If you would like to join a Mammoth running club to receive the training benefits of an awesome group of runners, check out the:     
High Sierra Striders at www.highsierrastriders.org  
       Membership is inexpensive and worth the perks for high altitude training in Mammoth Lakes.

    Following are some options of trails that visiting and local runners particularly enjoy. 

    Horseshoe Lake
        Distance:  1.7 miles
        Difficulty:  Easy
        Type:  Loop around horseshoe lake through beautiful pine forest.

    This is a popular trail for dogs walking owners, hikers, and bikers.  Around the corner from Mountainback  you will find Lake Mary Rd.  At the end of this scenic road is Horseshoe Lake.  Park your car, get your go fasters (sneakers) on and head in either direction around the lake.  Enjoy the mountain tops peaking over the forests as you run on a pretty level trail which circles the lake.  This is a great way for the beginner runner to get his/her altitude training going. 

    Mammoth Dome Loop (Panorama Dome)
        Distance:  Two loops about a mile long.
        Difficulty:  Easy to mild
        Type:  Loop to Mammoth Dome, or a loop through forests.

    This is another amazing trail that is off of the Lake Mary Rd.  With their proximity to Lake Mary Rd, you can see the benefits of staying at Mountainback now can't you?  About 200 yards past the Twin Lakes Bridge you will see a trail sign on the left hand side of the road.  Enter here and take either loop to make it back to your car.  There is also a trail that will take you to Old Mammoth Rd so be aware not to take this one unless you want a bit more of a run on the road to make it back to your car.  An appeal of this area is it's gold mining history.  You will also encounter bikers on this trail so pay attention.  Enjoy the scenery.

    Mammoth Rock Trail
        Distance:  6 miles round trip
        Difficulty:  Moderate
        Type:  Out and back.  Crosses the plains in front of the Sherwin Mountains climbing up to Mammoth Rock with awesome views of the valley and the town below.

    This is one of those trails that has a steady gradual climb but once you reach the top you will be rewarded with an incredible view.  From the very beginning of the trail at the Equestrian center by Sherwin Ranch you will have Mammoth Rock as your beacon.  It sits high on the mountain in front of you serving as your goal to reach the top.  From Mountainback make a left onto Main street and a right onto Minaret Rd.  At the end at Old Mammoth Road, take a left and your first right at Sherwin's sign.  You can't miss the equestrian center.  Enjoy the climb up to Mammoth Rock, stop to stretch, breath, and take in the beautiful valley below and then descend back to where you started.  This one is in full sun so take precautions to be hydrated and safe.  You could cheat and have someone drop you off at the top and pick you up below.  You know, however, that you would have to then do the whole out and back another day just to redeem yourself. 

    Sherwin Lake
        Distance:  4 miles round trip
        Difficulty:  Moderate to difficult
        Type:  Dirt hiking trail with rocks.  Switchbacks up a steep hill then flattens out to the lake with slight ups and downs.  Great views of the valley below and Mammoth Lakes.

    From Mountainback, head to Main street and turn right onto Minaret Road (not towards the ski mountain).  This road will end at Old Mammoth Rd.  Make a left here and the next right at the Sherwin's sign.  Follow this road which will eventually turn to a dirt road.  A little ways down you will hit another small paved section.  Slow down because you are going to make a right turn between some trees in about the middle of this patch.  It will become dirt again.  Drive a short distance turning left taking you into the parking area at the trail head.  You will encounter an awesome creek at the beginning of this trail but make sure to have some water with you as the next spot of water will be the lake.  Please remember to stay on the existing paths as to decrease erosion.

    Valentine Lake
        Distance:  10 miles round trip
        Difficulty:  Moderate to difficult
        Type:  Dirt hiking trail with rocks.  Switchbacks up a steep hill then flattens out to the lake with slight ups and downs.  Great views of the valley below and Mammoth Lakes.  The first two miles is up to Sherwin Lake and then 3 extra miles of up and down to Valentine Lake.

    Follow the same directions for Sherwin Lake but go beyond for 3 more miles to reach Valentine Lake.  You can make a loop out of this heading down the Valentine Trail back to the dirt road that you came in on.  For the actual mileage for this loop please consult a good map.

    Duck Pass
        Distance: 12 miles round trip
        Difficulty:  Moderate to difficult
        Type:  Dirt hiking trail which passes 6 lakes along the way

    You won't want to miss this one as it is a local's favorite trail for many reasons.  You start your journey at the trail head at Coldwater Campground; just past Lake Mary off of Lake Mary Rd. (By the way, by staying at Mountainback, Lake Mary Road is right around the corner).  The trail continues up a canyon with ups and downs and switchbacks up some steep hills.  What makes this trail so appealing are two fold.  First, there are six lakes that you will encounter along the way all about a mile apart until you reach the pass.  Secondly, this area has historical value for Mammoth Lakes.  Along it you will encounter an old miners cabin and mining machinery left behind reminding us of those that were there before us.  This trail is so pristine that you may find yourself stopping often to enjoy the views, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your point of view.