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Lower Rock Creek Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.1 (39)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. Bishop
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“A creek-side trail from sagebrush to aspen ”

Star Fangled Nut
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Map Key

15.9

Miles

25.6

KM

95%

Singletrack

6,876' 2,096 m

High

4,954' 1,510 m

Low

1,923' 586 m

Up

1,923' 586 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Not Allowed

There has been trail maintenance done in the first section. Big thanks to the people fixing the trail. Thanks for the trail love. ❤

There' s a warning sign to dismount from your bike before you reach the trail work.

Overview

One of the area's best singletrack trails with a few ride options from a longer out and back, shuttle, or a lap or two on the upper sections for a quick fix.

Additional Info:
-Bishop Region Recreation Topo Map & Guide, Sierra Maps
-Mountain Biking Mammoth, Extremeline Guides
-Mountain Biking Southern California, Falcon Guide

Need to Know

The trail is in somewhat sandy substrate so running a lower tire pressure is nice but its super easy to pinch flat in the rocks. The lower "gorge" section is a "Intermediate/Difficult" rocky commitment so plan accordingly.

Description

Park at the trailhead off of Lower Rock Creek Road just west of Rock Creek. This trailhead has recently been improved and includes signage and a portapotty. Many folks chose to ride up the road to the upper trailhead, or at least to the upper two sections. If you choose to ride up the trail, walk back to the east past a house and look for signs to a singletrack trail that will take you past the private homes.

At the road crossing, for the true XC experience, jump on the trail as it leaves the unpaved parking pullout and ride up to the next road crossing. The trail jogs downhill slightly, crossing the creek on the pavement, before heading uphill again towards the upper trailhead.

The upper two sections (see map) are fast and fun with aspen groves, moderate rock gardens, bridges, and the lower gorge is adventure biking at its best with some gnarly rock gardens, baby heads, and some terrific scenery.

History & Background

This is signed specifically as a mountain bike trail, the upper sections are managed by USFS and the lower by BLM.

Contacts

Local Club: Fatbike Mammoth

Land Manager: BLM California - Bishop Field Office

Shared By:

Star Fangled Nut with improvements by Donardo Magahis and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 39 votes

#1

in Bishop

#534

Overall
  4.1 from 39 votes
5 Star
51%
4 Star
31%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
8%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bishop

#77

in California

#534

Overall
47 Views Last Month
30,578 Since Feb 17, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
23%
13%
65%
0%
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Photos

Lower Rock Creek Trail, Heading towards Paradise.
Apr 22, 2021 near West Bi…, CA
Mount Washington from Lower Rock Creek Trail
Apr 22, 2021 near West Bi…, CA
Navigating a chundery section of Rock Creek.
Aug 17, 2016 near West Bi…, CA
The beginning of the third section of Lower Rock Creek Trail, heading downstream, encompasses a roller section with a couple surprise curves and some rocks.
Feb 24, 2017 near West Bi…, CA
Lower Rock Creek Trail all lush and green.
Jun 16, 2023 near West Bi…, CA
Enjoy this view half way down the third section of Lower Rock Creek Trail, right after a brief (for most of us) hike-a-bike section.
Feb 24, 2017 near West Bi…, CA

11 Comments

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Check-Ins

Jun 17, 2023
Tish Jane
Jun 17, 2023
Talya E
Jun 16, 2023
Steve Taylor
Great Ride with Trail Work being done, still water crossings in the lower section
Apr 29, 2023
A V
Sep 20, 2022
Daniel Cashero
May 3, 2022
Chris Hendrickson
What a fun, technically challenging downhill. Nice slap ya in the face scenery finish!
Jul 11, 2021
Caleb Wolper
May 8, 2021
Sarah Benedict
We shuttled and only went downhill. First time on a bike in 11 years... don't recommend for newbies! But was still super fun. 7.9mi — 1h 57m

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