Sierra National Forest

Recreation - SNO-PARK Information and Areas

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The California Department of Parks and Recreation operates 21 SNO-PARK sites state-wide that provide snow-cleared parking lots with sanitation facilities and access to snow play areas, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Snow-cleared parking lots cannot be guaranteed on a daily basis because of weather conditions and snow plowing priorities. On the Sierra National Forest there are five SNO-PARK sites located near Shaver and Huntington Lakes. The SNO-PARK Program is administered by the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division. Please call the SNO-PARKS hot line at (916) 324 -1222 for more information.

A SNO-PARK permit is required for each vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site from November 1 through May 30 of each year. Permits are sold as Day Permits or Seasonal Permits by permit vendors throughout northern California. Day permits are sold for $5.00 and are valid for one single day. Season permits are sold for $25.00 and are valid for the entire SNO-PARK season (November 1 through May 30). Vendors are listed below.

The SNO-PARK permit must be displayed on the left side of the vehicle dashboard where it can be seen clearly from outside the vehicle. All permits sold are non-refundable; day permits are non-transferable. Any vehicle parked at a SNO-PARK site without a permit properly displayed is subject to a $75.00 fine. Should you receive a fine and have questions, contact the court or law enforcement office of the County in which the SNO-PARK site is located.

Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis at all SNO-PARK sites. No refunds are issued if your favorite SNO-PARK is full. Park and drive carefully within SNO-PARK sites. Overnight parking, including in-vehicle camping is allowed except where noted or signed at SNO-Park sites. Tent camping or sleeping outside a vehicle in the parking area is prohibited at all SNO-PARK sites. Do not build campfires on paved areas. Do not litter SNO-PARK sites. Trash containers may not be provided, so pack out your own refuse. Carry a shovel and tire chains. Vehicles parked overnight need to be staked at all 4 corners with 1x2 inch by 8 foot poles to prevent accidental damage by snow removal equipment.

Your common sense, skill level, use of proper clothing, and respect for the terrain and weather all affect your safety, so take some time to plan your trip. Call 1 (800) 427-7623 for a CALTRANS recording on highway conditions.

LOCATION OF SNO-PARK SITES

For a map of SNO-PARK locations, please follow this link.

The following sites area located on the Sierra National Forest:

Balsam Meadows - north side of Highway 168, 55 miles east of Fresno in Fresno County.

Amenities: Snow play area with limited cross-country skiing. No snowmobiling.

Site is managed by Southern California Edison. Call (559)841-3134.

Tamarack - south side of Highway 168, 60 miles east of Fresno in Fresno County.

Amenities: Snowmobile trails, cross country skiing and limited snow play.

Call (559) 855-5360.

Coyote - north side of Highway 168, 61 miles east of Fresno in Fresno County.

Amenities: Cross-country ski area with limited snow play. No snowmobiles.

Call (559) 855-5360.

Eastwood - east side of Highway 168 at Huntington Lake, 75 miles east of Fresno in Fresno County.

Amenities: Snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails with limited snow play.

Call (559) 855-5360.

Huntington Lake - west side of Huntington Lake Road, and three miles from Eastwood.

Amenities: Sno-Park Snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails with limited snow play.

Call (559) 855-5360.

SNO-PARK VENDORS

Herb Bauer Sporting Goods
6264 N. Black Stone
Fresno, CA
(559) 435-8600

Lakeshore Resort
61953 Huntington Lake
Lakeshore, CA
(559) 893-3193

Rancheria Enterprises
62311 Huntington Lake
Lakeshore, CA
(559) 893-3234

Shaver Lake Hardware
41777 Highway 168
Shaver Lake, CA
(559) 841-3298

Shaver Lake Sports
41698 Tollhouse Rd.
Shaver Lake, CA
(559) 841-2740

Sierra Summit Mountain Resort
59265 Hwy. 168
Lakeshore, CA
(559) 233-2500