The Mammoth Knolls Mountain Biking Loop is a mix of forest service roads with a bit of single/double track sections added in.
The entire loop is 10.80 miles with a 1200-foot vertical gain and takes you from the Shady Rest area up into the Jeffery Pine forests of the Mammoth Knolls.
The route then crosses across Sawmill Road and leads you to two spectacular viewpoints. The loop eventually drops down towards HWY 203 and then works its way back up to the Shady Rest Park Area.
The views during the second half of the adventure are beyond amazing, and you can expect to want to stop and take some photos.
There is a tough climb at the start of this route, and it’s even tougher by mid-morning as the sun bakes you as you make your way up the first steeper forest service road. The rest of the ride is not as challenging, so just be ready to gut it out at the start.
After the climb, you will encounter several miles of a forest service road that will eventually cross the Saw Mill Road from Shady Rest. A hard-to-see sign directs your path to the other side of Saw Mill Road.
The last third of the ride is an older OHV forest service route mixed in with a forest service road near the end. This part of the ride is where you will find the best views of this adventure.
There is an off-shoot road you can take 2/3 into the ride that will get you to the Mammoth Lakes Overlook View Point. You get views of the Town, the Sherwin Range, Mammoth Mountain, and Laural Mountain from here. There are also 360 degrees of the Jeffery Pine Forest that you will be standing just above.
The main route here has now been signed for some 30 years. However, the signage can still be confusing on the last 1/3rd of the loop. Just be ready to search and seek a bit for the blue markers on the trees, the mountain biker signs, and the Knolls Loop stickers you see on the road number signs.
This is a fun ride for those who are fit and have at least intermediate Mountain Biking skills. This is a motorized route, so consider using an E-MTB if you’re bothered by the high elevation or want more fun and less of a workout.
Please watch the video below, and you will see the ride and what it is like. Make sure to choose the 4K view option for the best video.
This video was made possible by the Footloose Sports Bike Shop. If you’re looking for an E-MTB Rental like the bike used in this video, check out Footloose Sports. They are located at the Corner of Old Mammoth Road and Main Street right at the entrance to Mammoth Lakes. 760-934-2400 is their landline.
More Mountain Bike Route Information
Directions: You can park at the trailhead by the Old Shady Rest Campground, or there is a paved parking area by the New Shady Rest Campground, as seen in the video below.
Hot Tip: Mid-day during the Summer and early Fall, this part of the Forest is hot and dry. The best time of the day for this adventure ride is the early morning hours up to around 11 AM.
Who is this ride for? Intermediate riders who are in good shape. There is a very Strenuous effort in the first climbing section. The loop is 10.8 Miles with 1200 vertical feet of climbing at 8000+ feet; that’s like 20 miles in the flat lands, so be prepared. Extra hydration is critical; I carry a pack, two large water bottles, and extra energy bars on this ride.
E-bikes: are good To go as this route is on Forest Service Roads and OHV Trails.
Stats: Distance approximately 10.8 miles, 7,500-8,400 Elevation Levels, 75% Service Road & 20% Double Track, 5% Single Track, Easy Technicality, Ride Early Morning in the Summer.
Footloose Sports Bike Repair and Rentals Mammoth Lakes
Photos from the Mammoth Knolls Mountain Biking Loop
Mammoth Knolls Trail Head Sign
Single Track Section
Riding up the first section of Climbing
More Climbing
Ride Through the Largest Stand of Jeffery Pines in the World
First Loop Junction take a right
1/2 Way View Point and Camping Spot
Sawmill Overlook
Sawmill Overlook
Cruising Through the Forest
Off Shot Road to the Mammoth Lakes Overlook Viewpoint
Overlook Viewpoint
Overlook Viewpoint
Overlook Viewpoint
Overlook Viewpoint
Mammoth Knolls Trail – Mammoth Mountain Viewpoint
Cruising Through the Forest
The Road Home with the View Point Above
Footloose Sports in Mammoth Lakes, California – 760-934-2400