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Loop around the two Inyo Craters, which were formed from a volcanic explosion 1,500 years ago.


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Map Key

11.7

Miles

18.9

KM

10%

Singletrack

8,161' 2,487 m

High

7,713' 2,351 m

Low

696' 212 m

Up

700' 213 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

The Inyo Craters Loop is an old school Mammoth ride. It was one of the earliest USFS signed bike routes. Other than the Inyo Craters Singletrack (which we include with our version of the loop), the terrain is pretty much jeep roads. There is moderate climbing, with some sweet views and a good tour of the area. This is a relaxing ride thats definitely worth doing for some peaceful exercise.

Need to Know

**NOTE FOR WINTER / FAT BIKE RIDING This route is usually packed by snowmobiles and trucks before grooming starts for the season. Other than the singletrack section (which sees no winter use) the rest is usually fun on a fat bike with low tire pressure. Remember, once grooming starts, all groomed trails are OFF LIMITS to bikes. Click here for the grooming report to see if its currently legal to ride.

Questions? Contact Fat Bike Mammoth.

Description

From Mammoth, drive up Highway 203 towards Main Lodge of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Make a right on Mammoth Scenic Loop. At 2.75 miles, turn left on 3S30 at the Inyo Craters sign. Go 0.3 miles. The road will split and theres a dirt parking area on the right. The ride starts here. The singletrack is to the right, and theres a small sign with no trail name (see photo).

Soon after finishing the singletrack section, you ride out of the forest and a huge pumice flat opens up in front of you. 360-degree wicked views await, including San Joaquin Ridge and White Wing Mountain. Next you enter a Jeffrey Pine Forest and cross Deadman Creek before paralleling the creek and curving around and starting back towards the craters. After a peaceful ride through the forest, you arrive at the main parking lot. Lucky for you, you get to ride the singletrack back the way you came. Nice!

For more info, including turn by turn directions, check out Fat Bike Mammoth. You can also use the MTB Project mobile app for wayfinding alonng the route.

Contacts

Shared By:

Alan Jacoby

Trail Ratings

  2.7 from 12 votes

#3620

Overall
  2.7 from 12 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
0%
3 Star
75%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
8%
Recommended Route Rankings

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in California

#3,620

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5,814 Since May 9, 2015
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Photos

The Inyo Craters trailhead
Aug 31, 2014 near Mammoth…, CA
Through the sage
Aug 31, 2014 near Mammoth…, CA
A view from Crater Flats
May 9, 2015 near Mammoth…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Sep 23, 2022
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Aug 14, 2021
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Jun 22, 2021
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Jun 22, 2021
Derrick Barber
Aug 11, 2020
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Jun 28, 2020
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Oct 6, 2018
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May 13, 2018
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