Old Shady Loop

The Shady Rest Park area offers several miles of groomed trails during the winter months. These trails typically open after the first major snowfall of the season. The trails are free to use and open to anyone including walkers, snowshoers, nordic skiers and winter fat bikers. The trails can be accessed via Shady Rest Park, or the Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center.

There are two primary loops within the trail system. In this guide we’ll look at the Old Shady Loop.

Begin by parking at Shady Rest Park and following the groomed trail closest to the entrance road. This is actually part of the New Shady Loop. Continue, turning right at the junction and then crossing Sawmill Cutoff Road. You’re now officially on the Old Shady Loop which meanders through the Old Shady Campground.

Continue through the campground as the trail makes a loop. You’ll see all the typical campsite amenities such as picnic tables and restrooms all buried under snow.

Once finished with the loop you’ll again cross the road and head back to Shady Rest Park. If you are looking to see something new I’d recommend turning left at the second junction rather than the first. This will take you on the Pine Cone Cutoff and provide the opportunity to enjoy a slightly different route back to the park.