Sierra National Forest

Recreation - Cross-Country Skiing

Back to Winter Sports homepage

There are 234 miles of designated snowmobile routes that are available for cross country skiers to utilize. 209 miles of these routes are groomed and maintained through the California State Off-Highway Vehicle Program. 33 miles are designated ungroomed cross-country ski trails. Motorized vehicle use is not allowed on these trails.

Cross-Country Skiing Trails

Coyote Nordic | Tamarack Ridge | Kaiser Pass

All trails are marked with these blue diamonds.

Coyote Nordic Trailhead

1 "Eagle Trail" (easiest) 5.0 miles

The trail follows the road to Shaver Lake Overlook where there is a panoramic view of the Shaver Lake Basin. On a clear day, skiers may view the Coast Range across the San Joaquin Valley. The trail follows the same route back to the trailhead.

2 "Marmot Loop to Trailhead" (more difficult) 2.2 miles

The trail follows a road system most of its length, but does allow the skier to do some cross country for part of the route. This trail is rated more difficult as there are some steeper grades to negotiate.

3 "Coyote Loop to Trailhead" (most difficult) 6.0 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems around the Tamarack Mountain area. There are several scenic vistas along the way, providing views of Red Mountain, Huntington Lake, Kaiser Ridge and Shaver Lake areas. The trail is rated most difficult due to the length and steeper grades.

4 "Grizzly Loop to Trailhead" (most difficult) 5.7 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems to the east of Tamarack Mountain. The trail crosses the Coyote Trail after about 3 miles. At this point, skiers may elect to ski to the trailhead by other routes. The trail is rated most difficult due to the length and steeper grades.

Tamarack Ridge Snowmobile Trailhead

5 "Porcupine Loop to Trailhead" (more difficult) 4.0 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems near the South Fork of Tamarack Creek area. The trail passes a scenic vista of the Kaiser Ridge area. The trail is rated more difficult due to the length and steeper grades.

6 "Raccoon Loop to Trailhead" (more difficult) 4.0 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems near the South Fork of Tamarack Creek area. The trail loops within 200 feet of South Fork of Tamarack Creek and is rated more difficult due to the length and steeper grades. Be on the lookout for wildlife tracks.

7 "Raven Loop to Trailhead" (most difficult) 4.4 miles

The trail follows road and trail systems to the Southwest of the trailhead. The trail passes a scenic vista of Shaver Lake. The trail is rated most difficult due to the length and steeper grades.

Kaiser Pass Trailhead

8 "Rancheria Loop" (easiest) 1.5 miles

The trail is located in the Huntington Lake area near the Kaiser Pass Trailhead within the Rancheria Campground. The trail follows the road and trail system in the campground. The trail provides access to the lake. Skiers should beware of thin ice on the lake.