Cross-country skiing in the Eastern Sierra is an experience of unparalleled scenery, serenity, fitness and fun for beginners to experts, thanks to the varied terrain and unrivaled backdrop of the Sierra Nevada landscape. 

Mammoth Lakes

• Shady Rest Park, right in the Town of Mammoth Lakes, provides a few miles of groomed track through the pines free of charge. Grooming updates are available on the Town's website via Nordic Pulse.

• The Sherwins Winter Trails consist of a groomed multi-use winter trail which travels along the base of the Sherwin Ridge. The groomed Sherwins Meadow Trail is a 1.2 mile out and back, starting from Sherwin Meadows Trailhead. This trail is shared with a variety of users, including over snow vehicles (snowmobiles), Nordic skiers, snowshoers, dog walkers, backcountry skiers and winter fat bikers. Please enjoy this trail responsibly. Weather permitting, the trail is groomed several days a week and is free to the public. 

• Minaret Vista: From Mammoth Mountain's Main Lodge, trek gradually up 2.5 miles to Minaret Vista for one of the most spectacular views around. Use the ski area's parking (parking shuttle available) and enjoyed the groomed trail free of charge. 

• The Lake Mary Public Access Corridor and Panorama Dome in the Mammoth Lakes Basin are also great free options that don't require a Tamarack Cross County Ski Center trail pass (stay off the groomed Tamarack trails and follow the signage).

• Finally, trails around the Inyo Craters are fun to explore on cross country skis and snowshoes, but the trails are shared with snowmobiles so use caution. Learn more about cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Mammoth Lakes on Visit Mammoth's website. 

Lee Vining

The right amount of snowfall allows for cross-country skiing at Mono Lake which can be an “otherworldly” experience with the occurrence of freezing fog, called “pogonip.” The icy fog laces and layers the famous limestone tufa towers with a delicate, sparkling sheen of ice crystals. Follow directional signs to South Tufa from SR 120 East, off US 395. Contact the Mono Lake Committee Visitor Information Center (open year-round) for more details.

For Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Lee Vining, please see the Winter Recreation Map (PDF) for more information.

Bridgeport

In Northern Mono County, the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area off Sonora Pass Road (SR 108) is open for winter adventuring. Again, depending on snow conditions, this multi-use wilderness area welcomes advanced cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers to explore the spectacular mountain terrain. Day-use permits are mandatory but free of charge.

Other Resources:

• Bridgeport Avalanche Center
• Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
• Weather and road conditions
• Webcams around Mono County
• Winter Recreation in Mono County