Biking

Opportunities abound for two-wheel enthusiasts on the forest. Most of the forest serves as a scenic backdrop for cycling and mountain biking in the valleys below. Paved roads that head into the forest are usually very steep but offer scenic and challenging hill climbs.

Bicycling in the winter is best on the valley floor and in the southern, lower-elevation, areas of Inyo County. Mountain bike enthusiasts can ride the challenging Kamikaze Trail from the top Mammoth Mountain or one of many other trails that transect the front country of the forest.

Keep in mind that in designated Wilderness areas wheeled vehicles, including bikes, are prohibited.

E-Biking

E-bikes are categorized as motorized recreation by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and are not permitted on non-motorized trails. To find out where you can ride with e-bikes, stick to the roads shown on the forest's Motor Vehicle Use Maps and ensure your e-bike is Class 1, 2, or 3.

There are some exceptions to having e-bikes on non-motorized trails, when the proper environmental review process has taken place, and/or has been designated by the District Ranger. For example, within the Town of Mammoth Lakes, all paved multi-use pathways (MUP) permit e-bikes but have a speed limit of 15 mph and must yield to foot traffic.

Additionally, several year-round resorts operating under a special use permit have established e-bike use within their permit boundary, so please check with the resort you are visiting.

Mountain Biking

The Inyo National Forest offers a variety of challenging single track and unimproved Forest Service roads to satisfy mountain bikers of all ages and abilities.

Shady Rest / Inyo Craters

The pine-scented dirt roads and paths of the Shady Rest and Inyo Craters areas in Mammoth provide a fairly firm tread, though there are several sandy stretches to slug through before being rewarded with possible views of the Glass Mountains, the Minarets, Crowley Lake and the White Mountains.

Lee Vining

Moraines and Meadows Mountain Bike Route south of Lee Vining circles Williams Butte on a Forest road (1N15), while Hartley Springs Campground south of June Lake provides a peaceful base camp for those seeking to ride a smooth dirt road loop (Forest road 2S10 looping to 2S81) under the cooling shelter of pines.

Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area opens its mountain bike park from June through September, providing lift access to single track zigzagging all over the hill.

Rock Creek

The old track paralleling Sand Canyon out of Rock Creek can be combined with lower Rock Creek Canyon, an exhilarating single track careening through Pinyon and Juniper, Jeffrey Pines, Aspens, and plenty of rocks as it parallels the creek from just south of Tom’s Place to trail’s end just below the community of Paradise.

White Mountain Road

The dirt road leading to White Mountain (from the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Big Pine) is a true test of endurance at high altitude -with awe-inspiring views of the Sierra Crest.

Other Rides

For mellower meandering on two wheels, head to the dirt roads east of Highway 395 just north of June Lake Junction, or check out Chidago Canyon near Bishop.

When you're out riding, remember your Mountain Biking Ethics and Leave No Trace principles!

Stay on existing roads or trails; riding cross-country damages fragile vegetation and promotes erosion.
Yield to other user groups. If you encounter motor vehicles, horses, or people, please be sensitive to their needs (and slow down!)
Pack out litter. Pack out what you pack in. If you can, pack out more.
Leave gates as you found them.
Control your speed. Use common sense when rounding blind corners or approaching intersections.
Remember that bicycles are prohibited in Wilderness Areas.

Road Cycling

If cycling is your passion the slopes and valleys of the Eastern Sierra, make for endless riding opportunities. Road cycling in the Inyo National Forest often entails steep, grueling hill climbs, but reward your effort with breathtaking views. If you’re seeking something a little less intense neighboring lands provide ample opportunities for gentler, but just as scenic riding.

Remember to always ride in single file and be aware of narrow road shoulders, traffic, and changing road surfaces. Below are several suggestions for trips in the local area; most do not go through forest land, but all afford plenty of views of the forest’s majestic scenery.

For mountain climbs, and a good workout, head up the road to Mosquito Flat from Tom’s Place, or try the climb up Pine Creek out of Rovana; both rides average grades of 5 - 7%. Stop by any ranger station to pick up the forest map to find plenty of other paved roads leading into the Sierra, offering challenging opportunities for hill climbing.

Sometimes the best way to see the mountains is from the valley floor, many roads branching off from Highway 395 afford stunning views. Ride through pleasant ranch country in the shadow of Mt. Tom, or "The Green Church Ride” along Benton Crossing Road, east of Mammoth Lakes.

Nearby Death Valley offers riding opportunities as well, though beware there are plenty of hills in the park.