Los Angeles Times

Sierra elevates its sunny game

- By Chris Erskine chris. erskine@ latimes. com Twitter:@ erskinetim­es

Increasing­ly, the Sierra is providing a wider range of summer attraction­s: bike trails, sushi bistros and gastro pubs. Here’s the 411 on summer 2015:

Mammoth Lakes

Although it’s better known as a ski resort, Mammoth is becoming a leading mountain- bike destinatio­n. Just about anybody, from beginners to advanced riders, can hop on a bike and have a great time on 80 miles of trails. This summer Mammoth has upgraded the park, connecting two downhill routes, Upper Recoil and Twilight Zone. There’s also a new Bike Park Basecamp next to the Main Lodge for brews and snacks.

Info: ( 760) 934- 2571, www. mammothmou­ntain. com

A $ 2- million makeover has added some bounce at the Snowcreek Athletic Club. New floorlevel trampoline­s, unveiled in October, let snowboarde­rs practice tricks, with safety harnesses and 20- foot ceilings. They are available to boarders of all skill levels. Meanwhile, the health club’s new Bistro East Restaurant serves up a reasonably priced menu, including miso soup ($ 3.95), five- piece sashimi ( from $ 5.95) and spicy tuna roll ($ 4.95). The club and restaurant are open to the public.

Info: ( 760) 934- 8511, www. snow creekathle­ticclub. com

June Lake

June Mountain is opening to the public for summer operations. ( Last summer, it was private events only.) The J1 chair will bring guests to the June Meadows Chalet summer cafe. Hours are limited, and some Saturdays are reserved for weddings, so check the website. But certainly make note of one of the most beautiful view spots in the West.

Info: ( 888) 586- 3686, www. june mountain. com

Yosemite

The big news in Yosemite this summer — and next — is the closing of Mariposa Grove. A two- year restoratio­n project begins after the July 4 weekend. The work includes demolishin­g the parking lot in the center of the grove, which prevented water from reaching the roots of the ancient Sequoias. Tram tours in the area are also being discontinu­ed permanentl­y. The park’s two other groves — Tuolumne and Merced — will remain open. At the same time, the park will open the Badger Pass ski area for parking and shuttle service to Glacier Point.

Info: ( 209) 372- 0200, www. lat. ms/ 1GhMHj9

Bishop

Looking to stretch your legs on the way to Mammoth or Yosemite? Check out downtown Bishop’s pedestrian- friendly stretch on Warren Street, featuring new lighting, sidewalks and back entrances to businesses along Main. The entire downtown now offers free Wi- Fi.

Info: ( 760) 873- 8405, www. bishopvisi­tor. com

This rustic fishing town is one of the most authentic spots in Califor- nia. But even a retro Main Street can use a little entertainm­ent. The Mountain Rambler Brewery, which opened in November, offers live music with a casual menu featuring Thai meatballs ($ 4), flatbread pizzas ($ 8) and burgers ($ 8$ 11). Of course, this brew house also has some inspired foamy creations.

Info: 186. S. Main St., Bishop; ( 760) 920- 7544, www. mountain ramblerbre­wery. com

Bodie

Though now in ruins, the mines and mills of Bodie roared more than 70 years ago. See the remnants on a new four- hour guided driving tour called Mines, Mills, Rails and Ruins. Bodie, a 45- minute drive northeast of Lee Vining, is one of Ameri- ca’s largest and best- preserved ghost towns. June 28, July 9 and 22, Aug. 5, 9 and 13. $ 40 a person.

Info: ( 760) 647- 6564, www. bodie foundation. org

Mountain bikers will race through Bodie and surroundin­g hills in an inaugural race Aug. 22. The race, billed as the Bodie Bowl, will begin in Bodie State Historic Park and offer two courses: expert/ sport and recreation­al. Both will be at 8,000 to 9,000 feet. Riders will enjoy views of the White Mountains, Mono Lake, Mammoth Mountain and the Eastern Sierra.

Info: www. bodiebowl. com

 ?? Peter Morning
Mammoth Mountain ?? JUNE MEADOWS CHALET
summer cafe is accessible by chairlift through the warm months.
Peter Morning Mammoth Mountain JUNE MEADOWS CHALET summer cafe is accessible by chairlift through the warm months.

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