Snowshoe Shady Rest Park

Shady Rest Park is located on Sawmill Road just minutes from the Mammoth Lakes town center. Start off by crossing through the parking lot headed north towards the large open field covered in snow. The open field is a great place to walk around and become comfortable with wearing and walking in snowshoes, and to test new gear if you've got it. For those that are feeling more adventurous, you can continue north out of the park into the surrounding wooded area. 

The forest surrounding Shady Rest Park is a beautiful secluded area with easy, gently rolling terrain. This is a great place to enjoy an afternoon lunch among majestic pine trees. I recommend bringing a small camp stove for heating up soups or hot drink, accompanied by sandwiches and other snacks this makes the perfect winter picnic setting. You can also take this opportunity to test and get acclimated to your equipment making sure that you have everything that you would need for future more advanced snowshoe adventures. 

If you are in need of snowshoes or equipment for this or future adventures check out Mammoth Mountaineering Supply. Their snowshoe rental package cost $15 per day and includes both snowshoes and poles.  

For those looking for a more adventurous or difficult winter hike, head towards Obsidian Dome Trail network located 15 miles north of Mammoth Lakes along 395.