The Ultimate Guide to Winter in the Eastern Sierras
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The Ultimate Guide to Winter in the Eastern Sierras
Shiz | When Shiz Hits The Van
Winter in California’s Eastern Sierras is a wonderland of snowy peaks, natural hot springs, scenic viewpoints, and cozy mountain towns perfect for adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike.
This itinerary (with 100+ spots) takes you through some of the region’s best highlights, from breathtaking viewpoints like Mono Lake’s surreal formations & snowy Convict Lake, to soothing hot springs tucked in peaceful valleys. Enjoy exhilarating days on the slopes at Mammoth Mountain and Heavenly, then unwind at charming lodges and savor hearty meals in rustic eateries. Whether you're here to ski, soak, sightsee, or savor local flavors, this Eastern Sierras winter itinerary promises a memorable alpine escape.
Unlock this guide for access to:
❄️ Viewpoints & Points of Interest
♨️ Hot Springs
⛷️ Ski Resorts
🛌 Accommodations
🍽 Places to eat (breakfast, lunch + dinner options)
❗️ Complimentary future updates
*Please Note: Make the most of your road trip by planning accordingly for snowy weather so you can focus on having fun. Carry chains & a winter weather kit in your vehicle to remove snow, stay warm, and have plenty of extra food & water. And, of course, always plan your trip around clear weather and driving conditions.
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Viewpoints & Points of Interest
Sand Harbor
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Escape the summer crowds by visiting this stunning Lake Tahoe beach with views of the mountains during winter.
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Chimney Beach
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A downhill trail leads visitors to a small lakefront area with picturesque rock formations.
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Emerald Bay State Park Lookout
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A viewpoint of Emerald Bay with unobstructed views.
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Eagle Falls
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A short 0.5 mile hike leads to this dramatic tired waterfall cascading down a pine-studded granite cliff. Be prepared for hiking in the snow! If you prefer not to hike, you can enjoy Lower Eagle Falls located by the parking lot.
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Inspiration Point (Emerald Bay)
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Viewpoint overlooking a lake & Scandinavian 1920's castle with information boards & restrooms.
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Bodie State Historic Park
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Bodie State Historic Park, aka Bodie Ghost Town, stays open year-round and in low-snow years, the road to Bodie (State Route 270) may be open. The abandoned streets and buildings of the ghost town are particularly haunting in the quiet, chilly winter months. Please check the Bodie State Historic Park website to see if the road (270) is open.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shiz | When Shiz Hits The Van
Hi, I'm Shiz!
I am beyond thrilled to share my passion for travel and photography with you. As a school-based speech-language pathologist in Los Angeles, I'm lucky to have a few breaks throughout the year, which allow me to travel frequently and with great flexibility. My husband and I often venture on trips together around the globe. Ever since we got the keys to our off-road truck (ahem, van) during the pandemic, my wanderlust has gone into overdrive. When we're not traveling overseas, you can often find us camping or off-roading on the weekends across California or in the Southwest.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next road trip destination or luxe vacation, my comprehensive travel guides provide you with immersive and authentic travel experiences worldwide. My thoroughly crafted itineraries go beyond the typical tourist sites and highlight a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and trendy food locales. I also love discovering and exploring hidden gems, which I'm more than happy to share with you all. Take a look around the site and feel free to reference my travel tips to help plan your dream trip.
I've done the research so you don't have to!
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
107 places
107 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
June Lake, CA, USA
Lake Tahoe, United States
Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
Bishop, CA, USA
Eastern Sierra, CA, USA
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