It doesn’t matter if you’re coming to Mammoth Lakes for sport, relaxation, or world class food in a Mammoth Lakes restaurant, it’s all within reach from the Mammoth Lakes Basin. The best part though, is that you don’t even have to leave the Lakes Basin to have an excellent Mammoth Lakes vacation thanks to the trails, water, and camping right there!
To help you narrow down what to do when you visit the Mammoth Lakes Basin, the ASO Mammoth team has put together a short guide to a few of the biking trails accessible from the Lakes Basin. Before you visit, make sure you check on weather reports for the area and what campgrounds and trails are still covered with snow. The Lakes Basin’s altitude results in snow coverage well into spring and often summer, so prepare for closures during winter, spring and even summer.
Lakes Basin Path
As the name suggests, the Lakes Basin Path cuts through the entire Lakes Basin giving riders views of most of the lakes and the mountains in the area. There’s more though, as the Lakes Basin Path also connects the Lakes Basin to the town of Mammoth Lakes by running all the way from Horseshoe Lake to the intersection of Main Street and Minaret Road where the Village is only a few blocks away.
If the views and accessibility aren’t enough for you, then know that the Lakes Basin Path is paved for all 5.3 miles making it a family friendly ride with plenty of distance to let out excess energy or relax amongst scenic mountain views.
Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail
As the name suggests, this trail loops around Horseshoe Lake right in the heart of the Lakes Basin and all its splendor. However, you don’t have to trade adventure into the backcountry for accessibility as this trail is perfect for beginner mountain bikers thanks to the mostly flat dirt and gravel surfaces that stretch for 1.7 miles.
To access the Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail travel away from town and into the Lakes Basin towards Lake Mamie. If you have some extra time, stop and enjoy a view of Twin Falls along the way before coming to Horseshoe Lake on your left. You’ll find the trailhead in the parking lot at the end of the road and can begin your ride from there!
Lakefront Path
What this trail lacks in distance, it makes up for in scenic beauty. Although this trail runs flat for only 0.3 miles, it’s the perfect scenic shortcut that connects Twin Lakes Road from near Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center to past the Twin Lakes General Store towards the Twin Lakes Campground. On top of the convenient location, the Lakefront path offers varied scenery thanks to sections that run along Twin Lakes, through lovely forests, and past plenty of picnic areas perfect for a stop.
Panorama Dome Mountain Bike Trail
For bikers looking for more adventure, the Panorama Dome Mountain Bike Trail is the perfect trail to explore the wilderness surrounding the Lakes Basin. Although this trail is only one mile long, it offers a dirt surface containing rocks and turns that experienced riders will enjoy navigating. You can access the Panorama Dome Mountain Bike Trail from Lake Mary Road just above the Twin Lakes Road fork. The trail then climbs up into the backcountry with the option to turn off onto the Panorama Mountain Bike Loop. If you follow the Panorama Dome Mountain Bike Trail, then you’ll exit out onto Old Mammoth Road giving you the opportunity to ride this trail in either direction.