Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Exploring the Mono Basin on skis

Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.
Photo by Andrew Youssef.
Lily, Information Center & Bookstore Manager, and Robbie, Project Specialist, lead the way through the snow. Photo by Andrew Youssef.

The Mono Basin is a favorite destination for visitors year-round. In the spring, the canyons are known for gorgeous wildflower displays—columbine, penstemon, and paintbrush abound—and stunning waterfalls. Summer provides limitless hiking opportunities, and an intrepid hiker can make the trek all the way to the crest of the Sierra once the snow has cleared. In the fall, aspen trees turn a dazzling gold and a cool wind reminds you of the snowy season to come.

This time of year, many roads are closed and completely snow covered, allowing for ample skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
This time of year, many roads are closed and completely snow covered, allowing for ample skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Photo by Andrew Youssef.

This winter, Lily, Robbie, and I have been experiencing the winter magic of the Mono Basin on cross-country skis. Even though there hasn’t been enough snow to ski around the shore of Mono Lake this winter, there have been ample opportunities to ski throughout the Basin.

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Lily skiing back in our tracks in dramatic afternoon light. Photo by Andrew Youssef.

Snow blankets the canyon floors and adds another dimension to the jagged peaks above, contrasting beautifully with the dark, metamorphic rock of the Eastern Sierra. Snow dances on the tips of the highest mountains, brilliantly illuminated by the late-afternoon sun. The silence and sense of solitude is surreal—few birds spend the winter here and only the tracks of a few other critters can be seen.

I hope you enjoy these photos of this special season.

Bare aspen trees and towering peaks surround this snow-packed road. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
Bare aspen trees and towering peaks surround this snow-packed road. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
A gorgeous Mill Creek beginning to freeze over. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
A gorgeous Mill Creek beginning to freeze over. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
Skiing in the Mono Basin, you are struck by the contrast of snow and desert. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
Skiing in the Mono Basin, you are struck by the contrast of snow and desert. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
Mountains and trees covered with snow after a storm. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
Mountains and trees covered with snow after a storm. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
A freezing Lee Vining Creek winding through the snow. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
A freezing Lee Vining Creek winding through the snow. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
The Sierra Crest rising dramatically above the Mono Basin. Photo by Andrew Youssef.
The Sierra Crest rising dramatically above the Mono Basin. Photo by Andrew Youssef.

3 Comments

  1. Lovely pictures! We are heading up to Lee Vining this weekend and want to do some XC skiing. Where are those roads and trails? Inquiring minds want to know….

  2. Thanks for reminding us that the Mono Basin is an outstanding destination for cross country skiing. Beautiful photos!

  3. Gorgeous! Coming down from British Columbia now and will return via 395 a few weeks from now. Looking forward to stopping by the store and getting out on some nice walks in the snow.