Snowmobile Patrol

What could be better than riding your snowmobile in the Jeffrey pine forest north of Mammoth or in the Bodie Hills on a crisp, clear winter day? Answer: Not having an accident or breakdown, so you live to do it again. Mono County offers over 100 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, and hundreds of square miles of open areas for more advanced riders. If you like to snowmobile, you've come to the right place.

The Mono County Sheriff's Department operates a Snowmobile Patrol Program which is partially funded from Grants received from the State of California. This snowmobile program has been in operation for a number of years. Deputies patrol various snowmobile trails and county areas: looking for safety concerns, unauthorized access to wilderness area, licensing, etc.

Chances are that you will meet snowmobile patrols from the Sheriff's Department or from the US Forest Service. Both are out there to protect you and the land. Wave when you see us drive by!

If you want to ride on public lands, you must have a green sticker!

Our Snowmobile Patrol will issue citations for unregistered machines!

For further information regarding obtaining a Green Sticker please refer to the following website: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/ohvredgreen.htm

Snowmobiling, like all sports, involves some risk. Here's how to reduce the risks. Consider these tips:

• Tell others where you plan to go and when you plan to return. Ask them to contact us if you don't return on time.
• Be alert for changes in weather.
• Recognize and avoid avalanche zones.
• If your machine is disabled, stay with it and don't panic. Plan to spend the night, using emergency equipment that you wisely brought along. (You did pack appropriate food, extra warm and dry clothing, signaling devices, water, and snow shovel, didn't you?)
• Cell phones work in some of our back country areas, but not everywhere. GPS units don't work everywhere, either. Batteries can run down. Check gas and oil before setting out.
• Check that gas stations that you plan to use along your route will be open.
• It's illegal to operate any motor vehicle, including snowmobiles, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Display a current green sticker on your machine.
• Stay out of Wilderness areas and off closed trails.
• Avoid tearing up areas with thin snow cover, and pack out all your trash

Also see Personal Locator Beacon Information