Family Friendly Biking in Mammoth Lakes

August 12, 2026

While Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is known for its extreme downhill trails and features, Mammoth Lakes offers plenty of gentler options for family biking too.

From easy paved paths to scenic dirt trails, there’s something here for riders of every age and ability. The near-perfect weather and unbeatable scenery make the area ideal for a family biking vacation.

Top Trails For Family Friendly Biking

Whether you’re looking for a quick, flat ride near town or a scenic afternoon out in the Basin, these three trails cover the range of what family biking in Mammoth Lakes looks like.

Town Loop Trail

5 miles | Paved, flat with gentle rolling hills | Easy | Starts at Mammoth Creek Park

Amenities: water, shade, playground, picnic tables at Shady Rest

Town Loop Trail is a paved path with a few gentle rolling hills and stunning views of Mammoth Mountain, the Sherwins, and the White Mountains across the Caldera. Its close proximity to town makes it especially convenient for families on a tight schedule. Start at Mammoth Creek Park and follow the 5-mile paved trail to Shady Rest, where you’ll find water, shade, a playground, and picnic tables.

Mammoth Lakes Basin Trails

5.3 miles one-way | Paved | Easy to moderate | Starts near The Village at Mammoth | Free shuttle with bike trailers available

Hop on a free bike shuttle at The Village and take it all the way to the Lakes Basin, where paved path. For a more challenging ride, get off at Twin Lakes and bike 5 miles up to Horseshoe Lake and then ride all the way back into town. For an easier ride, take the trolley all the way to Horseshoe Lake and ride back to the Village.

Finish the ride with an ice cream cone from Hugs Ice Cream in the Village. The Mammoth Lakes Basin bike path is an independent, paved path set away from the road, making it safe for families with smaller children.

Horseshoe Lake Loop

1.7-1.8 miles | Unpaved, mostly flat | Easy, beginner mountain bike-friendly | Loops around Horseshoe Lake | Crosses 7 bridges

This easy, flat, 1.7 mile trail loops around Horseshoe Lake. Enjoy shady forest sections and explore old building remnants on the backside of the lake. Again, take the Mammoth Lakes Basin Trolley from The Village all the way up to Horseshoe Lake.

Renting Bikes

For families who want a motorized assist on the climbs, electric bikes are a great option, especially with older teens or very young kids in tow. Rentals are available fromASO Mammoth, Footloose Sports, Get Outdoors 365, the Mammoth Adventure Center, Play Big Outdoors, and Wave Rave.

Top Tips For Biking With Your Family

  • Make sure everyone in the family can control and stop their bike. These are multi-use paths shared with pedestrians and cyclists of all abilities, so being able to safely slow down and avoid others matters, even on the easiest sections.
  • Observe posted speed limits, yield to pedestrians, and come to a full stop at road crossings. Never assume a car will stop for you.
  • Watch for horses on sections of the Basin path. Always yield, and follow posted Stop, Speak, and Stand instructions until horses have passed; hearing a human voice helps reassure them.
  • Wear a helmet, apply sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Everyone in the family, no exceptions.

Insider Tip

Stop at the Twin Lakes falls overlook for one of the best views on the Basin path, and take the short detour over the bridge between Upper and Lower Twin Lakes for another angle on the falls. Keep an eye out for bald eagles throughout the Basin, and always review our bear safety guide before heading out, since bears are occasionally spotted in the area.

Does your family have a favorite bike ride in or around Mammoth Lakes? For more ways to fill out your trip, check out our Family-Friendly Adventures guide.

Plan Your Family Bike Day

Pack sunscreen, plenty of water, and a helmet for everyone, and you’ve got what you need for a great day on two wheels in Mammoth Lakes. Pair it with a stop at the Twin Lakes falls overlook or a Hugs Ice Cream at the end of the ride, and check our bear safety guide before you head out, since bears are occasionally spotted in the Basin.

Does your family have a favorite bike ride in or around Mammoth Lakes? For more ways to fill out your trip, check out our Family-Friendly Adventures guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the easiest family bike ride in Mammoth Lakes?

The Horseshoe Lake Loop is the easiest, at under 2 miles with mostly flat terrain. The Town Loop Trail is also beginner-friendly at 5 miles with only gentle rolling hills.

Is the Mammoth Lakes Basin bike path safe for young kids?

Yes. It’s a paved path set apart from the road, and families who want to skip the climb can ride the free shuttle up and bike back down.

Can I rent an e-bike in Mammoth Lakes?

Yes, several local shops rent electric bikes, which are a good option for families tackling the Basin path’s climb with older teens or young kids along for the ride.

When does the Lakes Basin Trolley run?

It typically operates from late May through early September, with departures from the Village and Horseshoe Lake on the hour and half hour between 9am and 6pm.

Author
Richard Booher

Owner, Mammoth Off-Road Adventure Rentals

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