Lake Mary

The Horseshoe Lake – Lake Mary loop from Mammoth Lakes offers a varied touring cycling experience, transitioning from sustained climbs through pine forests to flatter, winding sections around alpine lakes. You'll pass stunning granite peaks and enjoy views of Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, and Lake Mary, which is dramatically set against a red basalt cliff. The route provides a mix of paved and multi-use paths, with the Horseshoe Lake segment being particularly scenic and family-friendly.

Planning your ride means accounting for the high altitude; Mammoth Lakes sits at 7,800 feet, and the route climbs to around 8,900 feet, making the 1496 feet (456 metres) of elevation gain over 16.8 miles (27.0 km) feel more challenging. The estimated duration is 2 hours and 7 minutes, making it a good half-day outing. While the full loop is rated difficult, the car-free sections of the Lakes Basin Path enhance the experience, and the Horseshoe Lake area is unique for its swimming opportunities.

This loop is notable for its car-free sections and the opportunity to swim in Horseshoe Lake, the only lake in the basin where it's permitted. The area around Horseshoe Lake also features a geological anomaly with naturally seeping carbon dioxide, monitored by the USGS. The route offers numerous interpretive signs and spectacular viewpoints, culminating in an enjoyable downhill stretch back to the Village, making it one of the best cycling trails in Mammoth Lakes for those seeking both challenge and natural beauty.