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Bishop Area |
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Coyote
Flats
The Coyote Loop is one of the most scenic rides you can take in Inyo
County. Although it starts on the warm Owens Valley floor, it climbs to a
cool 10,000 feet in 20 miles. You will cross alpine streams and pass by
two lakes. You will be treated to awesome fall colors starting the 3rd
week of September. Be sure to bring your bathing suit and towel as you can
go swimming in the Hot Spring pools at the staging area when you finish
the ride. The ride is legal for Green Sticker bikes but Dual Sport riders
can also take the option to go to Big Pine for lunch.
Although the loop is only 50 miles but allow at least three hours
because of all the possible side trips. |
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Black Mountain |
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The
Black Mountain loop starts at the intersection of Warm Springs road and
the extension of East Line Street, which becomes East Side road when it
turns south at Poleta. Bring your bathing suit because there is a large
spring a couple miles from the finish where you can cool off. This loop
has the most single track of any ride in the area and is quite
challenging to beginners and a workout for intermediates.
Since a lot of the single track is on the Owens Valley floor, it
is not a good summer ride but it is also usually blocked by snow from
November to May. Late May-June or Late September-October are the best
times to experience this great ride. The ride has three short sections
of paved road in very remote areas. Be sure and take the short side trip
to Black Canyon Spring and check out the old miner’s cabin and
springhouse cooler. |
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Casa Diablo |
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This is a challenging ride with a lot
of soft deep sand that is not recommended for beginners. It starts and
ends in the volcanic table lands just north of Bishop and climbs to the
juniper and pinion covered Banner Ridge and Mt. Casa Diablo. Because of
the low elevation, this is a great winter ride that is seldom blocked by
snow. It passes by the old Indian swimming hole of Fish Slough Spring.
To get to the start take Highway 6 North out of Bishop, turn left on
Five bridges road just after the first bend. The staging area is at the
end of Five Bridges paved road just past the cement plant. |
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