US-395 to Mammoth: Winter Road Conditions and Routes
Compiled October 2026 from SnoCal's Eastern Sierra research (National Park Service and Caltrans road information). Conditions change by the hour, so check the live sources below before you drive.
Check your route right now: Caltrans QuickMap for chain controls, closures and cameras, Caltrans Road Information (enter 395, 203 and, from the Bay Area, 80), or call 1-800-427-7623.
The short version
There is no winter road across the Sierra between Lake Tahoe and the Tehachapis. Tioga Road (Highway 120 through Yosemite) is usually closed from November through late May or early June, according to the National Park Service, which covers the entire ski season. Sonora Pass (SR-108) and Ebbetts Pass (SR-4) close for winter too. So US-395 is the only realistic corridor to Mammoth and June Mountain, and your navigation app may still try to route you over a closed pass.
Which way you actually drive
| From | Route | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles / SoCal | North on US-395, roughly 310 miles from LA | The easy direction: no Sierra crossing. Chain controls on US-395 and SR-203 into Mammoth Lakes in storms |
| Bay Area / Sacramento | East on I-80 over Donner Summit, then south on US-395 | Every I-80 chain control and closure applies to your Mammoth trip too |
| Bay Area (alternative) | South through the Central Valley and around the range | Longer, but avoids Donner |
From Northern California, Mammoth is a weekend-minimum trip. And because the usual route crosses Donner, an I-80 closure strands a Mammoth trip as effectively as a Tahoe one. For a Bay Area day trip, look at Tahoe or the Central Sierra instead.
Chain controls on the way
Mammoth traffic hits chain controls on US-395 and on SR-203, the road from 395 into Mammoth Lakes. June Mountain is about 20 miles north of Mammoth on 395. R2 is the common level: chains on passenger cars unless you have all-wheel or four-wheel drive with snow-tread tires on all four wheels, and everyone must carry chains in a control area. See our chain control guide and which chains to buy.
Does flying help?
Only from Southern California. Mammoth Yosemite Airport has semi-private charter service from selected SoCal airports in winter, and Bishop's commercial service is summer-only. From the Bay Area, the realistic option is flying to Reno and driving south on US-395. Details in our Eastern Sierra guide.
Get the drive outlook every Thursday
Our free Weekend Outlook covers the US-395, I-80, US-50 and SR-88 outlook and our call for the weekend.
US-395 to Mammoth: frequently asked questions
Is Tioga Pass open to get to Mammoth in winter?
No. The National Park Service says Tioga Road, Highway 120 through Yosemite, is usually closed from November through late May or early June. Use US-395 instead.
What is the best route from the Bay Area to Mammoth in winter?
Usually I-80 over Donner Summit, then south on US-395. The alternative is south through the Central Valley and around. You cannot cross the Sierra between Tahoe and the Tehachapis in winter.
Is there chain control on Highway 395 right now?
Check Caltrans QuickMap at quickmap.dot.ca.gov, look up 395 and 203 at roads.dot.ca.gov, or call 1-800-427-7623. Check again right before you leave.
Related: Mammoth guide · June Mountain · Where to stay at Mammoth. SnoCal is not affiliated with Caltrans or the National Park Service. Always confirm conditions before you travel.