Snowplay

Snowplay in the Mammoth Lakes Basin

Do you have Snowplay Experiences you'd like to share? Find out How!

  • Starting from the winter closure at the end of Lake Mary Road, walk up along the Lakes Basin Winter Public Access Corridor on the left-hand side of the road to the green trail system sign at the summer Panorama Dome Trailhead. Hike or snowshoe all the way to Horseshoe Lake. Stay to the left-hand side on the way out, off the fee-based nordic trails. Enjoy numerous vistas along the way of the Mammoth Crest and the backside of Mammoth Mountain.  Look for snowplay opportunities along the sides of the access corridor and up the wooded slopes of Panorama Dome. And keep your eye out for downhill skiers descending through the "Hole in the Wall" lava tube across Twin Lakes.

  • Starting from the winter closure at the end of Lake Mary Road, walk up along the Lakes Basin Winter Public Access Corridor on the left-hand side of the road to the green trail system sign at the summer Panorama Dome Trailhead. Hike or snowshoe all the way to Horseshoe Lake. Stay to the left-hand side on the way out, off the fee-based nordic trails. Enjoy numerous vistas along the way of the Mammoth Crest and the backside of Mammoth Mountain.  Look for snowplay opportunities along the sides of the access corridor and up the wooded slopes of Panorama Dome. And keep your eye out for downhill skiers descending through the "Hole in the Wall" lava tube across Twin Lakes.

Avalanche Forecast for 11/30/2024

  • AVALANCHE FORECAST: Surface instabilities like storm and wind slabs have become increasingly unlikely in the days since our last storm. However, a concerning structure of strong, new storm snow over weak, old facets exists in isolated areas, particularly in the northern half of the forecast area. As you head out into the backcountry, it's worth building in larger terrain margins to account for this uncertainty. Find out More
  • Experience Checklist

    • Beanie
    • Boots
    • Camera
    • Day pack
    • Footwear for Snow
    • Jacket or windbreaker
    • Knowledge and understanding of local conditions
    • Picnic lunch
    • Ski goggles or sunglasses
    • Smartphone
    • Snowman decorations
    • Sunglasses
    • Sun hat
    • Sunscreen/lip protector
    • Warm clothing
    • Water
    • Windbreaker/shell
    • Winter gloves

    Public Services

    Experience Information

    Trail Length
    1.7 miles
    Trail Surface
    Snow
    Duration
    Less than 4 hours

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Related Trails

Related Trails

Trail Length (mi) Surface Activities and Services
Winter Access Corridor - Lakes Basin 2.5 Snow Cross Country Skiing Snowshoeing Vista Viewing

Related Destinations

Tamarack Lodge

  • Hours/Season: Call for hours | Year Round 

  • Biking  Boating  Cross Country Skiing  E-Biking  Fishing  Hiking  Snowshoeing 

Twin Lakes

  • Hours/Season: N/A | Year Round 

  • Boating  Cross Country Skiing  Fishing  Hiking 

Related Destinations

Destination Activities and Services
Lakes Basin Winter Access Cross Country Skiing Dog Sledding Ski & Snowboarding Snowplay Snowshoeing
Tamarack Lodge Biking Boating Cross Country Skiing E-Biking Fishing Hiking Snowshoeing
Twin Lakes Boating Cross Country Skiing Fishing Hiking
Twin Lakes Vista Fall Color Viewing Photography Vista Viewing
How to get involved Local recreation resources Experiences and ratings Finding your way around the MLTS Trail System Projects