Inyo National Forest winter trail grooming will commence when conditions allow
Inyo National Forest winter trail grooming will commence when conditions allow
BISHOP, Calif., December 11, 2023 — While Mammoth and Mono Lake Ranger District staff are busy prepping over 100 miles of trails for winter recreation, they would like to remind forest visitors where to find information about trail grooming, and of winter recreation regulations and etiquette before snowier conditions arrive.
Trail Grooming Information:
- A minimum of 12 inches of dense, settled snow is required before system trails can be groomed.
- Grooming frequency is largely dependent on conditions such as new snow accumulation, use, and temperature, as well as staffing.
- Once grooming has started for the winter, wheeled motorized vehicles (trucks, cars, ATV’s, etc.) are not allowed on groomed trails as they can get easily stuck and damage the trails.
- When trails have been groomed, it will be posted on the Inyo National Forest’s Winter Sports webpage where you can also find the Winter Recreation Map, complete with additional rules and regulations for each type of winter recreation:
www.fs.usda.gov/activity/inyo/
www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_
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- Check Mammoth Lakes groomed trails here: www.mammothtrails.org/trail-
conditions. - Grooming will continue into the Spring as conditions and staffing allow, ending by April 15 or sooner.
- Check Mammoth Lakes groomed trails here: www.mammothtrails.org/trail-
Snowmobile-specific information:
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- Groomed trails designated for snowmobiling are marked with orange diamonds, however about 150,000 acres are open to over snow vehicles (OSV) off the maintained trails.
- Snowmobile/motorized use within designated “Nordic Trails” marked with blue diamonds is prohibited. Fat tire bike use is permitted within Shady Rest and Obsidian Nordic areas, however e-bikes are not permitted.
- Designated Wilderness is always off-limits to anything motorized. This includes John Muir, Ansel Adams, Owens River Headwaters and Hoover Wilderness Areas. Riding in Wilderness is a Federal offense carrying fines up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail, in addition to possible seizure of the snowmobiles.
- Snowmobiles must display a current state registration sticker. These “Green Stickers” also help fund the trail grooming program.
- There are green geothermal pipelines that run through the Shady Rest Trail area in the “Slow Zone.” Do not ride over the green pipelines!
Leave No Trace
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- All winter recreationists are reminded to practice Leave No Trace rules
- Pack out all trash, human, and dog waste.
For the most current avalanche forecast, users should check Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center at: www.esavalanche.org
Inyo National Forest would like to thank its partners’, the California State Parks OHV Recreation Division and the Town of Mammoth Lakes for making this trail grooming program possible.
For general questions, contact:
Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (760) 924-5500
