We offer year-round interpretive hikes, walks, and talks throughout the Eastern Sierra.
Join our Sierra Forever naturalists on fun and free guided interpretive hikes and talks year round. In the summer and fall, we offer interpretive hikes exploring the ecology, history and geology of the some of the most spectacular spots in the Eastern 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, Sierra Forever has joined the Bureau of Land Management – Bishop Office and Alabama Hills Stewardship Group to offer interpretive hikes and ranger talks in the Alabama Hills October – May.
Below are some of the Interpretive Hikes that we offer.
Check our CALENDAR for more information and dates for all of these hikes. Sign up for our NEWSLETTER for announcements of new dates being added.
Eastern Sierra Interpretive Hikes Summer Series
Hike with a Sierra Forever naturalist and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Eastern Sierra as we explore the history, ecology and geology of some of it’s most spectacular places. Hikes are open to all ages and range from easy to moderate.
May 31 9:00am – 11:00am: Convict Lake
Easy 2.5 mile loop around the lake. Meet at the Convict Lake trailhead parking lot at the south side of the lake.
June 28 8:00am – 11:00am: Crystal Lake
Easy-moderate 3 mile out and back with some elevation gain. Meet at the Crystal Lake trailhead at the Lake George day use parking area.
July 19 9:00am – 12:00pm: Bennettville Mine
Easy-moderate 2.75 mile hike with a couple rocky sections near Lee Vining. Meet at the large turnout on hwy 120 near the south end of Tioga Lake.
August 30 8:00am – 11:00am: Little Lakes Valley
Easy 3 mile out and back hike to Box Lake. Meet at the Mosquito Flat trailhead sign.
Space is limited! RSVPs not required but strongly recommended. Please RSVP here.
Panum Crater Geology Tours at Mono Lake
1st and 3rd Fridays from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Starting June 6 through September 19 (excluding July 4), a Sierra Forever naturalist will be leading a free interpretive hike up a small, young volcano! This tour will explore the fascinating geology of the Mono Basin and surrounding area.
Dates: June 6, June 20, July 18, Aug 1, Aug 15, Sept 5, Sept 19
The walk is about 2 miles and includes some minor elevation gain on a soft, sandy trail.
Meet at the Panum Crater Trailhead kiosk. To get to Panum Crater, take Highway 395 and turn on Highway 120 East (like you’re going to South Tufa). Continue on Highway 120 for three miles until you see a dirt road with a small brown sign that says Panum Crater—turn left on that road. The parking lot is located just 1 mile down the road.
Space is limited! RSVPs not required but strongly recommended. Please RSVP here.
Panum Crater Geology Tours are also offered every Saturday and Sunday by our partners at Mono Lake Committee. Meet at the Trailhead Kiosk at 10:00am.
Wildflower Walks at Little Lakes Valley
2nd and 4th Fridays from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Starting June 27 through September 26, a Sierra Forever naturalist will be leading a free guided walk through one of the most spectacular spots for wildflower viewing in the Eastern Sierra.
Dates: June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug 8, Aug 22, Sept 12
Out and back hike is about 3 miles long with minimal elevation gain, but be mindful that the hike is at 10,000 feet elevation. Meet at the Mosquito Flat trailhead kiosk.
Space is limited! RSVPs not required but strongly recommended. Please RSVP here.
Birds & Bristlecones Nature Walks
Fridays at 9:00am from Aug 15 through Aug 29. Join local naturalists for a free guided walk in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Learn more about these ancient trees and the birds that call the forest home.
Dates: August 15, August 22, August 29
Loop hike is about 1 mile long with minimal elevation gain, but be mindful that the hike is at 10,000 feet elevation. Meet at the Schulman Grove Visitor Center Deck at 9:00am.
Wildlife Tracking with Phil Johnston
Join professional wildlife tracker and mountain lion researcher Phil Johnston for a day in the mountains 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. Upcoming workshops will be in the Mammoth area. Exact meeting location will be emailed the Thursday before the workshop. Please note: This workshop is from 9am- 3pm. You will be on your feet for the entire time, often walking over uneven terrain. Parents/guardians are solely responsible for supervising their children during this event.
Next date: July 12, 2025
Wildlife Tracking Workshop is $40 per adult and $15 per child. Register HERE
Alabama Hills Interpretive Hikes
Join a Sierra Forever naturalist on free guided interpretive hikes focusing on the fascinating geology and ecology of the Alabama Hills. Dates and topics vary, be sure to check our EVENTS page for the latest hikes!
Mammoth Lakes Snowshoe Hikes
Not a skier or snowboarder but still want to get out into the snow? Offered December – March, depending on conditions. 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.
