Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking the San Joaquin Ridge

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  • The locals' moniker for this ride is "hardcore," which should give you some indication of its strenuousness. From the Minaret Vista parking area, a short singletrack section drops briefly to join a dirt four-wheel-drive road that climbs steeply—1,500 feet in 2.5 miles—up the windswept crest of the San Joaquin Ridge. Along the way, grand views of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Mammoth Mountain, Long Valley Caldera and the Minarets help to keep spirits buoyed. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and bracing afternoon breezes. The summit, where the road ends at the Owens River Headwaters Wilderness boundary, is at 10,700 feet above sea level. The descent is fast and fun.

  • The locals' moniker for this ride is "hardcore," which should give you some indication of its strenuousness. From the Minaret Vista parking area, a short singletrack section drops briefly to join a dirt four-wheel-drive road that climbs steeply—1,500 feet in 2.5 miles—up the windswept crest of the San Joaquin Ridge. Along the way, grand views of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Mammoth Mountain, Long Valley Caldera and the Minarets help to keep spirits buoyed. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and bracing afternoon breezes. The summit, where the road ends at the Owens River Headwaters Wilderness boundary, is at 10,700 feet above sea level. The descent is fast and fun.

  • Experience Checklist

    • Bike helmet
    • Bike shoes (or close-toed shoes)
    • Bike tools
    • Jacket or windbreaker
    • Map or GPS device
    • Mountain bike
    • Pads and gloves
    • Sunscreen/lip protector
    • Water

    Public Services

    Experience Information

    Trail Length
    5.0 miles
    Trail Surface
    Soil
    Duration
    Less than 4 hours

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Trail Length (mi) Surface Activities and Services
A Trail - Groomed Snowmobile Trail 13.2 Snow Cross Country Skiing Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
Mountain View Trail 5.3 Soil Mountain Biking
Starkweather Trail 2.5 Soil Hiking

Related Destinations

Related Destinations

Destination Activities and Services
Minaret Vista Vista Viewing
How to get involved Local recreation resources Experiences and ratings Finding your way around the MLTS Trail System Projects