The Lakes Basin Path is a stunningly gorgeous trail that stretches from downtown Mammoth Lakes to a series of lakes to the community's south. Paralleling quiet Lake Mary Road for its entire route, the trail weaves in and out of dense woodlands as it climbs 1,000 vertical feet from north to south. Cyclists must be careful to control their speed on the downhill journey back to Mammoth Lakes.
Like many of Mammoth Lakes' trails, the Lakes Basin Path features smooth pavement and a stunning backdrop of mountains, including the Sherwin Range to the north and Mammoth Mountain to the west. The area is justifiably popular with downhill skiers, and the Lakes Basin Path uniquely passes via a tunnel under a ski slope at one point.
The lakes near the trail's southern endpoint—Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mamie and the Twin Lakes—are all popular recreation destinations, and campgrounds nearby accommodate overnight guests.
Parking for the Lakes Basin Path is available at the western end of Lake Mary Road (southwest of Mammoth Lakes). Limited parking can also be found at a scenic overlook where the trail crosses Mammoth Creek (at the trail's approximate midpoint).
This gorgeous new bike path leads from town up Lake Mary Road all the way to Horseshoe Lake. Families can load bikes on the Town Trolley at the Village and ride up to Horseshoe then coast down back into town. The trail winds through tall pines past lakes and over streams, through the Twin Lakes camp ground, passing the campground store, Lake View Restaurant, cabins and even through a separate bike path tunnel under the Chair 15 ski run.
This beautiful, Disneyland like trail hooks up with all the trails in town and has become the best reason to visit the Eastern Sierra, if you're not into golf, fishing, hiking, photography, walking, shopping, boating or any of the other recreation opportunities Mammoth Lakes offers visitors in the Summer and Fall. joy@lodging4vacations.com.
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