All Programs

Ski with a Ranger – Alpine Meadows

March 22 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Geology of the Alabama Hills

March 22 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Wildlife Tracking Workshop

March 23 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

We offer year-round interpretive hikes, walks, and talks throughout the Eastern Sierra.

Our spring and fall color hikes explore the beauty of the changing colors in the Sierra. In the winter, we take to the snowy trails of Mammoth Lakes with snowshoes discussing the local trees, winter animal communities, and snow science. Additionally, ESIA has joined the Bureau of Land Management – Bishop Office and Alabama Hills Stewardship Group to help share why the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area is a very special place.

Below are some of the Interpretive Hikes that we offer.

Check back for 2024 dates, coming soon!

We will be updating our CALENDAR with information and dates so please check back soon.

Mammoth Lakes Snowshoe Hikes

Not a skier or snowboarder but still want to get out into the snow? Join an ESIA naturalist for a free guided snowshoe tour. You will learn about winter ecology, snow science, and so much more. Snowshoes are provided and no prior experience is necessary. The tour will be approximately 1 mile long and will last about 1.5 hours. No sign up required and all are welcome.

Evening Bird Outing in Lee Vining

Thursdays at 5 pm. Every Thursday until September 14, join an ESIA naturalist for a sunset bird outing at Mono Lake’s County Park and Boardwalk! While hiking down to the lake through a gradient of habitats, you will get to see and hear a diversity of birds. This free hike is less than one mile and on level ground. Bring binoculars if you have them!

Panum Crater Tours at Mono Lake

Fridays from 10 am to 11 am. Every Friday until September 15, an ESIA naturalist will be leading an interpretive hike up a small, young volcano! This tour will explore the geology of the Mono Basin. The walk is one mile and includes some elevation gain. Meet at the trailhead.

Ancient Bristlecones Walk with a Naturalist

Sundays from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Join an ESIA naturalist to learn more about the ancient bristlecone pines at Schulman Grove! Meet in front of the visitor center. The walk is roughly one mile long at 10,000 feet. This free program is held weekly in July and August, except July 23.

Wildlife Tracking with Phil Johnston

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 call the Eastern Sierra home. Check back for added dates in September! Register HERE

Wildflower Walks with Inyo National Forest Botanists

Each month this summer, a Wildflower Walk will take place at various locations where the wildflowers are in full bloom! Check the Events section of the U.S. Forest Service-INYO National Forest Facebook page for more details. Depending on snowmelt and phenology, the exact location for each event will be updated as the date gets closer.

Alabama Hills Interpretive Hikes

Be sure to check our EVENTS page for the latest hikes!

Hiker at the bottom of a hill with Mobius Arch above