Lake Mary Road is closed just above the turnoff to Tamarack Lodge after the first major snowstorm of each season. For the rest of the winter, access to the Lakes Basin is only by snowshoes and skis. The groomed trails network includes fee-based cross-country ski trails as well as the Winter Access Corridor - Lakes Basin public-access right-of-way. On April 17 of each year, after the cross-country ski season ends and before roads are plowed, snowmobiles are allowed in the Lakes Basin on existing roadways only, conditions permitting.
Lakes Basin Winter Access
Conditions Update
- 12/01/2020: Lake Mary Road is closed to vehicles. Non-motorized winter activities are allowed on the Public Access Corridor.
Avalanche Forecast for 03/20/2023
- AVALANCHE FORECAST: Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist this morning where the most new snow has fallen, especially around Mammoth. Traveling on and below wind-loaded terrain is not recommended. New snow could be sensitive to human triggers and could shed as wet snow avalanches as the storm clears. Avalanches breaking in new and drifted snow could step down to deeply buried weak layers resulting in a much larger slide. Conservative decision-making will be essential for safe travel, even outside of the Mammoth area today. Find out More
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Destination Activities
Public Services
Hours of Operation: All day
Season: Spring Winter
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This destination is accessed directly from the Lakes Basin Winter Access Trailhead.
*Note that not all facilities are accessible via public transit.
Related Trails
Sherwins Winter Trails
1.2 mi
- Surface: Snow
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Winter Access Corridor - Lakes Basin
2.5 mi
- Surface: Snow
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Related Trails
| Trail | Length (mi) | Surface | Activities and Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwins Winter Trails | 1.2 | Snow |
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| Winter Access Corridor - Lakes Basin | 2.5 | Snow |
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Related Experiences
Backcountry Ski and Snowboarding the Sherwins to Ranch Road Egress
3.4 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Snow,
- Duration: Half day
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding the Tele Bowl
2.3 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Snow,
- Duration: Half day
Snowplay in the Mammoth Lakes Basin
1.7 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Snow,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Snowshoeing on Panorama Dome
0.8 mi
- Rating: ,
- Surface: Snow,
- Duration: Less than 4 hours
Related Experiences
| Experience | Rating | Length (mi) | Surface | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backcountry Ski and Snowboarding the Sherwins to Ranch Road Egress | 3.4 | Snow | Half day | |
| Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding the Tele Bowl | 2.3 | Snow | Half day | |
| Snowplay in the Mammoth Lakes Basin | 1.7 | Snow | Less than 4 hours | |
| Snowshoeing on Panorama Dome | 0.8 | Snow | Less than 4 hours |
