Touring * Slalom *

From U.S. 395, exit at the Mammoth Lakes junction, State Highway 203 heading west. About three miles up, turn left onto Old Mammoth Road at the first stoplight, and drive the four blocks through town. Cross Meridian Boulevard at the second light, the mall corner. The street veers west to pass Snowcreek Golf Course after crossing the creek, and soon after, you'll see Ranch Road on the left. Turn down the slight slope and park in the St. Joseph's church parking lot just a block down on the right side of the road.

It may be short, but Ranch Road is a great place to get into hill skating. Surrounded by this area's wealth of natural beauty, you can really enjoy a repetitive workout while improving your speed control, braking skills, and slalom turns.

To get the full mileage and an additional hill out of this one, start by skating back up to the stop sign where Ranch Road meets Old Mammoth Road. Coming back down Ranch Road, you'll be able to do lots of slalom turns due to the gentle slope and lack of traffic, and what better way to cross-train on a day off from skiing? Half a mile from the starting point, the road forks off into two half-mile streets, both of them cul-de-sacs. Take the high road on the right to stay on steeper, curvier Ranch Road, with its expensive-looking homes (the main plus is the joy of skating back down once you've climbed it). Take the lower lefthand fork to skate up easier, better-paved Woodcrest Trail, with its unobstructed Sierra views to the east.