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Bridgeport Winter Trail System: A Gateway to the Eastern Sierra

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All smiles up the Bridgeport Winter Trail. | Image: Nathan Bech, Wilderness and Trails Manager, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Brought to you by Mono County Tourism

At the base of jagged peaks and alpine forests lies the quaint and historic town of Bridgeport, CA. A peaceful place where the cows graze, hot springs bubble, and winter recreation opportunities abound. Here, you can find over 500 miles of stunning trails–summer and winter alike. As the winter season approaches, the maintenance crews for the many access points are getting ready for another season of fun in the high country. 

Away from the bustle of the resorts, a backcountry trail awaits near Buckeye Hot Springs. This is one of two scenic trails in the area that help you explore this beloved area in a new way. The Bridgeport Winter Trail System is a new winter recreation area in the region. Anyone hoping to explore scenic new routes and possibly take a dip underneath a natural thermal waterfall should add this groomed winter trail to their list.

The second trail, the Paha loop, runs along the creek and offers a unique terrain experience covering approximately three miles, mere feet from the serene waters of Robinson Creek and Lower Twin Lake.  The trail begins at the Paha Day use area, following Robinson Creek to South Twin Road, then winds through two campgrounds (Lower Twin and Crags) eventually leading to an overlook at lower Twin Lakes. It includes a loop through the Crags Campground, covering approximately three miles. However, this trail does not just provide groomed access to the Twin Lakes Basin but also serves as a nice complement to surrounding backcountry skiing, riding, and snowmobiling terrain.

Enjoying the view of the surrounding peaks. Image: Nathan Bech, Wilderness and Trails Manager, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

About the Bridgeport Winter Trail System

The Bridgeport Winter Trail System was created in 2021. The trail system was a pilot project made possible by volunteers, Mono County and the Forest Service. This unique and scenic groomed Nordic multi-use trail system started as just seven miles off Highway 395, up Twin Lakes Rd. to Buckeye Hot Springs.

The BWTS now includes a total of 10 miles of out and back groomed winter trails. This U.S. Forest Service trail-system is groomed and maintained by local volunteer and owner of the Virginia Creek Settlement, Jimmy Little.

You can find updates, trial etiquette info, and trail maps by visiting the county site or stopping by the Bridgeport Ranger Station. I’ve always found the rangers in this area to be very kind and full of knowledge. When exploring Forest Service land, I always give them a call, check for updates, and ask about any road closures before my trip. 

Trail map for the Buckeye trail. | Image: US Forest Service and Mono County

Winter Operations & Etiquette for Bridgeport Winter Trail System:

  • Grooming and plowing operations are weather dependent. Jan-April. 
  • Please respect TEMPORARY winter closures – NO WHEELED VEHICLES BEYOND CLOSURES
  • Please park in staging areas identified on map  DO NOT BLOCK ROADWAY – PROVIDE ACCESS FOR SNOW PLOWING AND EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS
  • Camp Like a Pro!  RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY – NO TRESPASSING
  • Do not ride or walk in cross country ski tracks.
  • Respect other trail users. Be courteous and yield right of way according to etiquette code. All users yield to grooming machines
  •  Over-Snow-Vehicles (OSV) yield to all other users. SPEED LIMIT IS 15 MPH
  • FAT BIKES: Yield to other non-motorized users. Do not ride in soft conditions – If you leave a rut deeper than 2 inches, it’s too soft.
Paha Trail Map. | Image: Mono County Tourism

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