Lakes Basin Path – Skadi
Ride Notes
- Ride Length: 5 miles one way
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Best Seasons to Visit: Spring, summer, early fall
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 10 minutes
- Parking: Yes, in town and at the Lakes Basin
- Restrooms: Yes, in town and at the Lakes Basin
The Adventure – Lakes Basin Path
Ease into your cycling adventures with an e-bike ride along the scenic Lakes Basin Path, a rewarding paved ride from town into the heart of the town’s namesake Lakes Basin. Pedal past rushing creeks and towering pines, with the option to turn around at Twin Lakes or push on through the forest to Horseshoe Lake. The gentle grades make it approachable, but with over 1,000 feet of climbing, it will still earn you plenty of bragging rights.
The Reward – Skadi
Mammoth Lakes is fortunate to have Skadi, where chef and proprietor Ian Algerøen brings creativity and passion to every dish. This local gem showcases inventive fine dining with fresh rotating dishes alongside elevated beer and wine selections. Consistently praised by guests, Skadi earns its reputation for both flavor and artistry. With its cozy charm, beautifully plated dishes, and refined atmosphere, this dining experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Mammoth Rock Trail – East Side Bake Shop (Morning) + Devils Creek Distillery (Afternoon)
Ride Notes
- Ride Length: 5.3 miles one way
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Best Seasons to Visit: Summer, fall
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 9 minutes
- Parking: Yes
- Restrooms: Yes, available at the bottom at Sherwin Meadows Trailhead
The Morning Started Right – East Side Bake Shop
Start your day at East Side Bake Shop to fuel your ride. This local gem serves up serves up the ultimate comfort food with fresh-baked sourdough loaves, hot mini quiches, and sweet treats like blackberry jam bread pudding and dark chocolate spice cookies. Pair your favorites with a cup of organic local brew from Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters.
The Adventure – Mammoth Rock Trail
The Mammoth Rock Trail offers a mix of striking scenery and a moderately technical single-track experience. Starting from the trailhead on Sherwin Creek Road, the path climbs a sandy wash into the forest, following a historic route once used by mules traveling to the Mammoth Lakes Basin gold mines. As it winds across the lower slopes of the Sherwin Range, the trail passes beneath the iconic Mammoth Rock—a massive 250-million-year-old limestone and marble formation. The route finishes at a switchback on upper Old Mammoth Road. On the return, take it slow and stay mindful of hikers, runners, and horseback riders who also share the trail.
The Reward – Devils Creek Distillery
Cap off your ride with a tasting at Devils Creek Distillery, a true craft operation founded by the Mendel family in 2017. Distilled at 7,760 feet using alpine snowmelt and locally sourced grains, their whiskeys showcase meticulous artistry. Be sure to take a bottle home—these small-batch treasures only ship within California.
Stop by the tasting room on Friday and Saturdays (plus Sundays on holiday weekends) or schedule a private tasting outside of normal business hours.
Uptown/Downtown – Shelter Distillery
Ride Notes
- Ride Length: 10 miles out-and-back (loop options available)
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
- Best Seasons to Visit: Summer, fall
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 4 minutes
- Parking: Yes, at The Village
- Restrooms: Yes, at both The Village and the trailheads
The Adventure – Uptown/Downtown Trails
Starting in The Village, riders ascend the Uptown Trail on a well-kept singletrack perfect for intermediate cross-country riders. Wind through fragrant red firs along the edge of Hwy. 203, pass the historic Earthquake Fault, and loop back toward the North Village via the Downtown Trail. This is a fun, versatile ride for anyone looking to combine scenic forest riding with just the right amount of challenge.
The Reward – Shelter Distilling
From the Downtown Trail, roll straight into The Village for the perfect refuel at Shelter Distilling Shelter crafts mountain-forward spirits distilled on site and finished with handpicked ingredients and top-notch malt. The care in every detail shines through as you sip cocktails ranging from crisp to spicy, all designed to pair seamlessly with your Mammoth Lakes adventures. Don’t miss their wonderfully eclectic menu, featuring everything from Poke Tostadas to Smashburgers, Harissa Shrimp Tacos, and a fresh Mandarin Orange Salad—there’s something to excite every palate.
Bullet Downhill – The Eatery at Mammoth Brewing Company
Ride Notes
- Ride Length: 2.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: -1,200 feet (downhill)
- Best Seasons to Visit: Summer (Bike Park season)
- Distance from Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: 11 minutes
- Parking: Yes, at Main Lodge or The Village
- Restrooms: Yes, at the Bike Park
The Adventure – Bullet Downhill
For riders who crave a challenge, Bullet Downhill delivers in full. This steep, technical descent at Mammoth Mountain Bike Park (typically open late spring to early fall) throws everything at you. Known for the large rock garden at the top, this ride also delivers drops, tight turns, and high-speed sections—demanding precision, skill, and focus from start to finish. It’s a true test piece for advanced mountain bikers and hosts a number of national-caliber downhill races.
The Reward – The Eatery at Mammoth Brewing Company
After conquering the course, head to The Eatery at Mammoth Brewing Company for the ultimate reward. You’ve earned their famous Damn Good Mammoth Burger, perfectly paired with a locally brewed beer. Not a drinker? Go for their house-made root beer—just as satisfying and a local favorite. Bring your full-face helmet and pads—this trail is no joke, but the bragging rights (and the burger) are worth it.
Whether you’re just starting out or chasing double-black descents, Mammoth Lakes has the perfect bike-and-bite pairing waiting for you. Around here, every ride deserves a reward.
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