Eastern Sierra Youth Outdoor Program

2023 program dates for the Eastern Sierra Youth Outdoor Program are June 20 to June 25, 2023. The program is led and facilitated by experienced outdoor education professionals with many years of experience. Todd Vogel, Eastside Sports co–owner, has spent over 25 years working as a professional mountain guide and outdoor educator. All other staff are people with similar experience. SKILLS TAUGHT IN THE PROGRAM INCLUDE: What to bring on a hike, rock climbing equipment use, movement skills and rappelling; packing a pack; map reading and navigation; care of self, group, equipment, and the environment; introduction to outdoor leadership; campsite selection and tent use, water purification, backcountry cooking, and sanitation. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! If you are 13 to 18 years of age you are invited to apply to the program. [...]

Sunset Bird Walk at Mono Lake

Mono Lake Park 38.01374413204566, -119.146036030488, Lee Vining, CA, United States

Join an ESIA naturalist for a sunset bird walk of Mono Lake’s County Park and Boardwalk. As we walk down to the lake through a gradient of habitats, you will get to see and hear a diversity of birds. This walk is less than one mile and on level ground. Bring binoculars if you have them. There are restrooms at this location.   This walk will take place every Thursday at 5 pm from June 22-September 14.   All programs are free of charge. Programs are outside and subject to cancellation without warning. An adult must accompany children on all programs. Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for changing weather. Bring water and snacks.

Panum Crater Tours

Panum Crater

Are you curious about geology of Mono Basin? Join an ESIA naturalist for an interpretive walk up a small, young volcano! This walk is about one mile and includes some elevation gain. Panum Crater Tours will be every Friday 10:00 am - 11:30 am from June 23 - September 15. There is no water or bathroom at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. The nearest restrooms are at South Tufa, a couple of miles to the East. Directions: From 395, turn east on Hwy 120 East, then turn left in about 3 miles where a sign says, Panum Crater. Continue down the dirt road to the trailhead.  All programs are free of charge. Programs are outside and subject to cancellation without warning. An adult must accompany children on all programs. Wear [...]

Wildflower Walk – Rock Creek

In celebration of National Wildflowers Week (May 14 - 20) designated by the United States Forest Service, Inyo National Forest botanists are hosting four Saturday “Wildflower Walks” at various locations during the summer blooming season. Botanists will be available for you to ask all your burning botanical questions. Until then, they’ll be posting on the Inyo National Forest’s Facebook page “Wildflowers of the Day” to share some of the species of blooming plants that can be spotted in different forest areas at this time. The exact location and other details about the Wildflower Walks are posted in the Events section of the Facebook page where you can RSVP. Depending on snowmelt and phenology, the exact location for each event will be added when it gets closer to the date. “May is a great time to view wildflowers [...]

Wildlife Tracking Workshop

Join professional wildlife tracker and mountain lion researcher Phil Johnston for a day in the woods learning to read the stories of wild animals through tracking. Phil has over a decade of experience teaching tracking and is certified as Senior Tracker through Tracker Certification North America. Come learn to identify the tracks and signs of the many charismatic creatures who make their living in the Eastern Sierra.   Email  with any questions. Register Here  

Sunset Bird Walk at Mono Lake

Boardwalk Trail, Mono Lake Park 38.013944024466404, -119.14635886709442, Lee Vining, CA, United States

Join an ESIA naturalist for a sunset bird walk of Mono Lake’s County Park and Boardwalk. As we walk down to the lake through a gradient of habitats, you will get to see and hear a diversity of birds. This walk is less than one mile and on level ground. Bring binoculars if you have them. There are restrooms at this location.   This walk will take place every Thursday at 5 pm from June 22-September 14.   All programs are free of charge. Programs are outside and subject to cancellation without warning. An adult must accompany children on all programs. Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for changing weather. Bring water and snacks.

Panum Crater Tours

Panum Crater

Are you curious about geology of Mono Basin? Join an ESIA naturalist for an interpretive walk up a small, young volcano! This walk is about one mile and includes some elevation gain. Panum Crater Tours will be every Friday 10:00 am - 11:30 am from June 23 - September 15. There is no water or bathroom at the trailhead, so plan accordingly. The nearest restrooms are at South Tufa, a couple of miles to the East. Directions: From 395, turn east on Hwy 120 East, then turn left in about 3 miles where a sign says, Panum Crater. Continue down the dirt road to the trailhead.  All programs are free of charge. Programs are outside and subject to cancellation without warning. An adult must accompany children on all programs. Wear [...]

Summer Evening Program: New Shady Rest

New Shady Rest Campground Amphitheater 37° 38' 50.4204" N 118° 57' 45.0756" W, Mammoth Lakes, CA, United States

ESIA naturalists will be giving evening program talks at campgrounds in the Eastern Sierra for July and August- every Saturday from 7-8 pm. All are welcome to join- even if you are not staying at the campground! All programs are free of charge. Programs are outside and subject to cancellation without warning. An adult must accompany children on all programs. Dress for changing weather.

Schulman Grove Walk with a Naturalist

Schulman Grove Visitor Center Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountain Rd, Bishop, CA, United States

Join an ESIA naturalist to learn more about the ancient bristlecone trees of Schulman Grove! This program is held weekly in July and August, with one exception: on July 23rd there will be no program. The walk is one mile. When: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Where: Meet at the Schulman Grove Visitor Center All programs are free of charge. Programs are outside and subject to cancellation without warning. Children must be accompanied by an adult on all programs. Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for changing weather. Bring water and snacks. For more information about the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, visit our WEBSITE

Animal Tracking Magic

Lee Vining Library 51710 US-395, Lee Vining, CA, United States

ESIA will be taking part in the Youth Summer Reading Challenge! This year's theme is magic mountain. Join ESIA and Mono County Library for these special programs: July 6, 2 pm at the Lee Vining Library July 18, 2 pm at the June Lake Library July 27, 2 pm at the Mammoth Lakes Library