Saddlebag Lake Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

There is a parking area or you can make it a longer ride by adding the Bennettville Ghost Town Trail. The trailhead starts off with some technical shale before opening up to an old mine road. The backside of the lake is just beautiful alpine singletrack. You are on the edge of wilderness here, Greenstone Lake is a wilderness area. It's worth taking a closer look. Leave your bike at the trail and walk down to check it out. The west side of the lake is rocky and technical.

This oft forgotten singletrack trail is not ridden enough. Most people are unaware that it even exists, much less that its open to mountain biking. It is tucked cleverly between Yosemite National Park and the Hoover Wilderness, butting right next to the Wilderness Boundary in a couple of spots. Its only a 45 minute drive from Mammoth. Although the ride is short (only 4 miles), its definitely not short on exquisite views!! Theres minimal climbing, but there are some technical sections that will surprise you, and some punchy efforts that will get your heart rate up. Much of the trail is fairly smooth, but theres also a fair share of rocks and shale that sneak up on you. Be ready for it.

Most people ride this as a loop. However, the last section of trail (approx. 1.5 miles) is almost all rock and shale, and not much fun for less skilled riders. If youre doing the full loop, full suspension or a fat bike will help. Most people will have to hike some of the obnoxious sections. In our opinion, the best part of this ride is the first half. The best terrain, trail quality, and views are had while riding the the east and north side of the lake, right up until you reach the Forest Service cabin. Therefore, weve written directions for the full loop, but also notated the out and back to the cabin. Your choice, just wanted to give fair warning.

Also in the area are the Bennettville Ride, Log Cabin Mine Loop, and Moraines and Meadows Ride. You might want do one or more of those rides to make a great day of riding. Saddlebag Lake is also a great spot to fish, or just hang out with the family and make a day out of it.