Three hours south of Tahoe and five hours northeast from Los Angeles, Mammoth Lakes beckons not just downhill skiers, but DogTrekkers vacationing with their best canine companions. The drive alone is worth the trip—no matter which direction you’re coming from, you’ll spend hours cruising Highway 395, a federally designated scenic byway skirting the snow-capped Eastern Sierra.
Driving north from SoCal, make a pit stop at Erick Schat’s Bakkery in Bishop and pick up a loaf of soft, pull-apart sheepherder’s bread to sustain you on the rest of the trip. For a good leg-stretching hike on the approach to Mammoth, grab your leash, your dog, your camera and your hiking boots, cross-country skis or snowshoes and take a saunter around Convict Lake, a stunningly beautiful circle blue-rimmed by aspens and surrounded by towering granite peaks. Book a pet-friendly cabin at Convict Lake Resort and wake up at sunrise to find yourself in a pink-and-gold wonderland.
At Mammoth Mountain, 10 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails are open to XC enthusiasts with canine companions in the vicinity of rustic and very dog-friendly Tamarack Lodge. Snowshoe trails, also dog-friendly, are maintained separately. Also in the Mammoth Lakes area, leashed canines are allowed on 15 kilometers of trails maintained by Rock Creek Lodge.
Winter at this elevation—the town sits at nearly 8,000 feet—means real cold and serious snow, so prep your dog accordingly. Paw wax or booties help prevent ice buildup between toes, and a warm coat is a smart idea for short-haired breeds. Keep your dog hydrated, too; the dry mountain air and physical exertion can dehydrate them faster than you’d expect. Always carry extra water and a collapsible bowl.
If solitude is your preference, know that dogs, leashed or under voice control, are allowed on all trails within the expansive Inyo National Forest—and that Mammoth abounds with dog-friendly places to stay. After a long day on the trails, few things beat settling into a warm cabin with your tired, happy dog curled up at your feet.
