Mammoth Lakes, California, is home to some of the best bike trails in the Eastern Sierra, offering stunning mountain views and a wide range of trails for riders of all skill levels. In this blog, we’ll explore the top five bike trails, from beginner-friendly green routes to thrilling black diamond trails for expert riders. From just starting or looking to push your limits, Mammoth has something for everyone.
Before you hit the trails, check out top bike brands like Cannondale, Haro, Rocky Mountain, and Fuji, all available at Sun & Ski Sports. We also offer bike rentals, including helmets, with an easy online or in-store process to get you geared up and ready to ride. If you’re heading to California and love to bike, keep reading to discover the best bike trails in Mammoth Lakes.
Shop All BikesEasy Family-Friendly Scenic Bike Loop in Mammoth Lakes
Biking the Mammoth Lakes Town Loop is an excellent way to discover the beauty of Mammoth while acclimating to the altitude. This 7-mile loop offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Sherwin Range, Mammoth Rock, and Mammoth Mountain, making it one of the most scenic routes in the area. Perfect for families and beginner cyclists, the paved multi-use path invites leisurely exploration right from your front door. The trail gently rolls through sagebrush flats and lush pine forests, adorned with wildflowers during the blooming season. Enjoy sunny vistas with occasional shaded spots and benches for rest breaks, and take advantage of nearby parks that provide public restrooms.
The Town Loop seamlessly weaves together paved paths and surface streets, passing parks, shops, restaurants, golf courses, and quiet residential neighborhoods. E-bikes are welcome, but please be mindful of your speed, as many runners and families enjoy this delightful route.
Perfect for All Bikers: Lakes Basin Path
The Lakes Basin Path welcomes e-bikes and is suitable for all fitness levels. Riders can acclimate to altitude while enjoying stunning outdoor scenery. This paved path stretches over four miles and runs alongside Lake Mary Road. It begins at the intersection of Lake Mary and Minaret Roads. First, rent an e-bike from Sun & Ski Sports to reach the path quickly from the Mammoth Lakes Town Loop. Start your ride at Twin Lakes and explore Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Horseshoe Lake, and Lake George.
The ride delivers breathtaking views of the Mammoth Crest and Sherwin Range. Expect an easy trail with a steady uphill climb of about 1,000 vertical feet. This climb may challenge younger riders – you can take a free shuttle to the Mammoth Lakes Basin for convenience. Then enjoy a smooth downhill ride back to town.
Green Rated Trail Ride: Horseshoe Lake Trail
The Horseshoe Lake Trail offers a scenic morning ride in Mammoth Lakes, California. It circles the lake with beautiful views throughout. Families, beginners, and dog owners enjoy this easy 1.8-mile loop. The flat terrain and simple route make navigation easy. Riders gain only 114 feet of elevation and finish the loop in about 38 minutes. Expect to share the trail with hikers, runners, and other riders.
This area stays popular year-round. Visit from April through September for the best conditions. Weekends often bring crowds and water activities at the lake. Take the Mammoth Lakes Basin Trolley from the Village to reach the trailhead easily. Dress for cooler weather in September with the right fall biking outfit to stay comfortable outdoors. Note that this trail does not allow electric bikes.
Blue Rated Trail Ride: Mammoth Knolls Loop
Start The Mammoth Knolls Loop near the Shady Rest Campground area. The loop covers about 10 miles with 1,200 feet of climbing. Ride a short singletrack section before transitioning to Forest Service roads and OHV routes. Climb a loose, rocky road for the first few miles. This section gains elevation quickly. Continue along rolling terrain through a Jeffrey Pine forest east of Mammoth Lakes.
Enjoy forest views during the first half of the ride. Cross Sawmill Road and climb again to reach more open views. The next four miles offer wider scenery. Access this popular local loop from the Shady Rest Path near Old Shady Rest Campground. Ride early or late to avoid heat on exposed sections.
Black Rated Trail Ride: Mammoth Mountain Trail
Experience an exhilarating 8.5-mile out-and-back trail near Mammoth Lakes, California, featuring approximately 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The Mammoth Mountain Trail, a local favorite, presents a challenging route that takes an average of 4.5 hours to complete. Starting at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge, the trail leads you to the summit of Mammoth Mountain, where you can revel in breathtaking views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, the Minarets, and the surrounding Sierra peaks. For those looking to skip the uphill climb, spend the day downhill mountain biking at Mammoth Mountain Resort before taking the gondola up and enjoying a thrilling ride down the Mammoth Mountain Trail.
While the trail offers numerous side paths, navigation can be tricky, so downloading offline maps is recommended. As a multi-recreational trail, please be mindful of your speed, especially since you may encounter hikers and dogs along the way. The best months to explore this trail are from June through early October, depending on snowfall. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy moments of solitude.
Best Bike Trails in Mammoth Lakes: Conclusion
Mammoth Lakes offers an incredible variety of bike trails that cater to every skill level, ensuring an unforgettable riding experience in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra. Whether you choose a scenic green route or a challenging black diamond trail, you’ll find the perfect path to match your adventure style. At Sun & Ski Sports, we make it easy to hit the top bike trail in Mammoth Lakes, with our extensive bike rental options, including electric bikes, full-suspension downhill mountain bikes, hardtail bikes, and more.
You can also find a wide selection of bikes available for purchase both in-store and online. Our seamless rental process, whether online or in-store, ensures you’re geared up and ready to ride. Our Outdoor Experts are excited to set you up with the best bike for your adventures! Grab your bike, hit the trails, and explore all that Mammoth Lakes has to offer!
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About the Author, Allie Cheney
Hello there :) Allie Cheney here! I'm a Texan turned mountain enthusiast with a twist. After a year of croissants and conjugations in France where I completed an MBA, I traded baguettes for mountain air and moved to Colorado. As a Copywriter and Content Creator for Sun & Ski Sports I'm thrilled to share my 6 years of outdoor industry knowledge with you! Living in a converted van, I'll be skiing along the Rocky Mountains and West Coast this winter. My aim is to deliver content that is not only accurate and genuine but also provides valuable knowledge and insights into your favorite hobbies, the latest trending styles, and cutting-edge products. Let’s explore together! For questions feel free to email me at ACheney@sunandski.com or contact an Outdoor Expert at any Sun & Ski Sports store location near you!