EASTERN SIERRA ESCAPE 2026
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this tour if you plan to attend all or part. WWBC or ACTC Membership is required to attend all or part . There is no limit on the number of participants, but registration helps us to plan and keep you informed. (click on REGISTER button on left side).
Address any questions to shumansteiner@gmail.com .
Eastern Sierra Escape 2026
September 8-20
Join friends from Western Wheelers (and ACTC) who will gather in Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, and Lone Pine to explore riding in this great area of California. Most routes start in the wide open Owens Valley and climb to beautiful alpine meadows and forests with fabulous views. While the routes include some of the longest and steepest climbs anywhere in the world, there are shorter versions to allow those with less fitness/endurance to enjoy these treasures by starting above the valley floor. Note that while these climbs can be difficult due to extended stretches of climbing, there are few (if any) sections where the grade exceeds 10-12 percent. Most rides are “out-n-backs”, climbing during cooler morning hours from the valley up into the alpine forests then descending back to town during the heat of the day. E-bikes are welcome on this tour and ideal for the long climbs, but make sure you have a good understanding of your bike’s capabilities.
This is primarily a hotel/base camp trip. While there are campgrounds available, most participants stay in hotels. Afternoons in Owens Valley are often quite hot, so it is nice to come back to a hotel room and pool after your ride. Each person will make their own accommodation arrangements – recommendations are listed below.
Over the 13 days of the trip there are 11 scheduled rides, with impromptu group hikes on the 2 off days. Participants are always welcome to take a day off or do a different ride/hike than the one scheduled for that day. Local attractions include a great railroad museum and a hot springs resort. Some come for the whole adventure, but many participants join for just part of the trip, coming for 3-7 days. On most nights participants get together for group dinners.
There are no group fees for this trip. Your expenses will be only for your own transportation, accommodations and meals. Happy hours are “pot luck”. Rides are unsupported - no SAG. Some days have lunch purchase options and water availability, while on others you must carry your food and water.
All rides are listed on the WWBC online ride schedule. For most of the rides, there are three routes: LONG/ SHORT/ EZ-START with a description, route sheet and GPS file for each. The EZ START route is for people who can grab a carpool to the start of the ride. The EZ START route follows the SHORT route, then adds on the fun descent back to town!
EASTERN SIERRA ROUTE COLLECTION
SEE ONLINE RIDE SCHEDULE FOR DETAILED RIDE INFORMATION!
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this tour if you plan to attend all or part. WWBC or ACTC Membership is required to attend all or part . There is no limit on the number of participants, but registration allows us to plan and keep you informed. (click on REGISTER button on left side).
Leaders:
Guy Shuman/Mindy Steiner
(shumansteiner@gmail.com or 650-704-0895)
2026 SCHEDULE
SEE ONLINE RIDE SCHEDULE FOR DETAILED RIDE INFORMATION!
(NOTE Schedule change due to un-rideability of Devils Postpile Access Road)
Date
Ride
Hotel Location
Tues 9/8/26
Tioga Pass (TWO RIDE OPTIONS)
Mammoth Lakes
Weds 9/9/26
June Lake Out-n-Back
Mammoth Lakes
Thurs 9/10/26
Minaret Summit and Lake Mary
Mammoth Lakes
Fri 9/11/26
Rock Creek/Mosquito Flat
Bishop (Drive to Bishop after ride)
Sat 9/12/26
South Lake & Lake Sabrina
Bishop
Sun 9/13/26
Relax or hike South/Sabrina Lake
Bishop
Mon 9/14/26
Bristlecone Pine Forest
Bishop
Tues 9/15/26
Pine Creek
Bishop
Weds 9/16/26
Glacier Lodge (+ Waucoba Option)
Bishop
Thurs 9/17/26
Relax or hike at Glacier Lodge
Bishop
Fri 9/18/26
Onion Valley
Lone Pine (Drive to start, then to Lone Pine)
Sat 9/19/26
Horseshoe Meadows
Lone Pine
Sun 9/20/26
Whitney Portal
Lone Pine
9/20/26
Mobius Arch / Alabama Hills HIKE
Optional sunset hike.
Recommended Hotels:
MAMMOTH LAKES Arrive 9/8, depart 9/11 (check-out before riding)
Empieria High Sierra Hotel – Nice hotel with indoor pool/spa and breakfast available for fee.
3228 Main Street,
Mammoth Lakes, California, 93546
Phone: 760-924-1234
Numerous other hotels available – check online…
CONDOS: Numerous condos are available through many sources. Recommended condo complex is Horizons 4 at Azimuth Drive & Meridian Blvd (nice outdoor pool/spa).
https://www.airbnb.com/ or https://www.grandwelcome.com or https://www.vacasa.com
BISHOP Arrive 9/11 (check-in after riding), depart 9/18 (check-out before riding)
Best Western (recommended hotel) – 1/4 mile north of downtown. Nice outdoor pool/spa. Hot breakfast included.
1025 N Main Street,
Bishop, California, 93514
Phone: 760-873-3543
Eastside Guesthouse – downtown friendly place with various room styles. Nice common room. No pool/hot tub.
777 N Main Street,
Bishop, California, 93514
Phone: 760-784-7077
Wayfinder (previously Creekside Inn) – downtown/nicest hotel (good hot breakfast), but no bicycles allowed in rooms. They do have a small storage area (bike capacity not guaranteed) which must be opened by front desk staff. Nice outdoor pool/spa and outdoor lounge area. (Note $20/room/night "hotel fee".)
725 N Main Street,
Bishop, California, 93514
Phone: 760-872-3044
https://www.wayfinderbishop.com/
Numerous other hotels available – check online…
LONE PINE Arrive 9/18 (check-in after riding), depart 9/20 after ride (or sunset hike and depart 9/21)
Best Western Frontier Motel (recommended hotel) – Nice motel. Hot breakfast. Nice outdoor pool (no spa).
1008 S. Main St.
Lone Pine, CA 93545
(760) 876-5571
Dow Villa Hotel – Historic comfortable hotel/ motel with variety of lodging options. Pool and hot tub. This is where all the movie stars stayed in the "old days". May get best rates by calling.
310 S. Main St.
Lone Pine, CA 93545
(760) 876-5521
Whitney Portal Hostel – downtown/less expensive
238 S. Main St.
Lone Pine, CA 93545
(760) 876-0030
CAMPING OPTIONS
Most people will be staying in motels for this tour, but camping is an option.
Forest Service Campgrounds
There are several USFS campgrounds in/near Mammoth Lakes.
Brownstown Campground
20 Schober Lane, Bishop, CA
(760) 872-7341
-One mile south of Bishop
https://brownscampgrounds.com/browns-town-campground/
Diaz Lake Campground
5007 South Main Street
Lone Pine, CA 93545
(760) 876-4700
http://www.inyocountycamping.com/diaz_lake_campground.html
-located 3 miles south of Lone Pine on Hwy 395