Running

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It's no coincidence that so many top-ranked elite runners have chosen Mammoth Lakes as home base. Training at altitude gives athletes a proven advantage, but the real draw is the extent and variety of trails and terrain - for all seasons. In summer and fall the trail-running options from town into the surrounding front country of the Inyo National Forest (and beyond) are world-class and nearly limitless. For those who prefer smooth, paved surfaces, try the Town Loop and Lakes Basin Path. Even in winter there are groomed or snow-free roadways to the east toward Hot Creek and Benton Crossing roads.
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Energy bars/electrolyte replacement
Running shoes
Sun hat
Sunscreen/lip protector
Water

Featured Running Experiences

Running the Lakes Basin Path from the North Village to Twin Lakes Vista

This run is one of the most popular and accessible in town, rewarding your uphill efforts with views of the Mammoth Crest and Lake Mamie Outfall.

Difficulty Rating:: ▣
Duration:: About an hour

Running the Lakes Basin Path from Twin Lakes Vista to Horseshoe Lake

The round-trip run between Twin Lakes Vista and Horseshoe Lake is filled with breathtaking views and pleasant meandering in and out of the forest. Sweeping vistas of the Owens Valley on the return are the tradeoff for the steady climb up!

Difficulty Rating:: ▣
Duration:: Less than 4 hours

Trail Running the Mammoth Rock Trail

A relatively flat warm-up run from Mammoth Creek Park West leads to the trail, the first part of which is a grind: up, up, up! Enjoy the panoramic view, then return to the park via Old Mammoth Road and the Town Loop.

Difficulty Rating:: ▣
Duration:: Less than 4 hours

All Running Experiences

Running the Lakes Basin Path from the North Village to Twin Lakes Vista

4.4 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: About an hour

Running the Lakes Basin Path from Twin Lakes Vista to Horseshoe Lake

6.2 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Running the North Village 5 Mile Loop

4.9 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Asphalt,
Duration: About an hour

Trail Running around Horseshoe Lake and Swimming Horseshoe Lake

2.7 mi

Rating: ◉ ,
Surface: Mixed,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

Trail Running the Mammoth Rock Trail

6.2 mi

Rating: ▣ ,
Surface: Mixed,
Duration: Less than 4 hours

All Running Experiences

Experience	Rating	Length (mi)	Surface	Duration
Running the Lakes Basin Path from the North Village to Twin Lakes Vista	▣	4.4	Asphalt	About an hour
Running the Lakes Basin Path from Twin Lakes Vista to Horseshoe Lake	▣	6.2	Asphalt	Less than 4 hours
Running the North Village 5 Mile Loop	▣	4.9	Asphalt	About an hour
Trail Running around Horseshoe Lake and Swimming Horseshoe Lake	◉	2.7	Mixed	Less than 4 hours
Trail Running the Mammoth Rock Trail	▣	6.2	Mixed	Less than 4 hours