Things to Do

Cross Country Skiing

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.

Bridgeport Winter Trail System

The Bridgeport Winter Trail System is 4.25 miles (8.5 mile out & back) of volunteer-groomed winter trail. Kick and glide through the forest with access to Buckeye Hot Springs day-use area and incredible views of the Bridgeport Valley, Bridgeport Reservoir, and the Hunewill Hills. Please visit the website for a map, or stop by the Bridgeport Ranger Station located just south of Bridgeport on US 395 for more information.

Rock Creek Lodge & Sno-Park

Enjoy a unique Nordic skiing experience at the Rock Creek Lodge, which offers winterized overnight cabins, 15 kilometers of groomed track, access to back-country terrain, as well as fine dining in a forested, ski-in setting. A snowmobile taxi is available for guests checking in, and every evening to bring folks up for Adventure Dining – a four-course, prix fix gourmet menu, served family-style. Reservations are required, please call Rock Creek Lodge. Open mid-December through the first weekend in April. The groomed track and beyond is accessible to the public with a California Sno Park pass.

Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center

Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center in Mammoth Lakes is the largest Nordic resort in the region with 30 kilometers (19 miles) of cross-country skiing trails that wind through breathtaking alpine scenery. Summer’s paved roads in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, linking five lakes, become miles of groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter with views of the Mammoth Crest, Sherwin Ridge and Crystal Crag.

Other Popular Places to Cross-Country Ski in Mono County

Mammoth Lakes

Shady Rest Park, right in the Town of Mammoth Lakes, provides a 1.8-mile groomed track, free of charge. From Mammoth Mountain's Main Lodge, trek gradually up 2.5 miles to Minaret Vista for one of the most spectacular views around. The Lake Mary Public Access Corridor and Panorama Dome in the Mammoth Lakes Basin are also great 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.

June Lake

Bald Mountain and Obsidian Dome, located between Mammoth Lakes and June Lake right off U.S. Highway 395, are also popular cross-country ski areas when conditions permit. The dark, volcanic Obsidian Dome is set off in stark contrast in snowy conditions and shouldn’t be missed. Obsidian Dome track is free of charge and groomed periodically by the Inyo National Forest Service.

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:

California’s Great Beyond