Basics
- Location:
- Mammoth Lakes
- Length:
- 8 miles
- Aerobic Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Time To Allow:
- 2+ hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 7000 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 5000 feet to 7000 feet
- Elevation Change:
- -2000 feet
- Season:
- Spring - Fall
Description
Lower Rock Creek is a choice downhill mountain bike ride in the Mammoth Lakes area.
Lower Rock Creek follows primarily singletrack trail surface along its namesake, Rock Creek. The first portion of the ride is moderate difficulty and loses 500’ of elevation. The second section of the ride is very technical with rock gardens that choke the route. Lower Rock Creek loses almost 1500’ in the last four miles of the ride. Riders wishing to avoid the more technical section can exit on a side trail at the start of the steep section.
Lower Rock Creek trail is for downhill traffic only. The trail gets hot during the mid-summer months and portaging through the technical section can make the ride far longer than the mileage may indicate. Riders should check speed on blind corners due to the trails popularity with fishermen that hike the trail to access Rock Creek.
Details
Location:
Length:
Car shuttle. Shorter route possible
Difficulty:
Aerobic Difficulty:
Time To Allow:
Depends on route selected, fitness and skill level
Trailhead Elevation:
Shorter option is 600’ loss
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
First section of trail is moderate and only loses 500'' of elevation. Second section is difficult and loses almost 1500'' of elevation.
Season:
Additional Details:
Lower Rock Creek Trail is multi-use and riders should understand and practice appropriate right of way protocol. Hikers and fishermen are common on the trail. 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 Swall Meadow-Lower Rock Creek parking pullout. To drop a shuttle vehicle travel an additional 8 miles down Lower Rock Creek Road to Paradise Lodge and park here.
