Weekend Blitz
See the sites of Mammoth on a quick weekend cycling trip in Mammoth Lakes.
Friday: Arrive at Mammoth Lakes and stretch your legs with the Reds Meadow Ride.
Saturday: Epic Ride to the Wildrose Summit
Sunday: Morning yoga at the Snowcreek Athletic Club Ride the June Lake Loop Departure
The Big Weekend
Four Days of Trails
Enjoy the spectacular sites on this adventure on the trails surrounding Mammoth Lakes. For information on specific trails, visit mammothtrrails.org.
Day 1: Shady Rest Park to Mammoth Rock Trail
Day 2: Horseshoe Lake
Day 3: Lookout Mountain Loop
Day 4: Paper Route.
Off-road Weekender
Hit the dirt for a fun weekend of Mountain Biking
Day 1: Stretch your legs on the Paper Route loop and surrounding trails
Day 2: Dig deep on the epic “Full Elephant” route
Day 3: See the sites on the Mammoth Rock Trail
Four Days of Cross Training
Run, bike and swim your way to triathlon success.
Day 1:
Paper Route Run
Whitmore Pool Swim
Day 2:
Yoga at Snowcreek Athletic Club
Wildrose Summit Road Bike Ride
Day 3:
Horseshoe Lake Swim
Healing Arts Center Movement Workshop|
Day 4:
Upper Rock Creek Road Bike Ride
Laurel Pond Run
Lookout Mountain Loop
This route, which combines scenic views, rolling hills, one good climb, and soft footing in a pine forest, is a favorite of Jon Pierce. "It's a great place to get in the miles during base training or for easy runs," he said.
Benton Crossing Road Laurel Pond
Some Track Club athletes test race-ready fitness by maintaining a hard, 10-15 mile tempo on Benton Crossing Road (aka "Green Church Road"). The terrain is flat to rolling with scenic vistas in every direction.
Laurel Pond
Olympian Jen Rhines likes to run around Laurel Pond, a relatively fat 2-mile loop around the pond, which is tucked in by the mountains. "Since I am a track runner, she said, "I enjoy running multiple loops. It puts me in the track mentality while enjoying the Mammoth Lakes' scenery."
Horseshoe Lake Loop
The 1.9-mile run around the Horseshoe Lake Loop is mostly singletrack with a brief section at the end on the paved Lakes Basin Path. The dirt is soft but firm, the terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle ups and downs, and the woods provide plenty of shade on a warm day. Head out counter-clockwise from the parking area. Run around the lake once or add a second lap for a longer run.
BONUS: This is also a great place for interval training! Complete the workout with an open-water swim across the lake, out and back. Be aware that even in the height of summer the water is cold, so bring a wetsuit!
Lake Mary
Josh Cox trains for courses with long downhills by running a hard 20 miler up at Lake Mary and finishing off by traveling down Highway 203 to the access road adjacent to Highway 395.
Mike McKeeman also gets the most training bang for his buck by doing an interval workout around the road at Lake Mary, a combination of 2-mile, mile, and ½-mile repeats, concluding with a few hill sprints up the road toward Lake George. "Running hard at 9,000 feet (in limited doses) always seems to help prepare me for a marathon," McKeeman said. "If I can run hard up there then mile 20 of a marathon will be no problem."
Sherwin Creek Road / Antelope Valley
Simply being able to step out your back door and run down a road as rural as Sherwin Creek road is something unique to Mammoth Lakes. Except for where the route intersects with Highway 395, you're more likely to see a bald eagle than another human being. The dirt road offers a number of challenging hills to conquer.
Shady Rest Park To Mammoth Rock Trail
Josh Cox, who recently set the U.S. 50k record, likes to train on the loop through Shady Rest Park, down to Highway 395 and up the bike path along Highway 203 to a loop around Lake Mary. He then heads back down the Mammoth Rock Trail for a finish near the creek, where he stretches then hops into the water to cool off his legs.
"This loop showcases all of Mammoth's beauty and the constant change of scenery keeps my mind off my burning lungs," Cox says.
Lakes Basin Path
Deena Kastor enjoys the challenge of running in the Lakes Basin at 9,000 feet above sea level. "Such a challenge in training makes racing at sea level much easier." Extend the length of your run by accessing the Lakes Basin via the Lakes Basin Path. This run is one of the most popular and accessible in town. Though it's a persistent uphill, the grade is gradual, and being on the Lakes Basin Path, away from vehicular traffic, makes it pleasant and safe. As you leave the neighborhoods behind and pass through the tunnel, the vista opens up to spectacular views of the Mammoth Crest.
Inyo Craters Loop
Deena Kastor can often be found pounding the pavement here. "The area reveals the splendor of the geological activity we are surrounded by," Kastor says, who enjoys the solitude of this loop run as well as the fall foliage combined with the challenge of running on all dirt.
Paper Route
Both middle distance runner Morgan Uceny and Anna Pierce, one of the top milers in the world, enjoy running this narrow, single-track mountain bike trail that twists and rolls along the side of Mammoth Mountain. According to Uceny, "Despite the high altitude, it is a run that distracts you with its surroundings. This is one of the few runs in Mammoth that I never want to end and where time flies with the ground beneath my feet!"
Upper Rock Creek
Interbike Gamble
A little bike ride from Mammoth Lakes to Interstate 95, and then onto Vegas and #Interbike by car.
- 141.1 miles
- 7,530 feet of elevation gain
- Route Overview
- Cue Sheet
Pamper Pedal Route
This is a 44.79-mile bike ride from Mammoth Lakes to Bishop with a total ascent of 720.37 feet and a maximum elevation of 7,831.2 feet. Ride the Pamper Pedal route on your own or take part in the annual Pamper Pedal Ride held each May or June.
Wildrose Summit
Out and back from Mammoth Lakes to the Wildrose Summit.
Distance: 71.0 mi
Elevation: +3,838 / -3,838 ft
The Scenic Loop
The Scenic Loop is a classic Mammoth Lakes' route and is often used as a way to get to-and-from Mammoth Lakes on longer rides and loops. It is also a great introduction to Mammoth Lakes road biking as a stand alone ride. Starting at the Village at Mammoth, head up Minaret Road and turn right on the Mammoth Scenic Loop. The route continues to climb for a short while before it begins the descent. The road winds through a Jeffery Pine forest and eventually intersects with Highway 395. For a quite and gentle climb back, return the same way. For a loop option turn right on Highway 395 for a few miles and return to Mammoth via Highway 203 (warning: this climb is a grind).
Distance: 18 miles round-trip
Lowest Elevation: 7,600 feet
Highest Elevation: 8,350 feet
Difficulty: Short and sweet
June Lake Loop
The June Lake Loop is one of the more scenic roads to ride in the Eastern Sierra with moderate elevation gain. There are plenty of hills that add up to nearly 900-feet of climbing, but the terrain is rolling and enjoyable. Start at the June Lake Beach and turn right on North Shore Drive then left on the June Lake Loop. At the junction with Highway 395 turn left heading north. In seven miles, turn left to get back on to Highway 158 at the north end of the June Lake Loop.
Enjoy the views of Grant Lake, and Silver Lake as the loop winds through the mountains and aspen groves. In another 12 miles, turn left on North Shore Drive just before Gull Lake; the route continues to climb over the highest point before descending back to June Lake Beach. You can also do this loop in reverse.
To make this a full-day ride, start and finish in Mammoth Lakes. Take the Scenic Loop to Highway 395 north, continue past the June Lake Junction to the north end of the loop and follow the directions above. Return to Mammoth Lakes via Highway 395 and the Scenic Loop for a 57-mile, round-trip ride.
Total Distance from Mammoth Lakes: 56.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,966 feet
Lakes Basin Path
Distance: 14 miles round-trip (starting/finishing at the Village at Mammoth)
Lowest Elevation: 8,050 feet
Highest Elevation: 9,022 feet
The Lakes Basin Path promises relatively gentle climbing on fresh pavement with views to distract you from the pain. Though this route climbs 1,000 feet, the path winds in and out of aspen groves, past numerous lakes, and offers stunning vistas of Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Crest, and Long Valley. The path will take you all the way to Horseshoe Lake. To make it a loop, retur on the path, turn right at Pokonobe Lodge, and loop around Lake Mary. For additional mileage and climbing, pedal up and back to Lake George and to the Coldwater Trailhead.
Be sure to control your speed when heading down the LBP, stay on the right side, and enjoy the view as you descend back to town.
Reds Meadow Ride
Distance: 29.8 miles round-trip (starting/finishing at the Village at Mammoth)
Lowest Elevation: 7,737 feet
Highest Elevation: 9,265 feet
The winding and steep road that descends to Reds Meadow is a thrill for downhill riders, and the climb back out will truly test you aerobic capacity. From the Village at Mammoth take Minaret Road/Highway n203 past Mammoth Mountain's Main Lodge and continue to the Minaret Vista. This is the highest point on the ride. Descending to Reds Meadow you'll see great views of the Minarets and the Ritter Range as the road drops steeply into the valley.
Be sure to use caution and control your speed. The road has not been resurfaced in years and the cliff is steep. Although passenger vehicles are not allowed without a camping permit, shuttle buses take up much of the one lane road. At Agnew Meadows the road makes a sharp left and continues to descend, rolling through the forest, past Starkweather Lake, Devils Postpile National Monument, and Sotcher Lake before the road ends at Red's Meadow Resort. Refill your water bottles, and pick up a snack or lunch before the long and strenuous climb out of the valley.
The Full Elephant
Distance: 12 mi Avg Grade: 4%
Lowest Elev: 7,810 ft Highest Elev: 10,522 ft
Elev Difference: 2,713 ft
The Paper Route Loop
Distance: 3.8 miles
Lowest Elevation: 8,756 ft
Highest Elevation: 9,063 ft
Put a smile on your face! Route Details
Big Ring
Distance: 1.6 mi
Average Grade: -6%
Lowest Elevation: 8,333 ft
Highest Elevation: 8,840ft
MammothTrails.org Route List
See a full list of recommended rides on MammothTrails.org
Mammoth Rock Trail
June Lake
The high alpine June Lake, located just 20 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes makes for an excellent open-water swimming spot.
Whitmore Pool
Whitmore Pool is fed by natural hot springs, the pool has a 360-degree view of the Eastern Sierra. The facility includes a six lane 25-meter pool, children's wading pool, restrooms, hot showers, lawn area, BBQ and vending machines. The pool is open from approximately mid-June through early September. There is a nominal fee per person.
Horseshoe Lake
Great place for an open-water swim across the lake, out and back. Be aware that even in the height of summer the water is cold, so bring a wetsuit!
BONUS: There is a 1.9-mile singletrack trail around the lake — great place for a quick run before/after your swim.
Eastside Velo
Eastside Velo is a bicycle club registered with United States Cycling Federation, a part of USA Cycling. Throughout the riding season (April-October) the club organizes and supports many classic rides in the Eastern Sierra. The average ride attendance is between 30-60 riders per event. Supported rides feature feed stations every 25 miles (approximately), signage on the highway, mechanical repair equipment and often a rolling SAG vehicle available for rescue or repair. At the conclusion of many of the club's signature rides there will be a hosted lunch, or alternatively riders will meet at popular dining venues. ESV members range in abilities from novice to expert, and most of the supported rides are "out and back," so the distance traveled can be up to the individual rider.
Mammoth Track Club
The Mammoth Track Club has an impressive history dating back to 2001 when Coaches Joe Vigil and Bob Larsen brought Deena Kastor and Meb Keflezighi to Mammoth Lakes with the vision of starting an elite running club under the name RunningUSA. Many of America's top distance runners came to Mammoth Lakes to train under these renowned coaches in hopes to gain a benefit from the ideal altitude and the other elite runners surrounding them. Within the same year RunningUSA touched foot in Mammoth Lakes, Andrew Kastor began his own running club, the High Sierra Striders, which focused more on the broader community. The 100-strong membership taught local runners of all ages and abilities to better themselves through running.
With the growing running population in town, the High Sierra Striders began hosting racing events throughout the year. The races cater to the local community while attracting visitors to our athlete-friendly town. In what is the High Sierra Striders' largest contribution, was working with the town, sponsors and private donors to bring an all-weather, high-performance track & field facility built for the community and visitors to run, jump and throw to their health or competitive pleasure. The two entities merged into one in 2012 and the group became sponsored by ASICS America in 2014.
High Sierra Triathlon Club
The High Sierra Triathlon Club is a non-profit organization developed to provide a fun and supportive environment for triathlete training in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. Based in Mammoth Lakes they train in June Lake, Mammoth and Bishop. Join them for workouts each week, group races, special events, races and clinic. They also offer individual athlete coaching as well as outdoor training events mid-May through September.
Snowcreek Athletic Club
Snowcreek Athletic Club is adjacent to beautiful meadows, breathtaking mountain views, walking and biking paths and five outdoor tennis courts. Reach and exceed your fitness goals through personal training, small group training, fitness friendly and sport-specific programs for all levels and ages, children's programming, and a wide variety of fitness classes. Snowcreek Athletic Club offers both an outdoor and indoor pool.
Mammoth Trampoline Club
Located inside Snowcreek Athletic Club, Mammoth Trampoline Club is taking on a fresh approach to an indoor training club. MTC offers a variety of programs to meet everyone's needs; whether you are a world class athlete looking to progress your skiing and riding by utilizing MTC's harnesses and experienced coaching staff, or just want to have a good time with your friends in a fun and safe environment, MTC is the place to be! Learn more.
Footlose Sports
Footloose has built its award-winning reputation on service. Founded by local skiers in 1981 as a personal bootfitting service, the shop has grown from there - always innovating and expanding, but staying true to its core mission: getting you on the best possible gear, and insuring that it fits and functions to the highest standard.
Kittredge Sports
Kittredge Sports is one of the premiere outdoor stores in the Eastern Sierra. Since opening, service and high quality products have been their priority. Making each customer feel welcome and doing their best to meet your needs is their first order of business. For the last 44 years Kittredge has stocked only the best and most reliable equipment in their retail and rental departments and personally test everything they sell.
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
Your source for backpacking, climbing, and hiking gear as well as backcountry and telemark selections.
Brian's Bicycles and Cross-Country Skis
Brian's carries a select line of Giant bicycles including road and mountain bikes, and bikes for just cruising around town. Whether you're interested in a short ride around the local Mammoth Lakes' bike paths, a scenic road ride, or a full scale epic ride down Mammoth Mountain, check out their selection.
Valuesports
If you want the best prices on the greatest mountain sports products and outstanding service, Valuesports is the place to shop. Mammoth Lakes is the ideal outdoor destination for any season of the year, and your friends at Valuesports have the latest and greatest gear, news and info for your trip! The weather here is always changing, so stop by Valuesports to make sure you are dressing for the conditions.
Sierra Mountaineering International
Sierra Mountaineering International was founded by Kurt Wedberg in the fall of 1995. They are specialists in all | types of mountaineering guiding and instruction year round in this inspiring and beautiful mountain range.
Sierra Mountain Guides
Sierra Mountain Guides
Sierra Mountain Center
Sierra Mountain Center strives to make your entire Sierra Mountain Center trip a safe, enjoyable, and successful experience without simply rushing to the goal; to demonstrate, teach, and encourage environmental and mountain leadership while offering their staff the potential to have a sustainable, respected career in guiding by meeting or exceeding modern standards for guide training and professionalism.
High Sierra Triathlon Club
The High Sierra Triathlon Club offers triathlon camps as well as strength and conditioning camps to get you race-ready.
Alana Levin
Alana is a USA Triathlon Coach, an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and a PSIA Nordic Instructor. She has coached Nordic skiing, triathlon and endurance athletes since the 1990s. Alana is a two-time Ironwoman and finished | first in her age group in her very first ironman distance race and has seen podium finishes in 70.3s, Olympic, Sprint and Half-Marathon races. She founded and serves as Executive Director for the High Sierra Triathlon Club and Race Director for the June Lake Triathlon.
Mammoth Strength
Mammoth Strength specializes in the art and science of athletic strength and conditioning, injury rehabilitation and prevention. Their ideal is to educate clients in the proven theory and practice of modern and classical athletic training methods. Trainees are provided with the opportunity to develop the technical skill set needed to effectively follow an individualized training program.
Healing Arts Center
Healing Arts Movement Studio offers movement in the forms of Yoga, Pilates, Dance, Martial Arts and Movement Workshops. All classes are taught by certified instructors and are very passionate about their form of art.
The Body Shop Gym
The Body Shop gym is an independently owned and operated fitness facility located in the heart of Mammoth Lakes. They cater to local, seasonal and visitors alike. The Body Shop is Mammoth Lakes' friendly premium value gym, offering everything from day passes to long term memberships. All the essential cardio and weight equipment is present, everything you need, nothing you don't. This fitness facility has a great sporty vibe fueled by the community of athletes in which it's located. Trainers are available.