Being on vacation doesn’t mean that you have to stray from your normal running routine! In fact, Mammoth Lakes is an excellent place to run, no matter if you’re looking for an easy jog or a heart-pumping interval workout.
In this article (which is just part one!), we’ve got 4 running trails that are close to our condos here at Mammoth Mountain Reservations.
Where to run in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Rock Trail
Mammoth Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks visible from town, but did you know that there’s a trail that takes you up close and personal with this impressive rock formation? It also happens to be one of the best running trails in the area if you want a challenging workout and incredible views.
We would recommend starting at the bottom of the trail, on Sherwin Creek Road, as you’ll get about a half mile of flat terrain before heading up towards the ridge. The climb can feel intense, but it’s also gradual and will give you some of the best vista points to look over the town of Mammoth Lakes.
Once you get up to the great behemoth, there’s only a short little stretch of dirt trail left before you hit Old Mammoth Road. And from there, you can either turn around and run back down, which will give you a 5.2mi run in total. Or you can run down Old Mammoth Road which winds through residential neighborhoods before looping back on Sherwin Creek Road to find your car. This option comes to around 4.6 mi.
Something to keep in mind about this trail is that it can cause a bit of vertigo for some folks, as it’s got a steep drop off on one side.
Courtesy of AllTrails
Shady Rest Park
What we love about Shady Rest Park as a running area is that it’s very “choose your own adventure.” If you want steep inclines and technical terrain, there are trails that will give you the kick in the running shorts you need. Or, if you’re looking for a light, flat jog through plenty of shade, stick to the well-maintained service roads. The kind of web-like trail system in this part of town means that you can find a loop or an out-and-back that is exactly the mileage you’re looking for, too! And, the grassy areas in the main park are a great place to stretch and cool down.
Because the trails and dirt roads around Shady Rest can be a bit maze-like, we would recommend that you keep an eye on your GPS so that you don’t get lost. It’s also a good idea to have at least one ear open to listen out for 4x4 recreation vehicles that might be coming around blind corners quickly.
Courtesy of AllTrails
Lake Mary Road
For the road runners out there, the bike trail up to the lake’s basin is the running route for you! Sure, it’s a bit of a slog to run the first mile or so on an uphill in the sunshine, but the views make it all worth it. You can see all the way down to Crowley Lake and the gorgeous White Mountains in the background!
If you run from one of our Discovery 4 condos, it’s a 1.6 mile run to reach Twin Lakes. But, you can also tack on an extra 4 miles and make it all the way up to Horseshoe Lake. And, once you’re up at Horseshoe, we would definitely recommend adding a loop around the backside of the lake, which offers a flat, well-maintained dirt trail through lush forest.
Alternatively, if you want a nice downhill run with spectacular views, we would recommend taking the free shuttle up to the Lakes Basin and running back down to town!
Courtesy of Mammoth Lakes Trail System
Valentine Lake via the Sherwin Lake Trail
If you’re looking for a quite challenging run during your stay in Mammoth Lakes, definitely put Valentine Lake on your list. This is a 9 mile out-and-back route that will take you through multiple different eco zones. Even with the switchbacks, this run offers steep inclines, but the incredible views will make you want to keep climbing!
If you’re looking for a slightly less intense version, you can plan on turning around once you reach Sherwin Lake. This will shave off about 4 miles from your route while still giving you a difficult, rewarding workout.
The Sherwin Lake Trailhead is located off of Sherwin Creek Road (the same road where you can find the Mammoth Rock Trail.) It’s always a good idea to schedule this run in the early morning before the hiking crowd arrives or during the week, when it’s likely to be less crowded.
Courtesy of AllTrails
Frequently asked questions about running in Mammoth Lakes
How long does it take to get acclimated to high altitude?
When you run in and around Mammoth Lakes, it will take a few days (at least) to get accustomed to running at high altitude. In particular, you’re likely to notice that you feel more lethargic and run out of breath more quickly here than at home. In order to ease yourself into high altitude running, you should plan on running shorter distances at a more relaxed pace until you start to feel comfortable with the elevation change. Make sure to drink more water than you normally would to help your body deal with the lower oxygen levels.
Is Mammoth ok for beginners?
If you’re new to running, Mammoth Lakes is an excellent place to start. There are many different options for running trails so that you can start at a difficulty level that is right for you. We would recommend starting on flat trails, such as at Shady Rest Park or along the Town Bike Loop before tackling trails with an incline.
Is it safe to run on the trails around Mammoth Lakes?
Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by wilderness, so there are a few hazards to be aware of. If you’re running on dirt trails, make sure that you wear sturdy shoes and take care when traversing rocks and uneven terrain. You should avoid running on snow or wet rock surfaces as they can be slippery.
Run-ins with wildlife are rare, but you should be prepared for the possibility of seeing a bear, deer, mountain lion, or coyotes on running trails. In general, you can safely navigate these encounters by slowing to a walk, remaining calm, and speaking in a loud, assertive voice. Don’t back down, but make your presence known and allow the animal to retreat.
That being said, many people run on the trails around Mammoth Lakes everyday without incident.
How close are Mammoth Mountain Reservation condos to the running trails?
As we mentioned, Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by running trails! If you’re staying at Discovery 4 or Mountainback at Mammoth, you’ll have easy access to the Lake Mary Trail and running trails out of the Lakes Basin. Or, if you’re staying at one of our properties in town, such as Sierra Park Villas or Sherwin Villas, you’ll be right down the road from the trails out of Sherwin Creek Road or the Town Bike Loop. The free town trolley also makes it easy to get to your favorite running trails from any of our Mammoth Mountain Reservation properties!