Starkweather Lake Trail

The descent down to Starkweather Lake is one of the best sections of singletrack in the area. It's 2.5 miles of rolling trail, winding through the woods. The climb back up is grueling and unrelenting. Directions are not really necessary here as there are no trail intersections. Just take Starkweather Trail all the way down to the lake. There are a few small creek crossings, switchbacks, and a couple mildly technical sections to keep your speed in check. The dirt is mostly packed with some looser pumice spots sprinkled around. Getting to the trailhead: From town, drive up Highway 203 towards Main Lodge of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Continue past Main Lodge and go all the way up to the turnoff for Minaret Vista (just before the Forest Service kiosk to go down to Reds Meadow). Make a right for Minaret Vista, and then another quick right and park in the dirt lot. Hike back to Highway 203 and cross the road at Forest Service kiosk. The trailhead is right next to the kiosk, and youll see the sign a few feet up the hill.