The Town Loop in Mammoth Lakes is a popular local trail for bikers, hikers, and pedestrians. It runs around the scenic town of Mammoth Lakes. This trail snakes through green forests and cross over streams and creeks. The Town Loop is not only beautiful but also practical because it providing access to different neighborhoods, businesses, and recreational amenities. Biking the Town Loop is a perfect way to explore Mammoth Lakes and to adjust to the altitude before your next adventure.
Stats
Where
The Start:
Mammoth Creek Park
437 Old Mammoth Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Coords: 37°38’06.5″N 118°58’02.2″W
Alternate Parking:
Coords: 37°38’08.1″N 118°57’57.5″W
Parking
Parking for the Town Loop in Mammoth Lakes can be found along the route. You can park on local streets, parks along the way. You can also park at Mammoth Creek Park. There is a paved, decent-sized lot there. If the park is closed, you can also park across the street, along the gravel Mammoth Creek Road.
Restroom
There are restrooms at the parks along the route. Also, there is one along Mammoth Creek Road, before the turn for the Mammoth Museum at the Hayden Cabin.
Fee
Free
Weather
Distance
About 8 miles Loop
Elevation Gain
About 504 ft
Level
Moderate due to the hills and the altitude. If you’re acclimated to the altitude, the hills might not be as bad.
Time:
Half day
Pet-friendly
You can bring your pets
Ideal Weather
Dry, cooler days
Ideal Time
Summers and Falls are the best time.
Video
Getting There
Since the Town Loop runs around the town of Mammoth Lakes, there are many starting points. Many people park along local roads or at the parks along the trail. However, the popular starting point is at Mammoth Creek Park. You can also park on Mammoth Creek Road, a small gravel road directly across from Mammoth Creek Park.
The Adventure
From Mammoth Creek Park
We started on this bike route after our bike ride through Horseshoe Lakes and Lakes Basin Path. Since Mammoth Creek Park was closed for maintenance, we parked across the street on Mammoth Creek Road. If you start from Mammoth Creek Park, go around the playground toward the back of the park. From here, follow the bike trail through the tunnel to cross over to the other side of Old Mammoth Road. Since this is a loop trail, you can go either way, however, we find this route is better as it seems to have more downhill sections.
The Hayden Cabin Museum
After crossing over to the other side of Old Mammoth Road, follows the trail that runs along the gravel road of Mammoth Creek Road. There is a quick turn-off for the Mammoth Museum at the Hayden Cabin. From the recommendation of a local biker, we decided to make a detour. It was quite fascinating to learn about Emmett Hayden, a famous mapmaker of the Eastern Sierra as well as seeing all the cool artifacts inside the historic cabin. The staff there is amazing and very knowledgeable. If you’re visiting, don’t forget to sign the visitor log and make a small donation. The museum depends on visitors to stay open!
Along the Main Street
When we were done spending what seems like hours at the museum, chatting with the amazing staff there, we continued on our way. After the museum, the bike trail opens up to the beautiful vistas of Sherwins and the White Mountains. It was mostly downhill through this section so it was pretty fun as we zipped down the trail to the second tunnel under Meridian Road. There are a few turn-outs along the way if you want to take a break or just to admired the beautiful views.
Once we crossed over Meridian Road, the downhill fun ends. The trail starts to climb along highway 203 (Main Street) to lead back to town. It can get a bit confusing here. After going under the tunnel, make sure to stay right at the fork to cross over Commerce Drive. Going left will take you to the Volcom Brothers Skate Park.
We followed the Town Loop toward the town of Mammoth Lakes. The bike path runs along Main Street, through the RV park and eventually joined up with Frontage Road. If you are hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of food and drink options along this road. From here, we followed Frontage Road all the way to Callahan Way. Make sure to watch for cars here. You’ll be sharing this short section with other vehicles.
To Eagle Lodge
Once Frontage Road meets up with Callahan Way, make a left onto Callahan Way to continue on the Town Loop trail in Mammoth Lakes. The trail weaves through some trees and neighborhoods then drops out alongside Meridian Blvd. From here, go right to follow Meridian Blvd to Eagle Lodge.
The Town Loop in Mammoth Lakes can get a bit confusing once you get to Eagle Lodge. You’ll want to follow the paved bike trail past Eagle Lodge, then go between Eagle Lodge and Juniper Springs Resort. When you see the start of the chairlift, follow the paved bike trail to the left, going behind the Juniper Springs Resort. When we were here, there were a lot of wildflowers on the dirt patch below the chairlift. It was super pretty!
After leaving wildflowers, the bike trail will cut across Juniper Springs Drive, around a small neighborhood to go downhill to of a couple of switchbacks. This part is particularly beautiful because it weaves through lush forests. Also, since this is one of the steeper sections, you can pick up the speed here. It was pretty fun though, zipping down the hill. Please Make sure to watch out for other bikers and pedestrians.
Back to Mammoth Creek Park
Not too long after the switchbacks, the trail comes up to fork that leads to a wooden bridge on the right-hand side. You can take this bridge to go back to Old Mammoth Road. However, if you want to stay on the official trail, go straight. The trail eventually reaches the another bridge. This bridge connects the bike trail to the quiet neighborhood alongside Waterford Ave. This wooden bridge is our favorite as it lies against the gorgeous backdrop of the mountain range. The trail crosses over this beautiful bridge and drops onto Waterford Ave. Follows Waterford Ave to its intersection with Old Mammoth Road. Make a left onto the bike trail that follows along Old Mammoth Road. This trail will lead back to Mammoth Creek Park, where you park.
We enjoyed biking the Town Loop in Mammoth Lakes. It was a bit more challenging than we thought since we didn’t take into account the hills and the altitude. However, we had a blast exploring the areas and visited some unique parts of the town of Mammoth Lakes that we didn’t know existed.
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Always make sure to wear your bike helmet!
You don’t need bike gloves, but they are nice to have.
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
- Bicycle with good brake
- Sunglasses
- Closed-toes shoes
- Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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