Touring * Slalom *

From U.S. 395, exit at the Mammoth Lakes junction, which is State Highway 203 heading west. About three miles up, just after you pass the U.S. Forest Service and Visitor Center on the right, turn left at the first stoplight onto Old Mammoth Road. Drive four blocks to cross Meridian Boulevard at the second light, the mall corner. A block and a half farther on, just after crossing Chateau Road, you'll see the parking lot and jungle gyms of Mammoth Creek Park on the left. Turn in and park here. You'll find toilets and a drinking fountain; the trail starts on the south side of the parking lot. (Though small, this lot has prime-quality pavement and is great for play.)

The alpine views from the southern section of this loop are so beautiful that the trip earns a solid "must-skate" rating of 10--for those with the skills to handle it, that is. Words truly are inadequate to express the impact of the Sierras seen from this close; their dramatic beauty, a product of nature's most powerful geologic forces, will make even the jaded feel privileged to admire their steep granite slopes.

Starting from the parking lot of Mammoth Creek Park, skate south down a short slope toward the bank of Mammoth Creek, and turn left at the "T" intersection with the Main Path trail. (The pavement to the right is only a quarter mile long and terminates at the shoulder of Old Mammoth Road.) The Main Path dips through a tunnel under Old Mammoth Road, and then rises to traverse the north bank of Mammoth Creek heading east. On the left, a gravel road is near enough to cause an irritating dust cloud whenever a car passes by. Fortunately, traffic here is fairly low, and the paved trail crosses that road a quarter mile up.

Little markers depicting cross-country skiers are mounted high on metal stakes beside the trail, to point the way when the path is buried under winter snow. Stop and turn around after climbing the first hill to admire the view of Mammoth Mountain and, behind it, the peaks of the Minarets and 13,000-foot-high (give or take a hundred feet) Mount Ritter and Banner Peak. Just a bit farther up, over the hump, you can skate out to a vista point, furnished with benches and a railing so you can relax and enjoy the 365-degree view of desert valleys backed by truly mammoth peaks.

Beyond the vista point, the trail curves toward the northeast and through some trees, with a rather long descent. If it feels too narrow for your slalom abilities, ride your heel brake to prevent unwanted acceleration. Just after a swerve to the right, the trail rises to meet Meridian Boulevard at Commerce Drive.

Cross Meridian Boulevard to Commerce and decide what you want to do next. Those desiring a shorter loop of 3.25 miles can turn left to enter the Meridian Trail here. This trail climbs gently but persistently and passes through natural desert shrubs bordering a neighborhood and the elementary and high schools. Meridian Trail ends abruptly at the intersection of Meridian Boulevard and Sierra Park Road. Cross Meridian quickly at this corner, because it's on a rise and oncoming drivers can't see you until the last minute. Turn right and skate on the sidewalk past the shopping center until your reach the "main drag," Old Mammoth Road. Turn left to skate back on the pink sidewalks to where you parked.

Skaters who turn right instead of left from Commerce Drive will join a new extension of the Main Path trail that meanders through a woodsy area on the northeast corner of town. Expect to huff and puff your way uphill and cross a couple of low traffic streets. You'll also skate past a camp ground with a little grocery store where you can stop for snacks. You will pass a trail branching off to the right named Shady Rest Trail. This takes you under the highway to Shady Rest Park trail. This fun 1.5 mile detour takes you on a winding trail through the forest to Shady Rest Park where there is a small skate park.

Continuing a short way beyond the fork, you'll see an understated McDonald's that indicates you're getting close to downtown. The Main Path continues north of the intersection of Old Mammoth Road and Highway 203, but is basically a sidewalk along 203. You can return to Mammoth Creek Park using the pink sidewalks along Old Mammoth Road. Otherwise, return the way you came to complete the circuit described in this write-up, totaling about 5 miles out and back.

For the "Vert" freaks out there, nearby Wave Rave (3203 Main St.) opens their skate board half-pipes to inliners also.

• Minaret Road