Summary 
| Difficulty | 2 Beginner-intermediate |
| Length | Up to 7.8 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
6900 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
Up to +1250, -1250 round trip |
| Navigation | Road |
| Time | Half day |
| Season | Mid-December through mid-April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Low |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Convict Lake |
| Start | Southwest side of Highway 395 at McGee Creek, 9.1 miles southeast of Mammoth Junction (junction of Highways 395 and 203). Turn off Highway 395 at McGee Creek, cross the frontage road, and drive 100 yards until the road is no longer plowed. |
Description
From the flat lands at the very base of the escarpment, you immediately begin climbing toward the impressive canyon where McGee Creek lies. The steady but never steep climb into the canyon provides beautiful views to the east of Lake Crowley and the White Mountains.
The tour takes you on a road to Upper McGee Creek Campground where you have a view up the canyon of towering walls. Since these walls are extremely prone to avalanching, the tour ends at the campground. In fact, when the snow is unstable, this tour should be completely avoided.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.1
Elevation change: +550
From the trailhead (1), ski south for 1.1 miles on the snow-covered road until the road turns east (left) (2). Look carefully for the road where it turns; if you have lost the road and are climbing up a gully, you have probably passed the turn. Also, keep in mind that the east side of McGee Mountain is prone to avalanching.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 1.1 - 1.8
Elevation change: +150
Turn east (left) with the road and follow it east until it makes a sweeping turn to the south (right), and then continue south for a total of 0.7 mile until you reach McGee Creek Campground (3). As you ski south, McGee Creek will be nearby to the east (left).
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.8 - 2.8
Elevation change: +200
Ski southwest on the road for 1.0 mile until you reach a ranch (4) beyond which the avalanche danger increases.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.8 - 3.9
Elevation change: +350
If it is safe, continue to ski southwest on the road for 1.1 miles until you reach Upper McGee Creek Campground.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 3.9 - 7.8
Elevation change: -1250
Retrace the route for 3.9 miles back to the trailhead (1).
