Lower Rock Creek trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Trail Facts
The Trail
Skill Level: Intermediate
Trail Type: Cross Country
Length: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 50 meters
Elevation Loss: 1850 meters
Location
Trail Name: Lower Rock Creek trail
City(s): Mammoth Lakes
State: CA
County: Mono
Description
This 7.5-mile shuttle ride follows Rock Creek through a winding canyon. The Trails starts off smooth and flowy with a few loose turns to keep riders on their toes. After two or so miles the trail cross a street diagonally to the right. NOTE: Roadies and cars are prone to very high speeds on this road so be sure to look both ways before entering it. After the street crossing the trail continues smoothly with a few additional rocks. The trail crosses the street again after about a mile. This is where the trails rocky personality begins to show. The canyon walls get deeper and rock gardens more frequent. The trail continues with its ripping fast nature only interrupted once by a short hike-a-bike climb. The mostly rollable rock spines and roll-downs keep things interesting and are quite tricky to clean on the first run. The trail descends nearly 2,000 feet and climbs for only 50 feet. At the end there is even a stream crossing at the end to cool riders after a hot shuttle.
Location
Driving Directions
Travel east on Merdian Blvd. to CA-203.
Turn right on CA-203. Drive 1.6 miles.
Take ramp for US-395. Follow 395 for 15.9 miles to Lower Rock Creek Rd./Old Sherwin Grade Rd.
Parking will be on the left about 400 feet after the turn or immediately on the right.
To Drop off shuttle vehicle, drive down Lower Rock Creek Rd. about 7.9 miles to where the creek crosses the road (the third time).
From Bishop, CA:
Take US-395 N out of town for 12.3 miles.
Turn left at Gorge Rd. Go 0.2 miles.
Turn Right at Lower Rock Creek Rd./Old Sherwin Grade Rd.
Drive 3 miles and drop off shuttle vehicle just after where the road crosses the creek.
Continue up Lower Rock Creek Rd for 7.9 miles to parking area.