Singletracks members have ranked the best mountain bike trails in California using our unique trail ranking algorithm. With rad views of the O.C. Shasta is a quiet spiritual town that sits in Siskiyou County of Cascades Mount surrounded by alpine mountains, and complete peace. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, and biking over it provides a unique perspective on this amazing piece of architecture. Stop at Yosemite Falls, the Swinging Bridge, and Sentinel Bridge for views. You can bike on this trail for hours and it never gets boring. Its a great way to see wildlife. Yo! The trail takes you on the Sonoma coastline with beaches to stop at along the way. Best California Mountain Bike Trails Bicycle Clubs in California, Nevada, Oregon Boasting a 5,000-foot vertical descent in less than eight miles, Mt. The Mount Wilson Trail in Los Angeles is widely known as a gem for downhill mountain biking. If youre wondering whats the best time to visit Yosemite National Park for a bike trip, that would definitely be in spring or autumn. Mountain Bike & Gravel (with our sister company, Sacred Rides) Hiking; By Collection. E-bike friendly. The Tahoe East Shore Trail GPX map is available on Komoot. Why Go: The Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the most beautiful places to ride and can be made into a very epic adventure on a bike, says Courtney, who has done some altitude training in the Tahoe area during a few of her racing seasons. The best bike trails are rated by weighing the following ranking factors: average trail rating, number of members who have ridden the MTB trail, and the number of members who want to ride the MTB trail. Mount Tamalpais has been a popular summer and weekend destination ever since, and Mount Tamalpais State Park were formed in the early 1900s. Its time to put on your helmet and embark on your next adventure near Lake Tahoe. 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. Need to Know: Thanks to shade from the forest, itsnever too hot in this area, even in midsummer. For a nearbyday trip, head to Quincy, where the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has done an incredible job building trails. And so they did. The California DIRT MTB Series is one of YBONC Foundation's main fundraisers to support programs for Nevada County, CA school bike clubs. So, what are you waiting for? 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. Ride your way through Angel Island State Park for panoramic views of the Bay, the S.F. California Bike Tours - Bicycle Adventures 16 Best Mountain Bike Towns + Free Camping Guide | TripOutside Shop Now. Mentioning Mount Tamalpais when talking about best mountain biking in San Francisco is technically cheating. 2. Our recommended businesses are top-quality and are committed to their communities. Mike's Bikes of Sacramento is located in the heart of the capital city, and close to some of the best cycling in Northern California. Holland's Bicycles. "pair of sunglasses! Population: 3,189. California is home to some of the best mountain bike trails in the United States. Adult Mountain Bikes : Target for a well-earned bacon cheeseburger and fries. Test your mettle on this technically advanced trail. View. California Mountain Biking Trails | Trailforks Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult Distance: 10 miles Time: 15 minutes I usually combine riding this trailwith time at the beach. Find your next dream mountain bike from Yeti Cyles in this deep dive into the Yeti lineup. We tested affordable full-suspension models from Polygon, Trek, Giant, and others to find the best mountain bikes under $3000. The Downieville Downhill is one of California's most iconic mountain bike trail 3. Want to kick it up a notch? 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. 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. With rad views of the O.C. This moderate route has some steep climbs and its an ideal trail for intermediate bikers. The state has excellent weather, jaw-dropping scenery, and challenging terrain. the most (free) fun youll have in the O.C. You can pedal along the paved six-mile loop that takes you around the perimeter of the island, and then hop on the three-mile upper loop on a fire road for the full experience. $295.99 reg $369.99. $900 at publicbikes.com. Whether you decide to cycle in the Bay Area or pedal along the bike paths of Los Angeles, youll feel an intimate connection to Californias spectacular landscapes. Santa Cruz - Bicycle Warehouse Depending on your goals and wishes, California gives you free rein when it comes to MTB adventures. Best New U.S. Mountain Biking Destinations - Men's Journal Once youre out there, its just you and the wildernessand some of the best plunges in California! Recumbent Road Racing Triathlon. Ride over the crest to the coast or follow the loop to the overlook and back. Want to stay dry? The trail itself is wide and flat with a slight elevation change of 144 feet, making it perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at mountain biking without much risk. Count on lots of big drops and sections of rocks and more rocks, so dont forget your helmet. Its also a great way to see the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay firsthand! Its 32 miles long so you can turn this into an overnight trip and camp out at one of the nearby sites. Lets get to the nitty-gritty of it: This singletrack gem takes you across fire roads, steep sandy inclines and rounding burns. Your email address will not be published. The best part about this trail is that you can start and end at multiple points so you dont have to bike the entire way if you dont want to. The rocky doubletrack might be double the trouble, but its totally worth it. Courtesy of Sonoma County. 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. Kate Courtney's Guide to Mountain Biking in Northern California All tuned up with 30-day warranty. Santa Clara County: Velodrome Racing; North Bay Elder Ebikers: San Francisco, Marin Counties: The trail offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains . Theres no parking on the island. Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process. 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. The 10 Best Stand-Alone Bike Trails in California - Two Wheeled Wanderer Singletracks members have ranked the best mountain bike trails in California using our unique trail ranking algorithm. She hopes that her readers will fall in love with California, just like she did. Check Price. Discover the 7 must-visit archery ranges and classes in California, perfect for all skill levels to practice this time-tested activity. After the Ride: Alices Restaurant is a great place for breakfast, Courtney says. Even though the tracks have been softened by timeand the tires of riders who have come to pay reverence over the yearsthe downhills will still humble you. Typical specs: 120-140mm of suspension travel; 67-69 head-tube angle. My 7 Favorite U.S. Mountain Towns To Visit In The Summer But thats what makes locals return lap after lap, and were sure youll be returning, too. For advanced mountain biking aficionados, get your tires dirty on the technicals snaking through the areas famous redwoods. Elevation: 1,093 m. Mt. Theresan iconic surf spot at Steamer Lane, and its always fun to watch the surfers, Courtney says. An avid racer, Benson competes in endurance gravel and XC races throughout northern California. The 14-mile descent from the Pacific Crest Traildrops nearly 5,000 feet into the old gold-mining town of Downieville, but this remote area also has plenty of other rides, stellar camping, and stunning lakes and rivers. . What to Ride: The main route here is an11-mile loop, the majority of which is on singletrack, with a few connecting fire roads and about 1,400 feet of climbing. If youre in the mood for an extra challenge, just hop on one of the other connected roads in the area. Its close to the trailhead, then you can ride right to the ocean. With stunning views of an alpine lake and facilities available at the north shore, the Donner Lake Bike Loop is hard to pass up. Basecamp Adventure Sports Camp. The trail winds through towering redwoods, which can be up to 4,000 years old, and passes through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Still, the trails are so professionally maintained youll think youre mountain biking in Aspen. Refuel yourself at the Angel Island, Caf with a plate of nachos, and cool down with a, Bolinas Ridge to Samuel P. Taylor State Park via the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Plus Northern California is a prime location for mountain biking. This is a great ride for more experienced mountain bikers as it has several uphill sections. 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. Never have we found this much flow potential in one place. What does it mean to be a California.com Recommended Business? The trail, a long descent with a few technical sections, requires a shuttle to get to. Atpress time, the trails and restaurants listed here were open, the latter for to-go orders. The trail is relatively flat and free from traffic congestion as it runs parallel to the highway, making it perfect for a noiseless bike ride. event. Pedal around the beautiful blue waters of Donner Lake and soak up the mountain scenery. Want to see your favorite spot on the list? be the first to know Best Mountain Bikes 2023 - Forbes Vetted Youll start by heading up the Palo Comado Canyon Trail before jumping on the Sheep Corral Trail and then linking up with the Las Virgenes Canyon fire road. Ride over the crest to the coast or follow the loop to the overlook and back. 10 Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes of 2022 - Mountain Weekly News All you have to do is pick a place, pack your bags, and hit the road. Marin's brand name comes from the northern California county that was the location for the genesis of the mountain bike back in the late 1970s, and so it embodies that legacy. 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. Smooth paths, flowy fun, rocky drops, treacherous gnar, and extreme tech punctuate hundreds of trail systems and riding parks. Apr 8 2023. On the alpine trails you can count on plenty of elevation gain and flowy downhill sections. Location. While technically in Nevada, the Flume Loop is a Tahoe area classic that many locals deem The Must Ride. 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. Best Mountain Bike Under $1000: Co-op Cycle DRT 1.2. 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. 6 Must-Ride Mountain Bike Trails in California - adventureapp.io This is one of the highest roads in the Sierra Nevada and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The riding there is a bit more tame but perfect for a post-workday rush. Mountain Biking Races in Sacramento, CA | ACTIVE But even on sunny days, the peak can be windy so bring layers. Top 20 Bike Rides and Cycling Routes in California | Komoot Looking for new adventures? A group of guys in the seventies didnt see a regular fire road. Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe. Find all the upcoming cycling events in California! 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. Mike's Bikes, the MB logo and "for the ride of your life" are registered trademarks of Headlands Ventures, LLC. After the Ride:Downieville doesnt have a ton in the way of food offerings, but it does have tacos. 5. Pat Donahue also contributed to this review. Elwell. The views of the crashing ocean waves and (on clear days) downtown L.A. and Hollywood make the tough climb worthwhile. The trail starts on Thornton Road next to the Jehovah Witness church and travels for one block until Davis Road. Tahoe East Shore Trail is a great place for bikers because it offers scenic views, beautiful scenery, and a fun adventure. Find all the upcoming cycling events in California! Lake Tahoe fits the bill. For a longer option, ride Skeggs-N-Eggs, an 18-mile loop with a lot of climbing and long, flowy downhills. Even seasoned riders require a couple of hours to tackle this beast of a trail. TheMount Hough Trail is a long, flowing singletrack thats relatively smooth, scenic, and so much fun, Courtney says. Feb 12 2023. 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. The mental challenge comes from figuring out how to maneuver around railroad ties, rock gardens and well worn switchbacks. The 9 Best Mountain Bike Tires | Tested by GearLab Northern California has thousands of miles of awesome mountain biking trails. The trail ends once you reach the Backbone Trail sign; take the Temescal Ridge Trail fire road to make your way back to civilization. Theres over 3,300 of climbing but you get to enjoy it on the other side. Parking: Parking is available near the trailhead at Donner State Memorial Park. Weve got you covered. How to Choose a Mountain Bike | REI Co-op Wednesday night series beginning at 6 p.m. Cross country MTB event. Whales spout water in the distance. 6 a.m.6 p.m. (October 1March 31) and 6 a.m.7:30p.m. And that's just the beginning, Ready to bike your way through Californias scenic spots? And neither is ever too hot. Bike to the top of Mount Tamalpais and be rewarded with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Old Coast Road. Heading out the door? 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. Youll be in seventh heaven, counting down until your next ride. Its 7 miles out-and-back with embedded rocks, ruts, roots, tight switchbacks, and a fast bottom third. Best Hardtail Mountain Bike . Locals will agree that true adventure awaits outside the city limits. Parking: Parking is available on Platform Bridge Road in Tocaloma and at Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Lagunitas. MTB Challenge - Cross Country Mountain Bike Racing. Do you want gnarly technicals? After conquering the fairly steep Barham Ridge fire road, you wont be too far from the top (yay! South Lake Tahoe Bike Trail Location: South Lake Tahoe Level of difficulty: Moderate Distance: 10.9 miles Route: Loop The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is a multi-use 168 mile route that circles the entirety of the lake, though not all sections are open to riding (be prepared to hike a bike). The Bernardo Mountain Summit is a prominent yet easily accessible peak towering over the blue waters of Lake Hodges. Just near Carmel, California, is this 10.1-mile, point-to-point trail that is accessible year-round. The trail is 6 miles, out and back and you can also explore the beaches along the way. Gran Fondos, and Charity Bike Tours, to Mountain Bike, or Ultra Distance. Its somewhere I train a good amount.. Opt for a hiking tour or a day of. The early riders modified their rides with thumbshift-operated derailleurs and knobby B.F. Goodrich tires, essentially inventing the modern mountain bike. While many people drive this route, its just as much fun to bike along with the cars. shuttle ride features northern California's classic Sierra mountains riding. Think you can beat the record time? Corona . CA. Our Palo Alto Store (650) 304-0035; email; 392 California Ave, . Largest Selection in San Francisco. Bike Rides in California. If youre lucky, you might even spot a mountain lion or two! We don't sell snowboards, we don't sell kayaks and we don't sell tents. There are good options for technical descending and climbing, Courtney says. skyline, and Marin Headlands. 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. Parking: Parking is available in the park. Believe it or not, in the heart lies a 61-acre oasis, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. Podium medals and cash prizes dependent on class size/participation. The trail can be challenging if you're pushing. 12 aug Jumping Mini-Clinic (SC230812J) Santa Cruz, California. . What to Ride: In Downieville, its all about the Downieville Classic. Download the app. Take your bike for a spin on one of Orange County's captivating and challenging cycling trails. This page only shows nearby & regionally targeted events. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the beach after your solid morning bike ride, then start a bonfire and savor an easy summer dessert. 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! This highway is 655.8 miles long and can take up to a week or more depending on your biking stamina. Look up at Yosemites granite mountains as you bike through the Valley Loop Trail. (If you cant set one up yourself, book one at Yuba Expeditions.) Discover 10 must-visit auto racing tracks and events in California for unforgettable high-speed thrills. 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. From beginners to pros and everyone in between, Santa Cruz has something for you. The road hugs the cliffs of the California coastline, which means you get to see spectacular views of the rugged coastline and ocean. San Diego Mountain/Trail & Road Bike Meetup Group. We only sell bikes - you might even say bikes are our life. The trail stretches for 8.9 miles, out and back with an elevation gain of 931 feet. 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. She is from the Bay Area and her blog covers California destinations. Looking for a weekend biking trip? Many routes are above 7,000 feet, and peak climbs require healthy lungs, but the phenomenal singletrack riding coupled with remarkable scenery make the effort well worthwhile. Youll feel fast and furious as you speed your way on this mostly downhill trail. This trail is all about speed. Bonus: Lo helped to design the Ripmo with frame sizes that can fit . Benson's mountain bike roots trace back to New England in the early 1990s, and he has seen and experienced the evolution of mountain bike tires. 4 days. TBF MTB Clinic - Off Road Mountain Biking. Two sections in particular, Stairway to Hell and Roman Road, are what make this course a technical delight. Best Bikes for College Students | Cheap Commuter Bikes 2021 - Bicycling / Headlands Ventures, LLC, all rights reserved. The eatery is currently open with limited outdoor seating. Add Event. Suitable for all skill levels. Park in the lot for the Cheeseboro Trail System. The Best Bike Trails in Northern California Admire the azure waters of Lake Tahoe while traversing the region on two wheels. There are also many things to see on the way. Whatever terrain suits you best, we have the road bike, mountain bike, kids bike, or electric bike for you. Folding Hardtail Hybrid Jumping Kids Mountain. A local favorite, Hanna Flats Loop mixes singletrack with fire roads for a surprisingly flowy trail that meanders down the mountain. A lot of people ask, can you ride a bike around Lake Tahoe? Bicycle and hike in the Northern California Redwoods. You also agree to our Terms of Use and our use of your information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. Mammoth Lakes, CA, California, United States. backcountry.com. The same dust the OG Klunkers kicked up can cling to your tires too. The trail stretches for 8.9 miles, out and back with an elevation gain of 931 feet. Before you hop back in your car though, stop by Cooks Corner for a well-earned bacon cheeseburger and fries. 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. TrailRank. Schwinn Men's Mountain Pass 27.5" Mountain Bike - Matte Gray. The Downieville Downhill is a singletrack for 85 percent of the ride, featuring steep uphills, creek crossings, waterfalls, swimming holes, and rocky terrain; its definitely one for the win. Follow us on Social Media, Copyright 2017 Cycloscope. Bring extra protection and remember that theres no shame in walking your bike if needed. How many people get to say theyve ripped down the course where the first MTB race took place? Visit our shop for the widest selection of Cannondale, Santa Cruz, Giant, Electra, BMC, Salsa, and NS bikes. PRICE $3,994. The climb up Mission Peak is steep and challenging. Meet Your Maker Event Returns to Skyline XC in Napa, CA 85 mi. Does your business rank among the best in California? 11 Best Electric Bikes for Tall / Heavy Riders, 12 Reasons to Visit Africa Why Traveling To Africa Is Always A Great Idea, Backpacking Africa on a Budget Tips, Routes, & Itinerary, Catch All the Action: A Guide to Streaming the 2023 UAE Tour, 13 Health Benefits Of Mountain Biking Backed-Up By Scientific Studies, best time to visit Yosemite National Park, Cycling Finland: climate, costs, camping and the most beautiful bike routes, 12 Convincing Reasons Why You Should Visit South Africa. This trail is not for beginners or casual riders.