Shift Into Summer
Ahhhh, summer. The snow's melting, and yeah, we’re shedding some tears as well. But under that glorious white blanket of frozen fun is something just as awesome: a mountain begging to be shredded… just this time on two wheels.
Mammoth Mountain has been the place for summer mountain biking since the late ‘90s, back when bike frames were heavy, helmets were optional, and the phrase "enduro" was far from the biking lexicon. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got one of the best bike parks in the country. Let’s squash some rumors, look at why riding a bike down a mountain is so much fun, and provide some intel on how to do it here at Mammoth.
You’re not riding down ski trails (well... mostly not)
Don’t worry, we’re not just sending you barreling down Cornice Bowl on a hardtail. Most ski runs are way too steep for anything with pedals, but a few do double as bike trails like Road Runner (The Eliminator in summer), if you’re into spicy black diamond action. But what really separates us from other parks? Over 80 miles of purpose-built singletrack (just wide enough for a bike), which has been carved into the dirt over the years by our trail crew. From the mellow flow found on Downtown (great for beginners) to the pro-level madness on Chain Smoke (hard to walk down without ropes), we’ve got something for every rider, from “still figuring out the brakes” to having a Red Bull logo on your helmet.
“It’s as easy as riding a bike.” Eh, sort of.
Look, mountain biking isn’t exactly your Sunday cruise around the park. There’s gravity involved. And rocks. And occasionally trees that come out of nowhere. But with the right gear and a little patience, it’s a total blast. Today’s bikes are high-tech beasts with suspension that eats rocks for breakfast. Add in gloves, pads, a full-face helmet, and a good attitude, and you’re golden.
We open as soon as the snow lets us.
Typically, the Bike Park opens around Memorial Day Weekend, with lower-mountain trails opening first. As the snow retreats, our crew is able to open more and more terrain. First up is Discovery Chair (11) and the Discovery Zone, built specifically for beginners, intermediate riders, and cautious shredders alike. When things really heat up (usually early July), we get the gondola spinning and say hello (again) to our 11,053-foot summit, where three legendary trails await (along with those insane views you’ll see in the winter):
- Off the Top (Intermediate)
- The Eliminator (Advanced)
- Skid Marks (Expert)
Find your flow (a.k.a. mountain meditation).
You know that feeling when you link a couple of perfect turns together through some untouched powder, and your brain just finds itself in a euphoric autopilot type of situation? We call that flow state, and riding a mountain bike offers up a similar feeling when everything falls into place; bike, trail, mind, and body… all come together and put a massive smile on your face.
Don’t have gear? Don’t stress.
No need to drag your bike halfway across the state or country when we have some of the best rental and demo bikes in the business. Let us know what your skill level is and what kind of terrain you want to ride, and we’ll put you on the bike of your dreams. We also offer lessons and guided tours; both are the fastest way to improve your riding technique and capitalize on the fun on offer. Nothing tastes better than a cold beer and some tasty grub after a full day of ripping up the dirt. Try the Patty Shack for a quick burger or shake, The Yodler for Bavarian-themed wholesomeness at Main Lodge, or Vulcania for an award-winning Italian meal in The Village.
So yeah, we miss the snow too. But summer at Mammoth Bike Park? It’s fast, fun, a little dirty, and a whole different way to experience the gorgeous High Sierra. See you on the trails.
