The best cycling routes in Mono County

Embark on the Mammoth Scenic Ride, an easy touring cycling route that winds through a dense Jeffrey pine forest. As you pedal, you might catch the distinct vanilla scent of the trees and spot wildflowers or deer along the way. This pleasant ride covers 5.9 miles (9.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 154 feet (47 metres), making it a perfect outing for about 27 minutes of cycling.

This route is easily accessible from the North Village, offering a serene environment with noticeably lighter traffic compared to nearby main roads. You will find that recent road improvements have enhanced the cycling experience, and wide shoulders provide extra comfort and safety. Parking is generally available close to the starting point, making your visit straightforward.

Beyond the forest, the route offers glimpses of the unique volcanic formations of the Inyo Craters, adding a geological marvel to your journey. On clear days, you can even enjoy views of the distant San Joaquin Ridge and the Glass Mountains. This makes the Mammoth Scenic Ride a notable option among the scenic cycling routes in the Mammoth Lakes area.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle ride along the Lakes Basin Path, a paved route that stretches 12.7 miles (20.4 km) through the scenic Inyo National Forest. As you cycle, you will gain 1344 feet (410 metres) in elevation, a journey that typically takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes. The path offers continuous views of the Eastern Sierra landscape, winding through dense forests and past several stunning lakes. You'll easily spot Upper and Lower Twin Lakes, and even pass through a large tunnel, with some sections offering glimpses of waterfalls. The high-altitude setting, beginning above 8,000 feet, provides a distinct mountain atmosphere for your ride.

Plan your visit between June and November, as this is when the Lakes Basin Path is usually clear of snow and fully accessible. A convenient option for accessing the route is the free Lakes Basin Trolley; it can transport both you and your bike to Horseshoe Lake, setting you up for a mostly downhill return journey to town. Remember that this is a multi-use path, so be considerate of other users and adhere to the posted 15 mph speed limit for everyone's safety.

This route is a highlight for exploring the Mammoth Lakes area, offering easily accessible views of its beautiful alpine lakes. The path's design, including sections that go over a waterfall, makes for a unique cycling experience. Its high elevation contributes to a distinct mountain environment, making it a memorable outing for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Eastern Sierra.

Embark on the Mammoth Scenic Loop for a moderate touring bicycle ride that combines paved and unpaved sections through a dense Jeffrey pine forest. This 16.0-mile (25.7 km) route will have you gaining 1248 feet (380 metres) over approximately 2 hours, offering a varied cycling experience. As you pedal, keep an eye out for wildflowers, various birds, and even occasional deer sightings, all while enjoying the unique atmosphere of one of the world's oldest pine forests. You can also stop to explore the distinctive geological formations of the Inyo Craters, which provide expansive views of the San Joaquin Ridge and Glass Mountains.

When planning your visit, you will find the route is popular with cyclists and generally sees less traffic than Highway 395. There are no services directly on the loop itself, so remember to bring enough water and snacks for your entire ride. Convenient parking is available at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, making it easy to access the start of the route. This ensures you are well-prepared for your journey before you set off.

The Mammoth Scenic Loop stands out for its journey through the ancient Jeffrey pine forest, a truly remarkable natural environment. The trail also offers a chance to see the unique geological features of the Inyo Craters up close, providing a glimpse into the region's volcanic past. From various points along the route, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding San Joaquin Ridge and Glass Mountains, adding to the scenic appeal of this touring bicycle adventure.

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle journey along the Minaret Summit loop, a challenging ride that spans 14.1 miles (22.7 km). You will conquer a substantial 1499 feet (457 metres) of elevation gain, typically completing the route in about 1 hour and 38 minutes. As you pedal, you'll ascend through quiet forested areas, feeling the consistent climb of Minaret Road. The highlight is the Minaret Vista, where you're treated to expansive views of the dramatic Ritter Range, including the iconic Minarets, and the sprawling San Joaquin River Valley.

To start your ride, head to the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center or the Village, which serve as common starting points for ascending Minaret Road (Highway 203). The path is straightforward, guiding you steadily upwards. At the Minaret Vista, you'll discover picnic tables and restroom facilities, providing a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery before beginning your exhilarating descent back down.

This route stands out as a favorite for touring cyclists in the region, particularly if you appreciate significant elevation gains paired with rewarding vistas. It is celebrated as one of the best touring cycling routes for its scenic beauty, offering a vast landscape of granite and pine. The Minaret Summit loop is a classic climb, known for its steady uphill challenge and the satisfying, fast descent that follows.

Cycle the moderate 21.2-mile June Lake Loop in Inyo National Forest, passing four alpine lakes and enjoying stunning mountain views.

The Mammoth Lakes to Convict Lake loop is a challenging touring cycling route that immerses you in the raw beauty of the Eastern Sierra. As you pedal, you'll transition from the sagebrush flats to sweeping vistas of rugged mountains, culminating in the breathtaking sight of Mt. Morrison and Laurel Mountain mirrored in the pristine Convict Lake. This difficult 22.8-mile (36.7 km) ride, with its 1476 feet (450 metres) of elevation gain, offers a truly memorable experience over approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes.

Planning your ride requires acknowledging the high altitude; ensure you're well-hydrated and acclimatized before tackling this loop. While the route is predominantly on paved roads, keep an eye out for potential glass on the shoulder of US 395. For parking, you'll find options in Mammoth Lakes, and Convict Lake provides convenient amenities like a store and restaurant for a mid-ride break. Checking weather conditions for Mammoth Lakes Convict Lake cycling before you go is always a good idea.

Beyond the physical challenge, this route offers a unique blend of natural beauty and history. Convict Lake is not only a scenic viewpoint but also holds a dramatic past, named after a famous 1871 shootout involving escaped convicts. The opportunity to cycle at such high elevations provides a distinct physical test, and the route's interconnectivity with other paths near Mammoth Lakes offers further exploration for those seeking more adventures.

This touring cycling route from Mammoth Mountain Resort to Devil's Postpile National Monument offers an incredible journey through the Eastern Sierra's dramatic landscape. You'll descend through dense forests and canyons, with panoramic views of the jagged Minarets from Minaret Vista, eventually reaching the unique geological formations of Devil's Postpile. The 16.9-mile (27.1 km) ride involves a significant 2016 feet (614 metres) of elevation loss, making it a thrilling downhill experience, though the return climb is a difficult challenge that takes around 2 hours and 2 minutes.

Planning your visit requires attention to the seasonal conditions and traffic on Minaret Road, also known as Reds Meadow Road. This narrow, winding road is often closed to public vehicles from October to June due to snow, offering a quieter ride. During the open season, consider an early start to avoid peak vehicle traffic, as downhill cyclists must yield to uphill traffic. Shuttle buses are an option for the return trip, but be aware that bike space can be limited and fees apply.

What truly sets this route apart is its destination: Devil's Postpile National Monument, a natural wonder featuring towering, hexagonal columnar basalt formations. These 60-foot high columns, formed from ancient lava flows, are a sight to behold, with some even polished smooth by glacial action. The area also provides access to other natural features like Rainbow Falls, an hour's hike from the monument, adding to the allure of this unique Eastern Sierra adventure.

Cycle the 21.1-mile Twin Lakes Road near Bridgeport, California, for moderate touring with scenic Eastern Sierra views and two lovely lakes.

Cycle the moderate 21.1-mile Mono Lake loop from Lee Vining, California, for unique tufa formations and volcanic landscapes.