Thing to Do

Bunsen Peak Road Ski Trail

Two skiers travel across a flat meadow with mountains in the distance.

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

The Bunsen Peak Road Ski Trail is a 6-mile (9.6-km) one-way, occassionally groomed, easiest to most-difficult trail with two trailhead options. The easier of the two options requires a snow coach drop-off, or a ski from the gate at the Upper Terrace Loop Ski Trail. This trailhead begins from the Mammoth-Norris road, just south of Rustic Falls and across from the upper end of the Snow Pass Trail at Swan Lake Flats. The upper 3 miles (4.8 km) are mostly level and suitable for all levels of skiing ability. On the northeast side of Bunsen Peak, the road becomes steep and winding, dropping 960 feet in 2.5 miles (292 m in 4 km) to Glen Creek.

The most difficult section of trail starts from the trailhead located within the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Camp area, from a plowed road in an employee housing area 0.8 miles (1.3 km) below the Upper Terrace parking area and 1.3 miles (2.1 km) above Mammoth.

Notes: CAUTION: Some curves have steep drop-offs and can be hazardous when icy. Bison and elk frequent this trail. Federal regulations require you to stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from bison and all other wild animals.

Check out the ski trail details and accessibility information at the bottom of this page.

Details
The duration will vary depending on fitness level, snow conditions, and length of time spent along the trail.
Easiest to most difficult.
Qualified service animals are welcome throughout the park and in all park facilities. However, they must be leashed and under your control at all times. This trail requires a backcountry access pass for service animals.
No fees are required, however, one-way or round-trip skier shuttles may be offered for this trail.
The trail can be accessed from the Mammoth-Norris Road, just south of Rustic Falls and across from the upper end of the Snow Pass Ski Trail at Swan Lake Flats. The other trailhead is located within the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Camp area from a plowed road in an employee housing area 0.8 miles (1.3 km) below the Upper Terrace parking area and 1.3 miles (2.1 km) above Mammoth.
Skier shuttle reservations may be required to access this trail. Reservations and information are available at park hotels and at:: 307-344-7311, Toll-free: 866-439-7375, TDD: 304-344-5395.
Season
Winter
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information

This skier-tracked trail follows a mostly flat dirt road for the first three miles when accessed from the trailhead on Swan Lake Flats. The section accessed from the YCC Camp is most difficult due to icy curves and steep downhill sections. Total elevation gain/loss for the trail is 1120 feet. Service dogs allowed with backcountry access permit.

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Last updated: April 21, 2025