First Timer's Guide
Welcome to Mammoth Bike Park
Get ready to dive into the ultimate mountain biking adventure. Whether you're totally new to this or just want to brush up on your skills, this guide will get you rolling. From safety tips to gear picks, we’ve got your back. Discover the best trails, essential gear, and everything you need to ride like a pro. Plus, get insider tips on navigating Mammoth Bike Park and making the most of your day on the mountain. Let’s hit those trails and find your flow.
LET'S GET ACQUAINTED
Sitting pretty as California's highest lift-served bike park, we’ve got it all—from stunning mountain views to fantastic terrain. We’re talking elevations from 8,100 feet (about 2.47 km) to a jaw-dropping 11,053 feet (about 3.37 km) and a massive 3,500 acres to explore. With 84 miles (135 km) of single track spread across 53 trails, there's something for every rider.
ZONES THAT SET US APART
Discovery Zone
Trails: Adventure, Discovery, Explorer, Discotech, Richter, Skills Park
Summit Zone
Trails: Off the Top, Skid Marks, The Eliminator
Pro Zone
Trails: Velocity, Chain Smoke, Twilight Zone, Midtown
Mountain Center: Located in The Village, the Mountain Center is surrounded by the best shops and restaurants and serves as the hub of the town shuttle system. The Village at Mammoth is the perfect place to start and end your day. Head to the Mountain Center on the Plaza for tickets and rentals, and check out The Gear Up for everything you need to hit the trail. From here, you can access the bike park via the Bike Park Shuttle or by trail via Uptown (intermediate).
Main Lodge: About 4 miles up Minaret Road from The Village, Main Lodge offers gondola access straight to the summit and access to the beginner area, Discovery Zone. Need gear? Mammoth Sports at Main Lodge has the latest to elevate your game.
Navigating Mammoth Bike Park is all about progression. Start on our easiest trails, move through intermediate and advanced routes, and eventually conquer expert and pro-level challenges. Knowing the trail ratings makes all the difference. Whether you're easing in or going full throttle, our trails cater to every level of skill and stoke. Find your flow and hit the trails with confidence.
EASIEST
Perfect for beginners to the Bike Park. Expect smooth, wide trails with gentle grades. You'll encounter some natural features like small rocks and roots, along with enhanced sections like bridges and small rollers.
- Beginner/novice mountain biker
- Knowledge of shifting and braking
- Wider, smoother trails
- Suitable for all types of mountain bikes: full suspension recommended
- Knee pads and elbow pads recommended
- Helmet required; half-shell helmet (covers the head) recommended
Trail Descriptions
| Adventure Trail | The next step up from Discovery, Adventure Trail introduces paver turns, berms, and offers more speed. |
| Big Ring (2-Way) | In the way of progression this is a great track to master before making the jump to intermediate trails. Just a bit more technicality than Downtown, but also a bit more fun once you're feeling comfortable on your bike. |
| Discovery Trail | Where to start–the easiest trail on the mountain is smooth, wide, and on a gentle grade. |
| Downtown | One of our original trails, Downtown winds its way down to town from Main Lodge. It's a deceptively long trail so be prepared with water and some snacks. Worth every foot though! |
| Gopher Trail (2-Way) | Connector trail from Downtown to Big Ring and the eastside of the mountain. Easier (and more fun…) when ridden from Big Ring to Downtown. |
INTERMEDIATE TRAILS
Ideal for riders comfortable on beginner trails. These trails feature varied surfaces, including rough sections on steeper terrain. Look out for natural obstacles such as roots and rocks, plus enhanced features like larger corners, rollers, and medium jumps.
- Solid bike handling skills required
- Competent braking, shifting and turning skills necessary
- Steep slopes, rocks, loose soil and narrower trails
- Full-suspension, cross-country or all-mountain bike recommended
- Knee pads and elbow pads recommended
- Helmet required; half-shell helmet (covers the head) recommended
Trail Descriptions
| Beach Cruiser | Cross-country riding nirvana. This 6-mile loop begins and ends at Main Lodge and features a maneagable climb, and a ripping descent. If you like to pedal this is your trail. |
| Bearing Straits (2-Way) | Two-way trail which is a blast in both directions. Begins above the tree-line and features some real cool berms made out of rock up top, and some incredibly flowy singletrack in the trees. Underrated! |
| Brake Through Connector | Short trail that connects the Burma Road/top of Chair 16 to the intermediate trail Brake Through. |
| Brake Through (2-Way) | Primarily used to get from one side of the mountain to the other, but shouldn't be overlooked as a great stand alone trail. The section from the top of Chair 2 is a blast. |
| Discotech | Like a pump track on a hill, the rollers, berms and small jumps are a great way to dial in your suspension and get into the groove of the park. |
| Explorer Trail | One of the easier intermediate-rated trails in the park, Explorer is noticeably steeper than it's neighbors in the Discovery Zone. A great trail to lap once you get comfortable on it. |
| Gravy Trail (2-Way) | Connector trail from Downtown to Big Ring and the eastside of the mountain. Easier (and more fun…) when ridden from Big Ring to Downtown. |
| Juniper | Out of the way, but so worth the effort. Perfect balance of flow and a touch of tech. Dare we say the ideal intermediate trail? |
| Lakes Trail | Connects Paper Route to Juniper, some blind turns make this one fun. |
| Lincoln Express (2-Way) | Two-way trail linking Brake Through to Skid Marks. Or linking Skid Marks back to Bullet, Follow Me, and Brake Through. |
| Manzanita | Super fun, flowy singletrack connecting Skid Marks back to the western side of the bike park. |
| Midtown | Intermediate trail from McCoy Station back down to Main Lodge. Trail begins with 18 switchbacks winding it's way down Rodger's Ridge into a great section of trail on a section we call Knee Deep in the winter months. |
| Mountain View | Located on the far Northwestern corner of the mountain, this short stretch of singletrack offers some gorgeous views of Ritter, Banner, and the Minarets, along with some real fun riding. |
| Off the Top | Intermediate trail leaving from the top of the mountain and winding down to the Eliminator/Beach Cruiser intersection. Nowhere else in North America will you find a trail like this. Incredible views, along with some great flow, make this a not to be missed adventure from 10,053'. |
| Paper Route (2-Way) | An ideal trail for cross-country riders and those on an eBike, Paper Route loops around the east side of the mountain before climbing its way back to Uptown. Keep an eye out for the overlook on the south end of the trail, where you can find beautiful views of the Lakes Basin. |
| Shortcut (2-Way) | Provides quick access to Beach Cruiser and Mountain view from the bottom of Off the Top. |
| Skills Park | Jumps, wooden bridges, and drops. A must-ride for beginner and intermediate riders looking to improve their skills before heading out into the park. |
| Timber Ridge | Accessed from Paper Route on the SE side of the mountain Timber Ridge is an absolute blast providing access to Juniper in the funnest way possible. |
| Up & Over (2-Way) | Access to Bearing Straights and gravy Train from the top of Chair 2. |
| Uptown | Looking for a great climb from The Village to Main Lodge? Or a trail perfect for that class 1 eBike? Uptown is just that. While never too steep, it does climb 800 feet in its 4 miles. |
ADVANCED TRAILS
Designed for riders who've mastered intermediate trails. These trails include large freeride features like jumps, drops, and gaps requiring advanced skills. Natural challenges such as rock gardens and challenging root sections also await, along with significant raised structures.
- Requires advanced mountain biking skills
- Considerable obstacle avoidance
- More technical descents; constructed features including wall rides, jumps, drops and bridges
- All-mountain bike with 6" of travel recommended
- Full pads (worn on shins, knees, and elbows) recommended
- Helmets required; full face helmet (covers head and has a chin bar for added protection) recommended
Trail Descriptions
| Boomerang | Our newest trail is rapidly becoming one of our favorites. Man-made rock gardens, a few jumps, a killer wall-ride, and some amazing berms make up a real good all-around mountain bike trail. |
| Bridge the Gap (2-Way) | Obscure trail that connects the top of Chair 10 to Skid Marks. We like to use Roma’s Road and Bridge the Gap as an alternate to riding Skid Marks in its entirety. |
| The Eliminator | Where gravity dares you to let off your brakes and see just how fast these mountain bikes can go. Kind of kidding, but people do hit 60MPH on this road... |
| Lower Skid Marks | Featuring tight berms and a number of traverses underneath Chairs 25 and 9. |
| Richter | Accessed from the top of the Discovery Chair, Richter is a great intro to advanced-level trails. While not as steep as some of our other advanced trails, it still offers a number of rock gardens, chunky singletrack, and the classic "Front Porch"—a 70-foot wooden bridge that puts the finishing touches on this awesome trail. |
| Ricochet | Often overlooked, Ricochet packs a ton of fun into a relatively short distance. Steep with a few different rock features, Ricochet is accessed from Seven Bridges. |
| Roma's Road | A fast and fun alternative to Toll Road, Roma’s Road is a great way to return to mid station from Skid Marks, or a fun alternative when linked with Bridge the Gap. |
| Seven Bridges | Named for the section of trail which bounces back and forth through lower Dry Creek, Seven Bridges is a challenging trail which takes full advantage of its natural surroundings. Accessed from Brake Through and a great way to return to the bottom of Chair 2 when its running. |
| Shotgun | One of our first downhill trails is still a blast. With enough tech to keep you on your toes, Shotgun is also a great intro to our advanced and expert-rated trails. |
| White Bark | Couple jumps, flowy berms, a few drops and you've got the makings for a pretty sweet trail. Catch White Bark at the bottom of Off the Top, near the bottom of Bearing Straits. |
EXPERT TRAILS
For expert riders seeking steep, challenging terrain. Requires advanced jump skills and precise bike handling at high speeds. Designed for those comfortable on advanced trails.
- Elevated risk of injury or death from falling – highly skilled riders only
- Rough to very rough surfaces with steep, technical and fast descents
- Large rocks, roots, constructed and natural features throughout
- State-of-the-art downhill bike with at least 8" of travel strongly recommended
- Full pads (worn on shins, knees, and elbows) highly recommended
- Helmets required; full face helmet (covers head and has a chin bar for added protection) highly recommended
Trail Descriptions
| Flow | Home to the infamous "Flow Drop" this trail is rowdy from the beginning. Rock gardens, a steep pitch, and that vertical drop all make it an expert level gem. |
| Follow Me | Two miles of roots, rocks, chunks, and high-speed expert-rated excitement. |
| Jill's Jumps | Expert jump line accessed from Velocity. Best ridden in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up. |
| Pipeline | Jump line which leaves from Flow, with almost 20 jumps and a number of berms, wallrides, and wooden bridges, this is a freestyle enthusiast's dream run. |
| Smooth Operator | One of our newer freestyle trails, highlights include the upper hip, Taj Mahal (massive wooden berm), and the lower jump line. Catch Smooth across the road from the start of Shotgun. |
| Toll Road | Steep, loose, and chunky, Toll Road is a quick way to get from the bottom of Chair 9 to the top of Chair 10 (and Bridge the Gap) |
| Twilight Connector | Short trail that connects Gus’s Pasture to the lower Twilight jump line, or to get you back to the gondola from Twilight Zone. |
| Twilight Zone | One of our favorite trails on the mountain with more than 20 jumps, technical bridges, the Concrete Jungle paver section, The Deep End berm, and lower jump line, this trail has it all. |
| Velocity DH | Expert rated downhill trail with a number of technical sections to keep you on your toes. Once you've reached this level take your time to get accustomed to the drops, rock rides, and steep pitch of this trail. It's worth the time. |
Pro Trails
The pinnacle of technical riding at Mammoth Bike Park. Features the most challenging terrain with expert-level freeride elements. Mastery of all bike skills, including navigating the largest gaps and mandatory jump features, is essential.
- Elevated risk of injury or death from falling – highly skilled riders and pros only
- Highly variable surfaces with very steep, technical descents, mandatory drops, near vertical faces and obstacles requiring constant obstacle avoidance
- No ride-arounds
- State-of-the-art downhill bike with at least 8" of travel strongly recommended
- Full pads (worn on shins, knees, and elbows) highly recommended
- Helmets required; full face helmet (covers head and has a chin bar for added protection) highly recommended
Trail Descriptions
| Bullet DH | Host to a number of national-caliber downhill races, Bullet is full-on. Known for the large rock garden towards the top, but don't overlook the three other technical sections, which will leave you asking, "How exactly do you ride a bike down this?". |
| Chain Smoke | What it lacks in length it more than makes up for with sheer gnarliness. It's rated pro for a reason with the top rock garden, "Waterfall", and "Monkey Wrench" all being some of the most intimidating features in the park. |
| DC-10 | Rowdy in all the right ways, DC10 starts on a steep, technical ridge then works its way down the face of Chair 5. There’s one incredibly difficult rock garden but after that the trail opens up and is an absolute blast. Albeit a pro-level one… |
| Shock Treatment | Catch this Pro Line-trail off of The Eliminator or Off the Top and be prepared, it's rowdy. After a fairly benign start Shock Treatment gets steep with a half dozen rock gardens and an exciting wooden bridge that needs to be ridden to be fully understood. |
| Techno Rock | Very technical trail defined by by two intimidating features, a rock to dirt and rock to wood drops, neither of which should be taken lightly. Rated as a Pro Line for good reason. |
| Velociraptor Connector | We’re not going to sugar coat it, getting to Velociraptror is difficult, but given how special, and gnarly that trail is we feel it’s justified. Access from Skid Marks above the top of Chair 9, travers under Dave’s run and Climax then hike a bike up the back ramp of Chair 3. It’s a haul, but worth it. |
| Velociraptor | Our most difficult trail for good reason, Velociraptor is hard to get to and event harder to ride. Featuring exposed rock, drops, and features you might see in the movies. |
WE PUT SAFETY FIRST
Downhill mountain biking is all about fun, but safety comes first. Here are a few tips to keep you cruising smoothly:
- Ride at your own pace and take it easy.
- The right-hand brake is the RIGHT brake to use most of the time.
- Steady pressure when braking is better than on/off or slamming the brakes.
- Altitude matters. Mammoth is about 8,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. Drink water and chill out when needed.
- Your eyes steer the bike. Look where you want to go and not where you don't.The faster you go, the further ahead you should be looking on the trail.
SMART STYLE
Make sure the fun doesn't stop and shred smart by following these steps each time you enter the Bike Park:
PRE-RIDE: Check your bike and gear before hitting the trails.
RE-RIDE: Start slow, get a feel for the trail.
FREE-RIDE: Once you're comfortable, let loose and have fun!
Townie eBikes
Available to rentfrom the Mountain Center.
Hardtail Bikes
Available to rent from both the Mountain Center and Tamarack Bike & Paddle.
Full Suspension Trail Bikes
Available to rent from Main Lodge.
Full Suspension eMTBs
Available to rent from the Mountain Center.
Enduro & Downhill Demo Bikes
Available to rent from both Main Lodge and the Mountain Center.
SCORE THE BEST DEALS ON BIKES
Images do not reflect entire rental inventory; bikes may vary. View Recommendation Chart.
Once you’ve got an idea of where you want to ride, our rental shop has a fleet of top-of-the-line mountain bikes for all ages and abilities. Forget the hassle of hauling your own gear—our experts will set you up with a bike that’s just right for your body type and riding style. We even have class 1 pedal-assist eBikes for that extra kick. With our top-notch rentals, you'll be ready to rock the trails with confidence. Choosing the right bike is the key to shredding the trails like a pro. Whether you're cruising the easy paths or taking on the gnarly terrain, the right bike makes all the difference. Think about the trails you want to conquer, and we’ll help you find your perfect match.
SUIT UP FOR THE RIDE
Before you hit the trails, make sure you’re decked out in the right gear. Safety and comfort are key to having a blast while you ride. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to stay protected and ready to shred:
Helmets
Gloves, Pads & Body Armor
Closed-Toed Shoes
Gear Available: Don’t have your own? No worries! We’ve got you covered. You can rent helmets and pads at any rental location or shop Mammoth Sports at the Adventure Center or The Gear Up in the village.
Stay Trailside
Stay close to the action with our convenient lodging options, ensuring you're never far from the excitement. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin, a luxurious resort, or a family-friendly condo, we've got accommodations to suit every style and budget. Enjoy the convenience of being minutes away from the trails, so you can maximize your riding time and fully immerse yourself in the Mammoth experience. Relax and recharge in comfort, and be ready to hit the park refreshed each day.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Rental Locations & Hours
Pick up a rental bike an head straight to the trails from any of our convenient trail-side locations that offer mid-day bike adjustments, as well as free overnight bike storage for multi-day rentals.
Mountain Center in The Village
Open May 15–October 19, 2025
- Open daily from May 23–September 14
- Open Thursday–Sunday from September 15–October 19
Tamarack Bike & Paddle
Open May 23–September 28, 2025
- Open Friday–Sunday from May 23–June 8 (including Memorial Day)
- Open daily from June 13–September 1
- Open Friday–Sunday from September 5–28
Woolly’s Adventure Summit | Closed for the Season
Open June 20–September 14, 2025
- Open Daily from June 13–September 1
- Open Friday–Sunday from September 5–14
Main Lodge | Closed for the Season
Open daily June 13–September 14, 2025
Mountain Bike Lesson Locations & Hours
Ready to improve your skills? Learn more about Mountain Bike Lessons available during the summer season.
Mountain Bike Lessons have ended for the season.
BIKE PARK SAFETY
With hazards existing on the trails, be cautious and use common sense.
- Wear protective gear and clothing – helmets are required.
- Ride with a partner and pick trails that suit your ability level.
- Follow trail etiquette rules: Uphill traffic has the right of way on two-way trails and on downhill trails, the rider in front has the right of way.
- Be aware of the high altitude environment – the sun is more intense and your body fatigues faster. Stay hydrated and keep an eye on changes in weather, including thunderstorms.
- Know and follow the Mountain Biker's Responsibility Code – it is your responsibility.
MOUNTAIN BIKER'S RESPONSIBILITY CODE
Mountain biking involves the risk of serious injury or crash. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. ALWAYS:
- STAY IN CONTROL. You are responsible for avoiding objects and people.
- KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
- PROTECT YOURSELF. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment.
- INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
- BE LIFT SMART. Know how to load, ride and unload safely. Ask if you need help.
- INSPECT THE TRAILS AND FEATURES. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly.
- OBEY SIGNS AND WARNINGS. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.
- BE VISIBLE. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible.
- LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead.
- COOPERATE. If involved in or witness to an incident, identify yourself to staff.
Know and Follow the Code. It is Your Responsibility.
Safety Checklist
The trails at Mammoth Bike Park are rough and demanding on both the bike and the body. Before riding always inspect your equipment or have it checked by a qualified bike mechanic.
- Helmets are required for all mountain bike trails. Before heading out make sure yours fits correctly and is not damaged.
- Assess safety pads for fit and any damage. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate pads for you skill level and that coincide with the difficulty of the trails you're looking to ride.
- Inspect bike frame for cracks, damaged or dented areas.
- Ensure you have sufficient brake pads to stop your bike while descending.
- Front and rear axles (skewers) should be tight.
- Headset and stem must be secure with no looseness or play.
- Check that your tires are in good condition, with no tears or cuts on the rolling surface or sidewall.
- Handle bar and handle grips must be tight and unable to spin. Seat and seat post need to be fastened securely.
If you are not completely familiar with your bike and its various components, these checklist items, or if you have any doubt as to your bike's condition, we highly recommend you check with a qualified bike mechanic for further advice. Visit The Gear Up in the Village for full-service repairs and tuneups.
We recommend a full-face helmet, knee and elbow pads, sturdy shoes, gloves, eye protection, and sunscreen. All protective items are available to rent.
Please note: Woolly’s Adventure Summit does not offer mountain bike pads or MTB-specific shoes.
What ability levels do you have trails for?
Our trail network offers something for beginners through professionals. Starting with the Discovery Zone and ending with Velociraptor, there truly is something for everyone.
Can my kids ride the park?
We have industry leading beginner terrain in our Discovery Zone and offer world-class instructors as part of our lesson program.
What type of bike do I need?
Most of our trail network is well-suited for a current enduro (5"+ of travel) full suspension mountain bike. However, some of our Expert and Pro-Line trails require a full DH (8" of travel) mountain bike.
Do I ride down the ski runs?
No. We created a trail network designed specifically for mountain biking. Many of our trails do intersect or follow ski runs though. Ever wonder what Stump Alley or Broadway look like without any snow? Now's your chance.
What types of bikes are allowed?
We welcome various bikes on our mountain bike trails, including mountain bikes, class 1 eMTBs*, and adaptive bikes.
However, the following are not permitted:
- Bikes with child carriers or similar attachments
- Tandem bikes
- Unicycles
- Class 2 & 3 eMTBs
- Dirt bikes / combustion engine bikes
- OneWheels
- Scooters
*Class 1 eMTBs must not have a throttle and cannot reach assisted speeds higher than 20 MPH. Riders on eMTBs are required to follow the same rules as those on traditional mountain bikes.
Can I get a tuneup or bike repair?
Yes, walk-ups are welcome for bike repairs and tuneups at The Gear Up, located on the second floor of the Mountain Center.
What's the longest trail in the bike park?
Off the Top starts on top of the mountain and when linked to Beach Cruiser and Downtown finishes at the Village, almost 15 miles and 3,000 vertical feet later.
Do you offer any discounts?
25/26 Ikon Pass holders get two FREE Bike Park tickets; Ikon Base Pass holders get one. Plus, both Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders save 20% on additional tickets. Redeem at any ticket window. Holiday restrictions apply: 7/3/25-7/6/25 and 8/29/25-9/1/25.
Snow Summit + Snow Valley Bike Park pass holders can show their pass at a ticket window for a $39 Adult / $24 Child 1-day Mammoth Bike Park ticket.
