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Underrated and overlooked - this trail is tough and demanding, but SO worth it.


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Map Key

7.3

Miles

11.7

KM

100%

Singletrack

9,260' 2,823 m

High

7,716' 2,352 m

Low

1,599' 487 m

Up

1,599' 487 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Make sure not to ride past the Owens Headwaters Wilderness Boundary. If you want to explore more, park the bike and keep on hiking to Yost Lake.

Overview

This short out-and-back offers awe-inspiring views of June and Gull Lake. It's super easy to access, with parking right off the June Lake Loop.

Description

The first mile or so is brutal climbing, with no warmup, that usually involves serious granny-gear pounding or hike-a-bike. But the views you get make you forget that youre wheezing and gasping for dear life. Take a moment to soak it in. The climbing mellows a bit after this point as you spin through alpine meadows and aspen groves.

By this point, youre probably imagining how much bliss this singletrack will be on the way back down! Eventually, you enter the ski area- and the trail descends a little before crossing under the lift and climbing some more. The trail is usually pretty easy to follow, but it might be good to load the GPS file or follow the MTB Project mobile app, especially if any snow has fallen.

Also, you must be aware that you have to stop at 3.7 miles and turn around. There is a boundary here for the Owens Headwaters Wilderness Area and bikes are strictly prohibited past this point. Last time we rode it, there was no visible Wilderness Boundary Sign so its on you to be responsible. You MUST NOT RIDE YOUR BIKE IN THE WILDERNESS AREA.

We recommend using the MTB Project mobile app on your phone or carry a GPS device so that you can track your mileage. Feel free to park the bike and continue hiking past this point. By foot, you can get to Yost Lake and Fern Lake both great spots to relax.

Anyhoo, once you turn around, its pretty much rip-roaring downhill fun all the way back to the car. There are hikers once in a while, so be wary and remember to stay in control in the exposed areas and steep switchbacks. Remember to stop by June Lake Brewing for post-ride beers and grub! Now go ride!

Contacts

Shared By:

Alan Jacoby

Trail Ratings

  3.5 from 8 votes

#3224

Overall
  3.5 from 8 votes
5 Star
13%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
13%
Recommended Route Rankings

#397

in California

#3,224

Overall
6 Views Last Month
5,957 Since Jun 6, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
29%
71%
0%

Photos

Climbing the Yost Trail during an October snow storm
Jul 31, 2015 near Mammoth…, CA
View of Gull Lake from one of the switchbacks climbing up Yost Trail
Jun 6, 2015 near Mammoth…, CA
Stellar singletrack along the Yost Trail.
Jun 6, 2015 near Mammoth…, CA
Gull and June Lakes!
Aug 19, 2016 near Mammoth…, CA
Steep and sandy. Great views.
Aug 19, 2016 near Mammoth…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Jul 23, 2021
A V
Jul 18, 2021
GABOR TAKACS
Oct 13, 2019
Fred Duarte
Pain for Pleasure
Oct 31, 2015
Martin Dix
The first mile is steeeep and the ground is pea gravel so traction is a luxury. keep going to the lake it's worth it.
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