Snowshoeing at Tamarack (Mammoth Lakes)

Last weekend I went Snowshoeing at Tamarack in Mammoth Lakes. This isn’t to be confused with the Tamarack center in Idaho.

About Tamarack Cross Country Center in Mammoth Lakes:

The Tamarack Cross Country Center in Mammoth Lakes is home to 19 miles worth of secluded trails. There are rentals, lessons, guided tours, and season passes for both Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing. What makes the Tamarack Cross Country Center in Mammoth Lakes even better is it’s located away from downhill skiing, so you don’t have to worry about parking and traffic going to those slopes.

Snowshoeing at Tamarack in Mammoth Lakes:

Tamarack Lodge Address: 163 Twin Lakes Rd Ste 1200, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

It costs $35-$42 to rent a full day of snowshoes and poles at Tamarack in Mammoth Lakes.

There are 19 miles of fully groomed trails for nordic skiing and snowshoeing. It’s unclear how many are actual snowshoe trails (the majority being nordic skiing).

There is a long corridor up Lake Mary Road to Horseshoe Lake. You can hike, ski, snowshoe, as well as bring leashed dogs. On one side is the “fast ski” lane for those with Tamarack Trail passes nordic skiing. The other side free public land and open to everyone. I can’t say I loved this because it never really felt like “I was away from people.”

If you have your own snowshoes, you really don’t even need a Tamarack Pass unless you want to go to the Panorama Dome. You can see the full trail map for snowshoeing at Tamarack in Mammoth Lakes here.

My Experience Snowshoeing at Tamarack:

Total miles: 4 miles with 400 feet elevation

You can see Strava here.

When I went Snowshoeing at Tamarack, it was roughly 40 degrees. While there was plenty of snow on the ground, the snow was hard. Going uphill, you could probably get away with a good pair of trail shoes.

At first, I struggled to find the Snowshoe entrance but realized it was near the cabins. From there, I began snowshoeing uphill until I met Lake Mary Road. Since it was so warm, I found my body confused about being too warm and being in the cold.

I took a detour around the Panorama Dome, which proved to be a gorgeous view and well worth it. From there, I snowshoed up to Lake Mary. I found myself weaving in and around those also using the public area.

Snowshoeing at Tamarack Conclusion:

I enjoyed Snowshoeing at Tamarack, but it was not my favorite spot to snowshoe. Since much of it for snowshoeing is public land, it’s fairly busy. That also makes it unique and an inexpensive thing to do. Next time and in better conditions, I’ll probably nordic skiing.