Two sections in particular, Stairway to Hell and Roman Road, are what make this course a technical delight. Whether you are a beginning or advanced mountain biker, there is a trail for you in Northern California. Want to see your favorite spot on the list? The main loop is about an hour-long ride, but there are a lot of options to extend, Courtney says. Its an advanced riders dream. Thats where the iconic downhill starts. Mammoth Lakes, CA, California, United States. The Grand Mesa Northern And Southern Terminuses Colorado. Why Go: Camp Tamarancho is a well-maintained bike park with looping singletrack for nearly all abilities. Located in northern San Diego, the Open Space offers lots of lines for riders of all skill levels. In the late 1970s, a group of local bikers known as the, off-road on local trails and fire roads, helping to popularize the, epic sport of mountain biking in the Bay Area. (April 1September 30) Parking: Street parking is available at the Sunset Drive Staging Area or the Sikes Adobe Staging Area. Need to Know: The year-round bike park is located on private property operated by the Marin Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Climb up the Sunset Boulders, check out the prehistoric Mammoth Rock or hike up the Peaked Hill for panoramic views. Podium medals and cash prizes dependent on class size/participation. Mentioning Mount Tamalpais when talking about best mountain biking in San Francisco is technically cheating. easily one of the best . ); once you reach the summit, soak up the sun and the view as you take a much-deserved breather. Wide gear range for hilly cities. Founded: 1895. So, what are you waiting for? It is difficult rated, flowing singletrack with fast, rocky, technical features, and impressive drops. Cant find it? Your email address will not be published. Take a challenging 64-mile-long ride through Tioga Pass Road. A heavily trafficked trail near Laguna Niguel, the Aliso Creek and Wood Canyon Loop features a flowing river and is accessible year-round. Many riders opt for one of the many loop permutations in order to put the name to the test again and again. Though it can be a difficult journey, the scenery is priceless and the ride is legendary. Cruising the historic and rooty trails of Mt. But remember that hard ascents promise rewarding descents and thats exactly whats in store. Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa has a rich history of mountain bike racing, from the Grundig World Cup races of the 1990s to the Single Speed World Championship in 2008. Bike to the top of Mount Tamalpais and be rewarded with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Although there are hundreds of great trails to ride in this region, Ive narrowed it down to the 9 best mountain biking trails in Northern California: Disclosure: Some of our articles contain affiliate links. California is the home of mountain biking. To check forsafety protocols and news about openings and closings, visitthe websites linked below. It wont take long for any visiting biker to understand just how special the area is. For advanced mountain biking aficionados, get your tires dirty on the technicals snaking through the areas famous redwoods. The rocky doubletrack might be double the trouble, but its totally worth it. There are even, Find the best campground near Lake Tahoe for you here. Best e mountain bike rental near me in San Diego, California. From beginners to pros and everyone in between, Santa Cruz has something for you. $900 at publicbikes.com. The trail can be challenging if youre pushing the pace, but its also mellow enough for newbie riders. Feeling adventurous? You can also see whales, seals, and other sea life from this trail if youre lucky enough to catch them at the right time. The trail can be challenging if you're pushing. Why shop with us? LEGEND. Riding from east to west, youll start at 7,351 feet and immediately hit the ascent as you work your way to Snow Summit. TrailRank. After the Ride: Courtney likes the tacos at Grillys Restaurant or Ms Masa, both in Fairfax and currently takeout only. You can share the roads with vehicles and while youre biking on the bike paths, the speed limit is 15 mph. Sure, youve seen Moabs iconic MTB trails on the cover of sport magazines and Colorados world-renowned mountain biking needs no introduction, but its Californias fire roads and nosebleed downhills where the sport came to be. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Intermediate riders who are still working on their skills should check out Wilder Ranch. shuttle ride features northern California's classic Sierra mountains riding. The 4 Best Mountain Bikes Under $3000. After conquering the fairly steep Barham Ridge fire road, you wont be too far from the top (yay! ); once you reach the summit, soak up the sun and the view as you take a much-deserved breather. The historic trail leads you through Donner Lake Memorial Park, which has over eight miles of hiking trails and plenty of fishing opportunities, so catch your post-workout meal and take a break by diving into the clear, blue waters of Donner Lake. The Tahoe Twirl Location: Tahoe, CA Bike type: Bikepacking Part epic adventure, part serious sufferfest, the Tahoe Twirl is a 190-mile bikepacking loop around Lake Tahoe and through the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. The Best Lakeside Bike Trails in NorCal 5. The 9 miles circuit starts on Iron Springs Road and will take you from two to three hours to complete. . The Flume Trail is a great trail to go hiking or biking with your family or friends and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe. 24. be the first to know Bike your way through Santa Monicas mountain terrain on this classic ride. With new equipment come new possibilities, and naturally the first race down Mt. Visitors love Santa Cruz for its iconic boardwalk, heavenly weather and beaches to match, but we think its the MTB trails that deserve all the hype. Ride up the trail or drive via Pine Mountain Road until you reach a clearing. Reserve a spot at the Hidden Springs, Burlington, or Albee Creek campgrounds. Get a bird's-eye view of the San Diego region during a bike ride through the undulating hills. lostandfoundbikeride.com July. Chula Vista. Camp Yofi. San Rafael Hills Loop. The El Dorado Trail wends 35 miles though the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains east of Sacramento along both paved and natural surfaces best suited for mountain bikes. The 8.5-mile, off-road paved trail named after the first director of Sonoma County Regional Parks runs between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol parallel to Highway 12. The trail system is a good spot if youre just getting into mountain biking and wantsomething a little tamer than some of the areas more technical rides. Come for the 35 miles of multiuse trails, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and old-growth redwoods. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the beach after your solid morning bike ride, then start a bonfire and. Enjoy this point-to-point trail near Nevada City, California which is 24.4 miles long. In the late 1970s, a group of local bikers known as the Marin Repack Road Clunker Clan ventured off-road on local trails and fire roads, helping to popularize the epic sport of mountain biking in the Bay Area and beyond. Cycling. Our online publication, updated daily, brings you all the content you need to live your California dreams. We know it can be difficult to choose from the innumerable mountain bike trails throughout the Golden State, so weve rounded up. Wilder Ranch State Park is kind to its riders. Ride over the crest to the coast or follow the loop to the overlook and back. Here, shecan ride year-round on endless miles of purpose-built trails with ample variety ofups, downs, and cross-country routes. Its time to put on your helmet and embark on. 12 aug Jumping Mini-Clinic (SC230812J) Santa Cruz, California. Today, the town that sits in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais is home to the official MTB Hall of Fame, and some pretty far out trails. Approximately 1.5 miles up the trail, theres a left-hand bend and a large oak tree near a drop-off. Even seasoned riders require a couple of hours to tackle this beast of a trail. The trail is 6 miles, out and back and you can also explore the beaches along the way. Mt. Our Los Gatos Store (408) 399-9142; email; 111 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030; Palo Alto. Mountain Bike & Gravel (with our sister company, Sacred Rides) Hiking; By Collection. Looking for new adventures? Ride deep into the heart of redwood country, and then climb to the top of Mt. Back in the USA and mountain biking Lake Tahoe, Mt Diablo MTB - Down Hill from Visitor center - Dan Cook Summit Trail, Easily one of the funnest, fastest, flowy rides in California, We are on a mission to enable sustainable outdoor adventures for millions around the world, We operate on carbon neutral and renewable. Shasta. 5. With more than 100 miles of coastline, there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. If you came to chill and catch a tan, but still want to fit in a workout, Santa Cruz has gorgeous mellow rollers along the coast. 22 miles long, its a great way to enjoy some of the best views of the lake. Their first bike It is a paved one-way road and is approximately 8 miles long. Intermediate and advanced riders, listen up! There's an entire beginner section on the Snowshed Slope. Hours: 6 a.m.6 p.m. (October 1March 31) and 6 a.m.7:30p.m. . Need to Know: Private property borders the park, and the only way to legally access this zone is via the parking areas off Skyline Boulevard. Here youll get amazing coastal views on many mellow tracks without nasty uphill pedals. The best mountain biking in California is clustered around the Bay Area, San Diego, and the Sierra Nevadas. The Tahoe East Shore Trail GPX map is available on Komoot. What does it mean to be a California.com Recommended Business? Join Outside+ to get Outside magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Santa Cruz Bicycles. Start off at South Gate Road and get ready to pedal your heart out up the hill. After the Ride:Downieville doesnt have a ton in the way of food offerings, but it does have tacos. The rocky doubletrack might be double the trouble, but its totally worth it. After topping out youll have gorgeous ups-and-downs for a little over ten miles before your fast and flowy descent ends at Metcalf Creek, just southwest of the town of Big Bear Lake. The trail ends once you reach the Backbone Trail sign; take the Temescal Ridge Trail fire road to make your way back to civilization. The trail goes through downtown Placerville, once a stop along the Pony Express route and, toward the end of the California gold rush, the third-largest town in the state. If you go in the summer, a river jump in the North Fork of the Yuba is absolutely necessary afterward, Courtney says. And so they did. Eureka To Mt. Youll see some beautiful beaches along this trail as well as gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails that lead to amazing views. Theres no parking on the island. About the best trails. Along your route, smell the wildflowers and enjoy the killer vistas. Photo credit: Carol Colborn 4. Need to Know: Not all sections of the 165-mile trail are open to mountain bikers, so be sure to read the policy for the part youre interested in before you go. Stop at Yosemite Falls, the Swinging Bridge, and Sentinel Bridge for views. Courtesy of Sonoma County. (Suspension travel is the amount of movement offered by the bike's front and rear suspension. When we say downhill, we mean downhill. Park at the Yerba Buena Parking Lot to access the trailhead. From trails to post-ride tacos, the decorated Mountain Bike World Cup champ shares her favorite Northern California spots. Best Hardtail Mountain Bike . Check your inbox soon for the latest from California.com. Its somewhere I train a good amount.. Stay in touch while we get lost! Bring extra protection and remember that theres no shame in walking your bike if needed. Before Moab and Colorados world-renowned trails became synonymous with mountain biking in the U.S., there was Fairfax. Parking: Limited pull-out parking is available near Blithedale Park, and there is street parking on Blithedale Avenue all the way back to town. Bakersfield. Situated in the middle of the San Bernardino National Forest and about 100 miles east of Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is Southern Californias biking capital. This moderate route has some steep climbs and its an ideal trail for intermediate bikers. This comes at no additional cost for you and helps us keep this website up and running. To get there, park by Pier 41 in San Francisco and take the Blue and Gold Fleet Ferry. Through this guide, we hope youve discovered some of the best mountain bike trails in Northern California. San Diego Mountain/Trail & Road Bike Meetup Group. Total Body Fitness Granite Bay, CA. Killington, VT. Nestled in the lush summer mountains of New England is one of the East's most acclaimed mountain biking resorts. Many riders consider this to be the premier downhill ride in all of Southern California. Enjoy spectacular vistas of the Santa Monica Mountains while biking along scenic trails in Los Angeles. You can bike further on the Tahoe Rim Trail to South Lake Tahoe for a longer ride. We don't sell snowboards, we don't sell kayaks and we don't sell tents. 85 mi. Welcome to BikeRide - an organized cycling events calendar. You cant bike to the summit but you can chain your bike and hike to the peak. Joe Rodota Bike Trail, Santa Rosa. This page only shows nearby & regionally targeted events. 2023 Mike's Bikes Founder: Ignaz Schwinn and Adolf Arnold. Thanks for signing up. The climbs are mostly on fire roads, and cell service will probably drop, but thats a part of the fun and adventure. Youll feel fast and furious as you speed your way on this mostly downhill trail. Getyour burrito and go eat it on the beach.. Atpress time, the trails and restaurants listed here were open, the latter for to-go orders. Avenue of the Giants is a must-try because its a one-of-a-kind experience. 9.13mi. Once you complete the beautiful ride, why rush your home when you can set up camp in one of the parks 154 camping sites? Santa Cruz Bicycles was founded in 1993 in a space the size of a single car garage in the Seabright Cannery, in Santa Cruz California. We asked for her favorite places to ride in her home stateplus,intelon anotherpassion of hers: where to pick up post-ride tacos to-go. Check Price. This isnt a secret since many areas of Northern California are world-renowned for mountain biking. If youre looking for a spot that should be up there with the mountain biking greats, but gets half the hype, head straight for Downieville. within Category . The birthplace of mountain biking, California has grown from teething to teeming with supreme MTB trails all over the state. The Downieville Downhill is one of California's most iconic mountain bike trail 3. Although its rated as moderate, prepare for rock gardens, twitchy switchbacks and iconic redwood trees standing in your way. You understand that your consent is not a condition of purchase, and that you can opt-out at any time. What to Ride: Courtney loves the Manzanita Trail, which you can link with Giant Salamander for a nearly nine-mile loop. Its close to the trailhead, then you can ride right to the ocean. The park is also one of few downhill mountain bike . We know it can be difficult to choose from the innumerable mountain bike trails throughout the Golden State, so weve rounded up our favorite bike routes. Hours: Samuel P. Taylor State Park is open from 8 a.m.7 p.m. Since 2013, the Bronson has been the prototype of an all-mountain bike and the flagship of the Santa Cruz lineup. After descending to Lagunitas Creek, pedal on the paved Cross Marin Trail through Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Start with a short ride to the trailhead from Santiago Hills Park before hopping on the fire road. Believe it or not, in the heart lies a 61-acre oasis, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. This 20 mile loop is accessed off the TRT and features downhill singletrack madness that deposits you right at South Lake Tahoe. Want to kick it up a notch? All tuned up with 30-day warranty. Suitable for all skill levels. Parking: Park at or by Cooks Corner restaurant. The trail is 5.1 miles and the terrain varies from rolling hills to steep climbs, with spectacular views of the Bay Area. Depending on your skill level, Santa Cruz has a few different options. Having the second largest alpine lake in North America as the centerpiece to the surrounding Sierra Nevadas makes for one of the most impressive mountain biking locales. Should you want to expand your day you can link up with the Tahoe Rim Trail, which opens up another 80 plus miles of riding. You may see deer or bears grazing by the side of the road. Rent bikes, gear, shuttles, and then grab a bite at their restaurant, Sabrinas at The Forks. Axum DP is Schwinn's best MTB having an aluminum frame that is produced with a 100 mm suspension fork that absorbs all the rough bumps along the trail. 03:05. Enchanted Loops darling name is in stark contrast to its technical nature. Location: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Why Go: This is one of the most fun and iconic trail networks in Northern California, Courtney says. She is from the Bay Area and her blog covers California destinations. Singletracks members have ranked the best mountain bike trails in California using our unique trail ranking algorithm. When it comes to human-powered adventure, the Golden State is a serious contender for the go-to adventure dealer on the West Coast. For example, if you just want to ride for 30 minutes or an hour, there are plenty of places to stop along the way where you can enjoy lunch or just get off your bike for a bit while taking in some great views at Olstead Point and Tenaya Lake. For a longer option, ride Skeggs-N-Eggs, an 18-mile loop with a lot of climbing and long, flowy downhills. Since the Golden State offers only the finest, we turned to local experts to share their recommendations for the top mountain biking spots in California. Aside from being among the best California off road trails, you can also mountain bike, hike, do some bird watching, and enjoy the trail for its views. In San Diego you can ride the mountains in the morning and surf in the sea in the afternoon. With jumps, berms, chunk, speed, and technicality, the Santiago Oaks 10-Mile Enduro has it all. In the City on the Bay you wont need to stray too far from the busy streets for adrenaline-inducing MTB. As you make your way from the Roadrunner Loop singletrack to the Chutes climb, youll feel your glutes and your heart beating faster. So, what are you waiting for? Choose from a myriad of classics and hidden gem rides, Youll need to bring your own water to most rides, Some trails lack cell service, once youre there, youre on your own, Colorados world-renowned mountain biking. Mike's Bikes was founded in 1964 as one of Marin County's very first Schwinn shops. The trail, a long descent with a few technical sections, requires a shuttle to get to. You start at Sherman Pass, a 9,200-foot elevation saddle, and glide into a staggering 5,000 foot drop over the final seven miles. We tested affordable full-suspension models from Polygon, Trek, Giant, and others to find the best mountain bikes under $3000. The curves, switchbacks, and rocky chutes will make your head spin as trees whoosh by in a blur. Our Palo Alto Store (650) 304-0035; email; 392 California Ave, . and majestic sunsets waiting along the Luge Loop Mountain Bike Trail, you wont mind pounding out the miles of a steep uphill climb. What to Ride: In Downieville, its all about the Downieville Classic. Bicycle and hike in the Northern California Redwoods. Plus Northern California is a prime location for mountain biking. Kate Courtney and mountain biking were born in the same place: Marin County, California. Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Orange County, offering both flat and hilly terrain thats perfect for beginner and skilled bikers alike. Anything from woodlands to breezy lake-side rides, All sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail are a good option, Shop or rent at Olympic Bike Shop and South, Climb the areas sublime granite. The Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail is perfect for a workout-worthy ride, making it one of best bike trails in San Diego. And bring snacks and extra water! The Pacific Coast Highway is a scenic ride along the California coast and is an excellent way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The 20 best MTB rides in California Map data OpenStreetMap contributors 1 Slate Mountain Loop - Sequoia National Forest Expert 04:11 36.4 km 8.7 km/h 1,420 m 1,420 m Expert mountain bike ride. Northern California Festivals June. The trail weaves through the terrain as riders carve banked turns, fast. Youll know the trail has come to an end when you reach Live Canyon Oak Road; turn right to enjoy the intensely sensational rush as you fly downhill at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. California Bike Tours. For a nearbyday trip, head to Quincy, where the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has done an incredible job building trails. Our professional staff of over 250 cycling enthusiasts will ensure that your experiences both in the store and on your bike are the best they can be. event. TPC's used mountain bikes cover top brands like Trek, Specialized, and more. On average, the route takes 9 hours 45 min or less to finish and is considered moderately challenging. (April 1September 30). / Headlands Ventures, LLC, all rights reserved. Public Bikes R18 Drop Bar. Bikepacking & Cycle Touring [Routes + Tips], Bikepacking vs Touring with Panniers All Pros & Cons, All Lock Phone Mount Review An Innovative ModularSystem, 11 Best Gravel Bike Saddles Performance & Comfort for Long Rides, 8 Best Bike Trailers for Dogs, Large and Small, The 7 Best Campsites in Namibia a Guide to Sleep under the Most Beautiful Skies, DYU King 750 Review A Budget Electric Fat Bike, The 9 Best Folding Bikes for Heavy & Tall Riders, eBikes for Big Guys! Limit the Use of Sensitive Personal Information. Elwell. 12 aug 13 2-Day Mountain Bike Skills Camp (SC2308122) Santa Cruz, California. Establish a physical connection with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area while cycling the Cheeseboro Loop. Folding Hardtail Hybrid Jumping Kids Mountain. and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from California.com about news, events, offers, and partner promotions. Confident beginners up to advanced riders, Lots of challenging uphills through evergreen forests and rock gardens, Bear Valley Bikes and Chains Required Bike Shop are your best bet, Theres everything from golf to go-karts to check out on your day off. So, put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It balances beefy full . The area suffered significant erosion, so no skidding! Today, Mike's Bikes is a growing family of bike shops, all with a singular purpose - to get as many people on bikes as possible. With stunning views of an alpine lake and facilities available at the north shore, the Donner Lake Bike Loop is hard to pass up. A way to travel slower, closer to ancient rhythms, a kind of neo-nomadism. Long Beach Loop. And while hiking in San Diego is its own level of awesome, the mountain biking truly takes the cake. Follow us on Social Media, Copyright 2017 Cycloscope. Need to Know: Thanks to shade from the forest, itsnever too hot in this area, even in midsummer. With rad views of the O.C. The climbing starts immediately and seems not to end, but remember that every foot gained in elevation will be one you get to descend. There are shuttle buses to take you back to your starting point or you can ride up for a total bike ride of 25.6 miles. Pedal around the beautiful blue waters of Donner Lake and soak up the mountain scenery. . Look up at Yosemites granite mountains as you bike through the Valley Loop Trail. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in . The trail takes you on the Sonoma coastline with beaches to stop at along the way. Many newbies are eyeing the most-touted singletrack spots like Crested Butte and Moab . Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, is becoming a not-so-secret mountain biking paradise, with 40 miles of trails in the foothills and up Mexico's Pacific coast . Parking: Park near the start of the trail. The nearby mountains are as fun as they look. Best Trails & Photos. The largest downhill mountain bike park in northern California and also the only lift-served bike park in Lake Tahoe, the Northstar Bike Park boasts 33 trails and has for many years ranked among the top 10 downhill mountain bike parks in the USA according to seasoned riders. Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult Distance: 10 miles Time: 15 minutes Shasta is a quiet spiritual town that sits in Siskiyou County of Cascades Mount surrounded by alpine mountains, and complete peace. Sure, you can eat that at about any restaurant, but in how many cities can you live it? The Skyline-to-the-Sea trail is a great destination ride. Go out and show what youre made of! This local hobby soon gained recognition and became the sport we know and love. Used you can find plenty of bikes with that budget. Also to note, some of the Flumes sections are exposed and very narrow, so dont be lulled into a false sense of security. (as Amazon Associates we earn commission from qualifying purchases). Think you can beat the record time? Conclusion: Best Mountain Bike Trails in Northern California. Pack a picnic, bring your camera and enjoy every last bit of this trail. Albany, CA. The city typically gets less than 12 of rainfall per year, so this means theres months and months to get out and enjoy all the well-maintained trails. the most (free) fun youll have in the O.C. With 16 miles downhill and a 5,000-foot vertical drop, youll love every second of this ride. National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) In normal times, shell graba post-ride beer from the Gestalt Haus, a biker-friendly beer hall in Fairfax with racks to hang your bike on the interior walls, and stop by theMarin Museum of Bicycling, located in town. Heading out the door? During your gradual yet steady climb to the summit of Mount Tam, youll pass by a redwood-lined creek, dense forest, and scenic overlooks. Depending on your goals and wishes, California gives you free rein when it comes to MTB adventures. Put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. Mission Peak is one of the best bike rides in the San Francisco Bay Area. One of the favored trails is the Lilac Miners Peak Loop, which is exemplary in its use of modern trail building with just enough loose rocks and flowy descent to make visitors and locals alike return for one more lap. Find your next dream mountain bike from Yeti Cyles in this deep dive into the Yeti lineup. Bike Box. Best Mountain Bike Under $500: Decathlon Rock Rider 520. is the 2023 USAC Regional MTB Championship. Plus, theres a great mountain bike community here, she says. Don't miss any of the best rides! Then theres the Third Divide. There is minimal elevation gain. The best mountain biking in California is clustered around the Bay Area, San Diego, and the Sierra Nevadas. The Kortum Trail is located inside Sonoma Coast State Park and it's one of the best trails to hike and bike in Sonoma County. Bike Rides in California. Calif Mountain Bike Coalition: Statewide: MTB Advocacy CC Riders Bike Club of San Mateo: San Mateo County: Road; Central Coast Concerned Mountain Bikers: San Luis Obispo County: .