Mammoth Bike Park is one in every of my all-time favourite locations to journey. The views, the limitless trails, and the “kitty litter” pumice all make it a singular expertise.
I could also be biased as a result of the Jap Sierra of Califonia was residence to me for a number of years, however the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is without doubt one of the most beautiful locations I’ve ever ridden. Simply wait till you get to the highest of the gondola – the views of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and the Owen’s Valley are superb! Simply penning this makes me really feel nostalgic.
The terrain at Mammoth Mountain is tremendous distinctive, too. Mammoth’s “kitty litter” pumice provides up a special problem than most bike parks (assume sand-dune browsing on a motorbike). And the 80+ mile community of trails covers every thing from mellow descents to gnarly rock gardens to quick circulate.
What’s much more cool about Mammoth is that the bike park trails related into dozens extra miles of singletrack, so you’ll be able to’t actually ever get bored. It’s even attainable to do a 2-hour descent from Mammoth’s summit again all the way down to city!
I believe Mammoth Bike Park needs to be on each rider’s bike-it record as a result of it’s so distinctive and delightful. Right here’s every thing it is advisable to learn about planning your go to.
New to Mammoth Bike Park? Obtain my “Cheat Sheet” that will help you navigate your first few runs!
What to know earlier than you go
1. Brace your self for Kitty Litter
The most important factor that units Mammoth other than different bike parks I’ve visited is the kitty litter pumice. Lots of the trails right here aren’t dust (though you can discover that). As a substitute, you’re using on unfastened, shape-shifting, drifts of lava pumice. When you assume you’ve ridden unfastened earlier than, be ready for a complete nother degree of looseness. Personally, I believe it’s tremendous enjoyable, however it’s an acquired style…
My finest tip for you is to attempt to chill out and embrace the squirreliness. Keep over the entrance of the bike and don’t let your weight get within the again seat. You need to management over that entrance wheel! Good luck 🙂
2. Mammoth isn’t recognized for bike park ‘options’
When you’re heading to Mammoth Bike Park and anticipating cool options and dialed leap strains, you’re going to be fairly disillusioned. Mammoth is unquestionably extra of an old-school bike park with pure options and hand-cut path. I’d say 80% of the park is like this.
The opposite 20% does have some cool stuff, although. When you’re in search of ‘bike park-y’ issues try: Clean Operator, Pipeline, Twilight Zone, and… that’s about it.
3. Get off the overwhelmed path trails
Although Mammoth is so massive, it’s straightforward to get sucked into doing the identical trails run after run on the frontside of the mountain. Quite a lot of guests to Mammoth don’t even notice there’s a complete different a part of the park on the bottom, which incorporates the paths Juniper, Paper Route, Timber Ridge, and some extra.
Seize a map once you buy your tickets and use it! Particularly if it’s a busy weekend, it’s good to discover the much less well-liked areas of the park.
4. The Gondola isn’t the one strategy to the highest
I’m undecided quite a lot of riders notice this, however there are 3 chairlifts and a bus shuttle as well as to the gondola that goes all the best way to the highest of the mountain! If the gondola strains are lengthy (and so they do get lengthy…) go take some laps from one of many different chairs. (See extra in regards to the carry choices beneath).
5. Mid-mountain is a superb place to start out, too
I at all times love to do a couple of runs from the highest of Mammoth, however there are actually solely two methods down from the highest. Off The Prime will get previous after a couple of runs and I can solely take one descent down Skidmarks per day on the park (journey it and also you’ll see what I imply).
However, the excellent news is that you may get off the gondola at mid-station and truly have extra path choices that you just do from the highest.
6. You’ll be at 11,053 ft
So the gasping is kind of regular. The summit of Mammoth Mountain is actually that prime. Despite the fact that you’ll be using downhill, assured you’ll nonetheless really feel it! Give your self a while to regulate and possibly drink an additional glass of water earlier than these post-ride beers.
7. The highest might not open till July
Relying on snowpack, the highest of Mammoth Mountain Bike Park may not open till mid-summer. There have been undoubtedly years once I lived in Bishop that the gondola didn’t run to the summit till the primary or second week of July. Actually, I keep in mind one 12 months they nonetheless had snowboarding (and mountain biking!) on the Fourth of July!
However that doesn’t imply the bike park is open. Bear in mind there are THREE chairlifts and a bus shuttle and the gondola will likely be operating to mid-mountain. There’s nonetheless a lot to journey if the highest of the mountain isn’t open.
8. Lifts shut for Thunder & Lightening
If it appears prefer it’s going to be stormy, you may need to change your plans. The lifts do shut with any sightings of lightning. Mammoth can really get some fairly intense summer time thunderstorms. The lifts will open if there hasn’t been any lightning for half-hour, but when it’s near closing time, they’ll simply shut the lifts down for the day.
9. Don’t carry your downhill bike
One of many greatest impolite awakenings for first-time guests to Mammoth bike park is… there may be pedaling! What!? I do know… however anticipate to work a bit bit, particularly should you discover the much less well-liked trails on the bottom of the mountain.
There are traverse trails, flat trails, and (gasp) even some small uphills.
10. Summer time smoke is a factor…
Sadly, hearth season is a factor in California now and Mammoth does get some fairly unhealthy smoke if there’s a wildfire burning. There’s not likely something you are able to do about it, but when the air high quality is especially unhealthy, don’t go exterior to ride- your lungs will thanks.
11. E-bikes are allowed
Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is without doubt one of the few locations you’ll be able to journey an e-bike in California! You could be questioning “Why do I would like an e-bike at a lift-served bike park?” however should you learn tip #9 you’ll recall that there’s some pedaling required at Mammoth. Is an e-bike mandatory? No, but when it’s the one bike you could have, carry it alongside.
12. Take a look at extra nice trails round city
Lastly, the paths within the bike park aren’t the one trails in Mammoth. Removed from it! There are literally fairly a couple of nice bike trails in and round city. Take a look at my publish on the finest Mammoth Lakes bike trails for extra using exterior the park.
The structure of Mammoth Bike Park
Alright, now that you already know what to anticipate at Mammoth Mountain, let’s dive into a few of the stats and how one can get round.
Fast Stats
Most guests to Mammoth don’t really notice how massive Mammoth is. There are over 80 miles of path contained in the park and extra miles of path that riders can connect with exterior the park boundaries. You may actually do a 2-hour descent from the highest of the mountain all the way down to the village of Mammoth.
Take a while to have a look at the map if you wish to discover all of Mammoth. Most individuals simply persist with the front-side trails, however there may be a lot extra enjoyable available within the lesser-known areas.
The lifts
This map exhibits the place the gondola and the three chairlifts are in addition to the place the shuttle bus picks up and drops off.
Mammoth Bike Park has 4 lifts and one bus shuttle. Some lifts solely function on the weekends and the bus shuttle is usually the one choice early within the season.
1. The Panorama Gondola from Fundamental Lodge takes you all the best way as much as the summit of Mammoth Mountain or you’ll be able to cease halfway at McCoy Mid-station.
2. Chair 16 (Canyon Specific) from Canyon Lodge accesses the japanese slope of the mountain. Not many individuals journey this carry!
3. Chair 2 (Stump Alley Specific) from The Mill principally brings you only a bit increased than McCoy Station but additionally offers you entry again throughout the mountain through Gravy Practice and Bearing Straights (two pedaly trails).
4. Chair 11 (Discovery Chair) from Fundamental Lodge. This quick carry is nice for households and newbie riders. It accesses a number of intro-level trails.
Along with the lifts, there’s additionally a bike shuttle from the Village that runs each quarter-hour. The pick-up is correct throughout from the Westin and it takes you all the best way as much as the Gondola or you may get off at Chair 2.
*Chair 16 and Chair 2 are sometimes typically solely open on the weekends.
**Bike park season normally begins with simply the bus shuttle that permits entry to the decrease trails like Shotgun and Downtown.
Discovering your method round
I’m not going to lie, Mammoth Mountain is a bit overwhelming the primary time you journey it. There are simply so many trails and it may be arduous to navigate should you’ve by no means been there earlier than.
Listed here are a couple of ideas to your first go to:
New to bike parks? Take a look at my Bike Parks 101 Information.
Sources for planning your go to
Tickets & Passes
Carry tickets may be bought on-line or in individual at both the Mountain Heart within the Village or on the Journey Heart adjoining to the Gondola on the base of the bike park. Listed here are a couple of good-to-know’s when shopping for tickets:
Bike outlets & Leases
Surprisingly, Mammoth doesn’t have many bike outlets, however they do have one nice one: Footloose Sports activities. It’s situated down within the Village, however they’ve an excellent choice of mountain bike leases in addition to a full-service bike store.
Mammoth Mountain additionally has two bike rental facilities. One within the Village proper in entrance of the shuttle cease and one on the Journey Heart on the base of the gondola. You may select from a full fleet of Trek rental bikes together with e-bikes. You can too join classes at Mammoth Mountain Heart.
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Purchasing for a full face helmet?
Defend your face and pearly whites. After I’m on the bike park, I at all times put on a full face helmet. Not solely does it give me extra peace of thoughts once I’m bombing downhill, however I additionally know that it’s going to do much more to guard my head and face within the occasion of a crash.
My favourite full face helmet is the Smith Mainline. It’s comfy to put on, has first rate air flow, and is downhill-certified which means it has been examined for security.
This helmet additionally comes with three completely different cheek pad sizes, so you may get a comfortable match.
The place to remain
Visiting for the weekend or need to keep for the entire week? Mammoth Lakes is a vacationer city, so you could have a lot of choices on the place to remain.
Tenting
There are many nice tenting alternatives round Mammoth Lakes:
- Camp Excessive Sierra: a family-friendly campground with tent/RV websites in addition to cabins. Conveniently situated inside straightforward pedaling distance to the Village bike shuttle. Take Juniper path as your final run to return straight to camp.
- Shady Relaxation Campground: Positioned near downtown. It might be a pedal to the bike park, however there’s a free shuttle.
- Lake Mary Basin: these are a cluster of well-liked campgrounds situated within the stunning Lake Mary Basin. Cruise down the Lake Mary Street bike path to fulfill the village bike shuttle then take the free Lakes Basin Trolley again up the hill on the finish of the day.
Resorts & leases
For a small city, there are some good resorts and loads of trip leases. Be forewarned, although, it’s not low cost! Listed here are a couple of mountain biker-friendly locations to remain in Mammoth Lakes:
- The Westin: undoubtedly a splurge, however it’s situated proper within the village and you may roll your bike to the bus shuttle.
- Outbound Mammoth: Positioned on the town, this resort is a couple of miles from the Bike Park, however there’s a free shuttle that you may take your bike on. It’s tremendous cute and all of the rooms are on the bottom degree, so no lugging your bike up stairs. It additionally has a crepe meals truck on web site!
- Trip Leases: Mammoth Lakes has no scarcity of trip leases. Quite a lot of them are condos and residences, however you can too discover some homes that sleep 6 or extra folks.
good locations to eat
Mammoth Lakes has some fairly first rate locations to seize one thing to eat and drink post-ride. Listed here are a couple of of my favorites:
- Mammoth Tavern – A comfortable tavern situated on Previous Mammoth Street away from the bustle of the village. Nice pleased hour from 4-5:30
- Mammoth Brewing Firm – Mammoth’s personal native brewery with a lot of home beers on faucet and an excellent out of doors seating space. The meals can also be delish. Undoubtedly get the waffle fries. This place will get actually busy.
- Distant Brewing – One other native brewery that serves nice sandwiches and different bar meals.
- Stellar Brew – A cool place to seize espresso and sandwiches to go
- Burgers Restaurant – Want a burger after a full day on the bike park? Burgers Restaurant is the place it is advisable to go. Their buffalo burger is so good
- The Latin Market – Tucked away behind a bit Mexican grocery retailer, that is the place to get a burrito. It’s a hidden gem
- Elixer Superfood and Juice – A bit little bit of LA in Mammoth Lakes. Costly, however scrumptious smoothies and tremendous wholesome salads and grain bowls made to order
- Cafe Crepe – a meals truck serving scrumptious candy and savory crepes
Getting round city
Mammoth Lakes is a small city and it’s fairly straightforward to get round. That being mentioned, there are two components of city:
- The Village the place the bike park is
- Downtown the place many of the eating places and resorts are
There’s a bike path that connects city and the Village or there are additionally free trolleys that run all through Mammoth and have bike racks.
FAQs & Information
Q: When does Mammoth Bike Park open?
That relies on the snowpack yearly, however sometimes they attempt to have at the least the shuttle bus operating by Memorial Day weekend in Could. Generally, although, the highest of the mountain gained’t open till July.
Q: When does Mammoth Bike Park shut for the season?
Once more, that relies on what the climate does, however Labor Day in September is normally the closing weekend.
Q: Is Mammoth Bike Park beginner-friendly?
Sure! It’s really one of many extra beginner-friendly bike parks I’ve been to. There’s the Discovery Chair that accesses some quick, straightforward runs in addition to Downtown, a pleasant circulate path, and Off The Prime, which is a bit step up however nonetheless doable for teenagers and newer riders.
Q: What number of days do I would like at Mammoth Bike Park?
I’d say give your self at the least 2 or 3 days to discover Mammoth Mountain Bike Park. It’s an enormous park and there’s quite a lot of floor to cowl.
I may also say, although, that it’s not like different parks the place you’ll be able to spend lap after lap working in your leaping abilities. It’s simply not the park for that sort of using.
Q: What are the most effective trails at Mammoth Mountain?
There are quite a bit! Off The Prime is a should and Shotgun might be my total favourite.
Q: Can I pedal with out shopping for a ticket?
Technically, no. They do have folks out on the paths that really verify whether or not you could have a ticket or not. That being mentioned, if you wish to journey after hours (the lifts shut at 5 and the shuttle stops at 6), nobody goes to cease you.
Watch PinkBike’s Jason Lucas shred Mammoth Bike Park
Ultimate ideas
Whereas Mammoth Mountain Bike Park isn’t your typical bike park with machine-built trails and tons of motorbike park options, it stays one in every of my all-time favourite bike parks. The epic views, ‘kitty litter’ pumice, and large community of trails are just some causes to plan a go to to this Jap Sierra gem. I believe you’ll find it irresistible, too!
Learn subsequent
Street-tripping round California? Listed here are a couple of extra enjoyable CA bike adventures so as to add to your bike-it record:
Have you ever ridden on the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park? What do you consider the ‘kitty litter’ and what’s your favourite path? What questions do you continue to have? Go away a remark beneath! And don’t overlook to obtain my Mammoth Mountain Bike Park Cheat Sheet!
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The tips about the kitty litter pumice are quite helpful. I’ve never encountered such terrain before, so I appreciate the heads-up.
It’s interesting to learn that there are multiple lifts besides the gondola. I’ll definitely explore those options on my visit.
I’m glad to see Mammoth being highlighted. It’s a beautiful place, and I agree that it should be on every rider’s bucket list.
The advice on exploring less popular trails is great. I often find hidden gems when I venture off the beaten path.
‘Kitty litter’ sounds intriguing yet challenging! I’m looking forward to experiencing it firsthand during my next biking trip.