SNOWSHOE in Mammoth

Look out Nike! What better way to explore winter and its beauty than on a set of snowshoes! No longer big and awkward, today's snowshoes are made out of lightweight, compact and maintenance-free materials. Snowshoes enable summertime walkers and backpackers to pursue their favorite activities, photographers to capture that spectacular image, and bird watchers to observe an elusive species.

A family oriented sport, snowshoeing enables people of all ages to comfortably tour the winter countryside at their own pace. No special techniques are required; if you can walk, you can snowshoe! It is just that simple. If you want to go with a group, contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center at 760-924-5500 to see who which clubs or groups might be active.

Most all of the Forest is open to snowshoers. Generally snowshoers and cross country skiers use the same or side by side trails, but there are a handful of areas where due largely to the unique print snowshoes create are not so welcome. One of the best maps is the Winter Recreation Map available at the Welcome Center which marks the trails. Mammoth is known for having one of the most outstanding trail system that is sign posted, so you will always know where you're going.


Snowshoeing like other outdoor winter activities, is a physical recreation. When you venture outside, especially when it is cold, dressing in layers provides the flexibility to shed clothing as necessary, and then add layers should the temperature or activity level drop. Waterproofed hiking boots, wool socks, a warm hat, gloves and sunglasses will all contribute to an enjoyable-rather than miserable-day on the trail. Always pack a detailed topographic map of the area, a compass is helpful if you're going gung ho, food and especially water are also mandatory items.

Be sure to tell a Forest Ranger or friend when you take off on one of the trails. Weather in Mammoth can change quickly and you could get caught in a storm. Be sure to check back in when you are finished.

There are a lot of good resources available and to get a head start on where you might want to snowshoe check out our maps to see what you might tackle. Have fun, and remember that the Forest is protected lands, the only thing you can take in the Forest are pictures.