Named for early surveyor and National Geographic editor WJ McGee, the steep, mostly treeless scarp that rises above Hwy. 395 between McGee and Convict creeks is the site of the earliest lift-serviced downhill skiing in the region. In the late 1930s, a group of enterprising young Southern Californians, including Dave McCoy, installed a homemade rope tow here, attracting hundreds of skiers, and even a handful of Hollywood stars, every weekend. Drought and World War II put an end to it, and by the mid-'40s, McCoy had moved his operation to Mammoth Mountain. An historical marker and some remnants of machinery remain.
McGee Mountain
Avalanche Forecast for 02/17/2025
- AVALANCHE FORECAST: A person could trigger consequential and unpredictable avalanches today. Buried weak layers 3-6 feet below the surface on shaded aspects are of greatest concern. Fresh wind slab avalanches remain reactive to the weight of a human and may be enough to trigger a larger and more destructive avalanche. Using conservative terrain choices and maintaining a wide safety margin are the best ways to manage the hazard. Find out More
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Destination Activities
Public Services
Hours of Operation: N/A
Season: Year Round
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This destination is accessed directly from the Tobacco Flat Trailhead.
*Note that not all facilities are accessible via public transit.




