Let the gondola lift you (and your bike) to trails for all skill levels.

A few years back, ski resorts got a novel idea: In summer, why not put those empty gondolas, chairlifts, and ski runs to use? So when the snow melted, the resorts turned to mountain biking, the premise gloriously simple. You and your bike climb effortlessly to the top of the mountain in a gondola or chairlift, then ride down, down, down on spectacular trails and runs.

Mammoth Mountain Bike Park has perfected this concept with 90 miles of trails. Ride the gondola to Mammoth Mountain’s 11,053-foot summit, admiring the snowcapped scenery along the way. Follow your map and trail signs to find the route for you--from leisurely to wild ride. Beginners can steer towards Paper Route, Trail Home, and Downtown/Uptown. Intermediate riders might want to take on Brake Through, Bridge the Gap, and Off the Top. Thrill-seekers can test their skills and maneuver around obstacles on Skid Marks, Chain Smoke, Kamikaze, Velocity and Twilight Zone, with a 9-foot tall, 50-foot wide elevated and banked wooden bowl structure. Radical.

Purchase passes at the Adventure Center at the foot of the mountain (where you can also rent bikes), or in Mammoth Village at Mammoth Mart. FYI, there's a free shuttle from the village to the Adventure Center.

Inside Tip: Whether you ride or not, you won't want to miss special mountain biking events held at Mammoth during summer and fall. Check the Mammoth website for a complete race and event shedule.