Basics
- Location:
- Mammoth Lakes
- Length:
- 14 - 22 miles
- Aerobic Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Time To Allow:
- 3+ hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 7000 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 7000
- Elevation Change:
- 3000 feet
- Season:
- Summer - Fall
Description
Sand Canyon features several trail options for mountain bikers in the Mammoth Lakes area.
Sand Canyon’s most popular option is a car shuttled 14-mile downhill that contours along the mountainside as it loses elevation. Sections of roots and rocks along this section make for a bit of a technical challenge on the downhill. This shorter section trail can be added as part of a larger 22-mile loop, which gains 3000 vertical feet in 6 miles on pavement before accessing the downhill.
Views are quite good from Sand Canyon of the surrounding countryside and Mt. Tom and the ride at times borders the John Muir Wilderness Area. It is important that bikers watch for wilderness area signs on side trails along the way and respect that bikes are not allowed in these areas.
Details
Location:
Length:
14 miles one way, 22 miles loop
Difficulty:
Aerobic Difficulty:
Time To Allow:
Depends on route taken and fitness level
Trailhead Elevation:
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Data for the loop trail
Season:
Additional Details:
Sand Canyon is multi-use and riders should understand and practice appropriate right of way protocol. Riders should also carry a first aid kit, bike repair kit and extra water and food. A map will come in handy due to the number of trails in the area.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
To get to the trailhead drive 20 miles south from Mammoth Lakes on Highway 395 to Tom’s Place. Park a vehicle at Tom’s Place for the one way shuttle option or ride from Tom’s Place for the loop option. Drive or ride up the 8 miles of pavement from Tom’s Place to the Rock Creek Campground. The trailhead is off the parking lot at the east end of Rock Creek Lake Road, past the summer cabins to the south.
