoeing. Stepping into a pair of snowshoes means you can hike almost anywhere in the winter. While snowshoeing isn’t a hard activity to figure out on your own, a guided tour is the best way to learn what you’re doing while taking a closer look at the world around you.

Guided Snowshoe Tours in Mammoth Lakes

Full Moon Snowshoe Tours in the Mammoth Lakes Basin

See the Mammoth Lakes Basin in a whole new light on a full moon snowshoe tour. These after-dark excursions are held during the full moon evenings each month throughout the winter. Dress warmly for the cold night, but rest assured—snowshoeing will warm you up so you can enjoy the moonlit beauty. The 1.5-hour tours depart from the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center at 7 pm. After the tour, unwind by the fireplace in Tamarack Lodge with dessert and hot drinks. Tours are $59 per person, and equipment is included. Space is limited—call 800-MAMMOTH to reserve a spot.

Naturalist Snowshoe Tours in the Mammoth Lakes Basin

Mammoth Mountain’s Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center offers free naturalist snowshoe tours throughout the year. Led by a U.S. Forest Service volunteer naturalist, these tours highlight the trees, plants, animals and geology in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Tours are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (except December 25) from mid-December to mid-April, weather permitting. Weekday tours are also available during the winter holiday season. These 1.5-hour tours leave from the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center at 10:30 am. Equipment isn’t included as part of the tour, but rentals are available at the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center and from other shops in town. No need to RSVP, but call the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center at 760-934-2442 (ext. 8) if you have questions.

Nature Walks with Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association

The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) offers snowshoe nature walks periodically throughout the winter. Tours are about two hours long and usually leave from the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Snowshoes are provided but you can bring your own if you prefer. These tours are free, but donations to ESIA are accepted. Call ESIA for more information: 760-872-1220.

Where to Rent Snowshoes in Mammoth Lakes

If you need equipment for your guided snowshoe tour (or to go snowshoeing on your own), you can rent snowshoes from these local retailers:

• Black Tie Ski Rentals

• Brian’s Bicycles & Cross Country Skis

• Footloose Sports

• Kittredge Sports

• Get Outdoors 365

• Mammoth Mountaineering Supply

• Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center