Scenic Gondola Rides: Starting for the Winter Season Full Time on 11-18-23 – Riding to the top of Mammoth Mountain is a fantastic experience. The views are breathtaking as you ride up and beyond once you’re standing at the top.

Once you reach the top station, you will have a 360-degree view of the Eastern Sierra and the Sierra Nevada. You will also get a chance to get a picture of the famous Mammoth Mountain Sign at 11,000 feet.

There is also an interpretative center with more information about the Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Mountain, and the mountain peaks you can see from the 11,000-foot level. Here is the link to the scenic ride information page.

If you’re new to the sport, you will want to take a 2-hour trip with Mammoth Mountain Snow Mobile Adventures, located out of the Main Lodge area. When there is ample snow, you can access miles and miles of riding on groomed-out service roads.

Cross-Country Skiing: There are some incredible options for Cross-Country skiing here in Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern High Sierra

The best cross-country skiing will always be up in the Mammoth Lakes Basin at the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center. As we get into winter, the snow levels and colder air move down into the lower elevations. That will give you many options for Cross-Country skiing beside the Tamarack Resort in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Sledding: The Snowman loves Sledding and snow play with the Family in Mammoth Lakes. On storm days when the hill is mainly shut down, Sledding can keep you and your kids occupied for hours.

I think almost nothing beats a couple of hours of sledding out on the hills around your yard, the town, or the mountains of the Eastern Sierra with the family. Grab the kids, the helmets, and a variety of sleds, and get ready for some major fun. Here is a link to learn some good locations for Sledding in Mammoth Lakes.

Ice Skating: There are several options for ice skating in the Eastern Sierra. The town of Mammoth Lakes runs a brand-new ice rink on Old Mammoth Road. The ice rink opens for the first time for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Hiking / Walking: Depending on the snow levels, you will find some fun hiking/walking options during the winter months.

First, during the drier seasons, the Mammoth Lakes town trail system is an excellent option for a walk. The paved trails that start by the Blue Park off of Old Mammoth Road are the best places to venture as they’re the most likely paths to be free of snow and ice.

The second option is the Lower Rock Creek Trail, about 10 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, just past Toms places if you’re heading south of 395. This trail holds ice and snow, so be prepared even if the terrain is snow-free.

Winter Mountain Biking: For the hearty soul who knows how to layer up for cold biking, there are a ton of trails to ride during the winter months, depending on what elevation the snow line is at.

Near Mammoth, when the snow line is above 7500 feet, there are tons of forest service roads you can ride. You will find all sorts of unmapped single-track trails to explore off these service roads.

Rock Creek Canyon is amazing for downhill action, using two cars to shuttle back up from the bottom. You can ride back up the trail or use the road if you cannot shuttle; watch for ice on the road as it’s in the shade most of the winter months.

The Bishop area also has many trails you can ride during winter, and the temperatures are more favorable than riding up in the high country. Check out our Eastern Sierra Mountain Bike Report for Current Trail Conditions and Where to Ride.

Winter Fishing: The Owens River and the Hot Creek area are open for fishing during the winter months. Yes, it’s cold, and your hands will get frozen, so be prepared. Fishing the Owens River out of Bishop is my call for winter fishing.

Rock Creek Canyon Snow Park:3 miles up from Toms Place, there is parking for access to snow play up in Rock Creek Canyon.

Mill Pond Park & Disc Golf: A great place to hang out just at the bottom of the Sherwin Grade. There is an entire 18-hole disc golf course to keep you busy for hours. Have you got Kids? The park has a playground for energy output.

Laws Rail Road Museum: I recommend everyone visiting the Eastern Sierra to experience this unique museum setting. You’ll find 11 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the original depot and steam locomotive, the Slim Princess. Experience what life was like over 100 years ago in Owens Valley. https://lawsmuseum.org/welcome-museum

Bishop City Park: Over the years, we have spent many hours at Bishop City Park enjoying the warmer climate and being out of the snow. This is a great place to have lunch and let the kids out to play without all the snow in Mammoth Lakes. You will see many Mammoth locals down here during the winter months trying to get a taste of winter below the snowline. 

Ski Ya Later, Snowman