Travel to Mammoth, CA in Winter

lanerd wrote:
88?? Not familiar with that route, in fact, never heard of it. However, 395 between Reno and Bishop is very unpredictable during the winter months. You would have to go day by day with the weather and pick one that is favorable. If you go over I-80 to Reno and then south on 395, the highway will be in the neighborhood of 9000 feet on several occasions.

The three passes south of Reno and over the Sierras during the winter are typically closed. That leaves you to go south to Bakersfield, over Hwy 58 (Tehachapi Pass) and then north on 395.....long way around but much less chance of hitting snow.

Sorry, but more bad info. The snow and road conditions are very predictable up there. Snow storms just don't come up out of no where. The storm fronts move in from the Northwest and they know days in advance when the storms are coming. They may not be able to tell you exactly how much will fall or what the conditions of the roads will be, but they can tell if it's going to snow or not.

clarkster wrote:
The only passes open in winter are I-80 north of Lake Tahoe or Hwy 50 south of Tahoe.
50 might be dicey if there is lots of snow but I=80 is a major east/west freeway that is kept open all winter.....with frequent short term shutdowns.

Anywhere further south and all the passes shut down in winter due to snow.....Hwy 88 goes to the Kirkwood ski area so that might stay open for skiers traffic with chains often required.
For sure you will not be able to get over Monitor pass and to the east side of the Sierras.

Bad info. 88 is kept open year round.

I've driven my motor home over 88 several times towing my car, I would be very careful doing it during the winter. Snow mounds along the road makes an already narrow road even more narrow. Can you do it during the winter yes, but like others have said, keep an eye on the weather and road conditions. 395 heading south can be the same way. Personally, I'd plan on taking the southern route, better and safer road conditions during the winter. Might take a couple hours longer, but what the heck. Enjoy your trip.
Brian

Click on link, then click on Hwy 88, or your choice....Dennis

California DOT Cameras

Kayteg1 wrote:
Yeah watch the weather for sure.
Looks like 88 was the only route I did not drive between CA and NV but driving car or truck even in April I was running into chain restriction even on 58
Bare in mind that commercial trucks crossing Sierra have to carry chains year around.

Just make you check CalTrans before you head off.

Yeah watch the weather for sure.
Looks like 88 was the only route I did not drive between CA and NV but driving car or truck even in April I was running into chain restriction even on 58
Bare in mind that commercial trucks crossing Sierra have to carry chains year around.
Food for toughs.

Have gone to Carson City,NV for family ski trips and stay with relatives. I watch the weather and plan accordingly. I have had to put chains on the Class A twice and that was between Mammoth and June Lake.

I would skip as much snow as possible and go around through Bakersfield.
Otherwise it would be I80 over the hill and down 395

Appreciate the input - 88 does go to Kirkwood. We currently are planning on 80 to Reno and 395 South, but look at 88 as the alternate if there are no current storms - which we would avoid anyway.

We have done the trip over the summit on 80 numerous times, just never did the trip South on 395 or East on 88.

88 is open year around. As long as there is no current storm you would be good.