While many people drive this route, its just as much fun to bike along with the cars. Tamo or the Ranch, as locals know it, is easily the crown jewel of Marin County. Establish a physical connection with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area while cycling the Cheeseboro Loop. We don't sell snowboards, we don't sell kayaks and we don't sell tents. 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. The trail starts on Thornton Road next to the Jehovah Witness church and travels for one block until Davis Road. 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 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. TrailRank. I" more. The private singletrack trail network has plenty of routes to keep you busy, but the reason riders swarm here is for the famous Tamarancho loop. The trail weaves through the terrain as riders carve banked turns, fast. Descending 2,000 feet, the Killington Mountain Bike Park hosts notable professional-level downhill races, but also enjoys a nice variety of trail types. shuttle ride features northern California's classic Sierra mountains riding. Santiago Oaks 10-Mile Enduro Location: North Tustin Hours: Sunrise-sunset Parking: Free parking is available at Santiago Hills Park. Avenue of the Giants is a must-try because its a one-of-a-kind experience. The Mount Wilson Trail in Los Angeles is widely known as a gem for downhill mountain biking. Check your inbox soon for the latest from California.com. The trail offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains . So, put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. Youll be in seventh heaven, counting down until your next ride. The ascent is steep to start with, and it gets worse. traverse the islands coastal grasslands and rich ecology, , and take a breather by the pristine Ayala Cove or Quarry Point beaches. This little up-and-coming MTB epicenter sits at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in a small town about 3.5 hours away from San Francisco and 2 hours from Lake Tahoe. Elevation +. 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. Youll see some beautiful beaches along this trail as well as gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails that lead to amazing views. 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. 2023 California.com All Rights Reserved. In San Diego you can ride the mountains in the morning and surf in the sea in the afternoon. Its really well built and super fun, Courtney says. The best mountain biking in California is clustered around the Bay Area, San Diego, and the Sierra Nevadas. Simply: Just Outstanding is just that. Though it can be a difficult journey, the scenery is priceless and the ride is legendary. Check out Santa Cruz. When you reach the summit, youll also enjoy views of the eastern half of San Diego County and the Del Dios Gorge. Best Enduro Mountain Bike: Specialized Stumpjumper EVO. 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. Traveling the world by bicycle since 2014 across more than 50 countries. It is rumored that our store in San Rafael was home to some of the first mountain bikes in the country. Put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. Cycling has changed dramatically as the decades have rolled by, but Mike's Bikes has never wavered from our total dedication to the sport. We tested affordable full-suspension models from Polygon, Trek, Giant, and others to find the best mountain bikes under $3000. Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe. California is home to some of the best mountain bike trails in the United States. Photo credit: Carol Colborn 4. Theresan iconic surf spot at Steamer Lane, and its always fun to watch the surfers, Courtney says. 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. Total Body Fitness Granite Bay, CA. High season is Spring, but you can ride it through Fall if you can take the heat, Warm up in Kernville Bike Park while youre waiting for your shuttle, The area is famous for paddleboarding and whitewater rafting, Call Mountain & River Adventures for shuttles and rentals, Kern River Brewery has one of the best IPAs in California. If you do want to work for it, the Enchanted Loop and Cowboy Loop take up the north and south parts of the park and are well worth the effort. As you make your way from the Roadrunner Loop singletrack to the Chutes climb, youll feel your glutes and your heart beating faster. Cons. Totally rugged, rough and riveting, the fire roads above town truly capture the essence of MTB. and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from California.com about news, events, offers, and partner promotions. Singletracks members have ranked the best mountain bike trails in California using our unique trail ranking algorithm. California's 11 Most Affordable Places to Live, Rainn Wilson Shares Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution. Its an advanced riders dream. No matter what you're looking for, you can find a diverse range of the best hiking trails in . Santa Cruz Mountain Bikes In-Stock Now. Before you hop back in your car though, stop by Cooks Corner for a well-earned bacon cheeseburger and fries. $ 2,164.-. Enjoy this point-to-point trail near Nevada City, California which is 24.4 miles long. The road hugs the cliffs of the California coastline, which means you get to see spectacular views of the rugged coastline and ocean. LEVEL Intermediate. 10 of the Most Popular Mountain Bike Trail Segments on Strava; The 20 Most Tantalizing MTB Trails of 2016, According to Singletracks Readers; Five2Ride: 5 of the Best Mountain Bike Trails in California; 12 of the Best Flow Trails in the USA; Trail Tuesday: Soquel Demonstration Forest, Santa Cruz, California Intermediate. . 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. 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. Enjoy the lovely SoCal scenery as you bike your way to the top, where youll be rewarded with a great view of Laguna Beach. Schwinn Men's Mountain Pass 27.5" Mountain Bike - Matte Gray. Basecamp Adventure Sports Camp. 66. Thanks to neighboring resorts, such as Northstar, investing in lots of infrastructure, you can enjoy well-stationed lift access to return to barreling downhill again and again! Its a great workout! Cycling. This is one of the highest roads in the Sierra Nevada and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After all those technical bits youll be craving a dip. Rent bikes, gear, shuttles, and then grab a bite at their restaurant, Sabrinas at The Forks. Get ready for some of your favorite rides on the West Coast. Cycling. 1. 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. But remember that hard ascents promise rewarding descents and thats exactly whats in store. Once. Once you complete the beautiful ride, why rush your home when you can set up camp in one of the parks 154 camping sites? All California Cities Bicycles in California by City . After the Ride: Tacos Jalisco looks like a hole-in-the-wall behind a 7-Eleven in nearby Truckee, but the place has the best tacos aroundand its Courtneys favorite in the area. Anaheim. 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. Much of it follows an old rail line and features bridges built atop train trestles. View. Wilder Ranch State Park is kind to its riders. Backbone Trail: Will Rogers to Temescal Ridge. Welcome to BikeRide - an organized cycling events calendar. Many newbies are eyeing the most-touted singletrack spots like Crested Butte and Moab . 3D. All that variability helped Courtney nab the 2019 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup overall title in cross-country and secured her a spot on the U.S. Olympic mountain bike team. 12 aug 13 2-Day Mountain Bike Skills Camp (SC2308122) Santa Cruz, California. Northern California has thousands of miles of awesome mountain biking trails. Here, shecan ride year-round on endless miles of purpose-built trails with ample variety ofups, downs, and cross-country routes. The Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail is perfect for a workout-worthy ride, making it one of best bike trails in San Diego. This local hobby soon gained recognition and became the sport we know and love. And bring snacks and extra water! Despite its relatively low elevation at 5,440 ft, youll bike through alpine meadows and oak forests before you wind through SoCal chaparral and ending in the Anza-Borrego desert with vistas to rival the best Joshua Tree hikes. Thetrail leading from the top of Mount Rose, for example, is only open to bikers on even-numbered calendar days. That said, this 11.5 mile ride takes you along the Coastal View Trail, with seaside vistas to rival the backpacking in Big Sur, and ends near Muir Beach, thus combining stellar views of the bay before dropping you right down into the Bay City itself. skyline, and Marin Headlands. 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. If you visit during the summer, Coyote Adventures offers shuttle rides (otherwise you end up riding a 35-mile advanced loop trail). Public Bikes R18 Drop Bar. Pat Donahue also contributed to this review. Tamalpais in Marin, to Santa Cruz, to Downieville, to Tahoe, to southern California, the terrain and options in this state are virtually limitless. Our Los Gatos Store (408) 399-9142; email; 111 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030; Palo Alto. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. Pack a picnic, bring your camera and enjoy every last bit of this trail. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. For a nearbyday trip, head to Quincy, where the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has done an incredible job building trails. Complete with crumbling rock, shale chips, and coastal and desert plant life, the Backbone Trail makes for one enjoyable experience. Stationed along the Pacific, San Diego has an outdoor sport for everyone. From Marin headlands to Lake Tahoe, you can find trails that range from paved bike paths to rocky creek beds. Hills, canyons, and manicured flowy trails, Get a taste of San Diegos MTB scene on Cowles, Take a break from riding or ride the waves instead. On the alpine trails you can count on plenty of elevation gain and flowy downhill sections. Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process. San Diego, CA. Just near Carmel, California, is this 10.1-mile, point-to-point trail that is accessible year-round. Mammoth Lakes, CA, California, United States. 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. Head to these locations for a superb biking adventure! List a bike that you want to sell or trade for free. Come for the 35 miles of multiuse trails, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and old-growth redwoods. Once youre out there, its just you and the wildernessand some of the best plunges 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. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The trail is 6 miles, out and back and you can also explore the beaches along the way. This challenging loop trail is a popular choice for adrenaline junkies. Try a fat bike or an electric mountain bike. Parking: Park at or by Cooks Corner restaurant. A lot of people ask, can you ride a bike around Lake Tahoe? Ride deep into the heart of redwood country, and then climb to the top of Mt. Boasting a 5,000-foot vertical descent in less than eight miles, Mt. While on your ride, traverse the islands coastal grasslands and rich ecology, and take a breather by the pristine Ayala Cove or Quarry Point beaches. Start with a short ride to the trailhead from Santiago Hills Park before hopping on the fire road. Race, Mountain, Hybrid, Folding, BMX, Kids. Wide gear range for hilly cities. 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. There will be a cash purse to the Pro classes. . A local favorite, Hanna Flats Loop mixes singletrack with fire roads for a surprisingly flowy trail that meanders down the mountain. Locals will agree that true adventure awaits outside the city limits. 2023 Mike's Bikes 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. and majestic sunsets waiting along the Luge Loop Mountain Bike Trail, you wont mind pounding out the miles of a steep uphill climb. A 5.4 mile loop with a max 25% grade, this will get your lungs and legs pumping. Are you all about the views? Were told you cant ride this 32-mile beast only once. Tamalpais. Its somewhere I train a good amount.. (4:16 at the time of this writing). Parking: Theres no parking on the island. Its time to put on your helmet and embark on your next adventure near Lake Tahoe. Look up at Yosemites granite mountains as you bike through the Valley Loop Trail. Before Moab and Colorados world-renowned trails became synonymous with mountain biking in the U.S., there was Fairfax. Alot of trails that used to be challenging when I was younger are now really fun for me to return to.. Want to kick it up a notch? 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. 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. Its part of the multiuse Pogonip trail system off Santa Cruzs Golf Club Drive. This is a 10 mile singletrack gem. MTB Challenge - Cross Country Mountain Bike Racing. Ride away into the sunset and indulge in magnificent views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean on the Mount Tamalpais Summit Loop. Refuel yourself at the Angel Island Caf with a plate of nachos, and cool down with a cone of California ice cream before hitting the road. Intermediate and advanced riders, listen up! We write about the places we visit and the gear we like. The views are pretty spectacular as well, especially if you time it right and go during sunset or sunrise. We feature bikes from Trek, Specialized, and more, as well as full service repairs. From trails to post-ride tacos, the decorated Mountain Bike World Cup champ shares her favorite Northern California spots. Mount Tamalpais has been a popular summer and weekend destination ever since the famous Muir Woods National Monument and Mount Tamalpais State Park were formed in the early 1900s. Enchanted Loops darling name is in stark contrast to its technical nature. The Best Lakeside Bike Trails in NorCal 5. Opt for a hiking tour or a day of. You understand that your consent is not a condition of purchase, and that you can opt-out at any time. The trail ends once you reach the Backbone Trail sign; take the Temescal Ridge Trail fire road to make your way back to civilization. And that's just the beginning, Ready to bike your way through Californias scenic spots? Mt. Discover the Hidden Gems of San Carlos, California: A Family-Friendly Paradise, Embrace the Charm of San Lorenzo, California: Discover the Hidden Gem of the Bay Area, Discover the Charm of Burlingame, California: A Family-Friendly Gem in the Bay Area, 10 Must-Visit California Auto Racing Tracks and Events, 7 Must-Visit California Archery Ranges and Classes, A Guide to California's Best Surf Schools, The Best Wildlife Sanctuaries in California to Visit, 7 Affordable Summer Getaways in California, We're committed to helping you discover the places, people and businesses that make our state Golden. Very good fitness required. Through this guide, we hope youve discovered some of the best mountain bike trails in Northern California. Pros. Its for experienced mountain bikers who want an intense workout as well as some great scenery. The temperate weather ensures a long season while the local resorts and the National Forest Service have done much to maintain the trails and build outstanding facilities. 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. 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. To begin your Adventure, you'll want to take the shuttle up to the top of this trail. The trail is flat and easy to ride on, so its perfect for beginners or families who want to take a day trip from San Francisco. Still, the trails are so professionally maintained youll think youre mountain biking in Aspen. After descending to Lagunitas Creek, pedal on the paved Cross Marin Trail through Samuel P. Taylor State Park. This is a short neighborhood trail in Stonewood, northwest Stockton, California. Parking: Park in the lot for the Cheeseboro Trail System. 5. Its time to put on your helmet and embark on. 03:05. This renowned 14 mi. The road has been called one of Americas Top 10 Scenic Drives by USA Today and is often referred to as The Best Driving Road in America.. The largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, this local gem offers many recreational and wildlife watching opportunities. Full service bike shops in Walnut Creek and Clayton California with great selection and a lifetime of experience. Shasta is a quiet spiritual town that sits in Siskiyou County of Cascades Mount surrounded by alpine mountains, and complete peace. 6 a.m.6 p.m. (October 1March 31) and 6 a.m.7:30p.m. 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. To get there, park by Pier 41 in San Francisco and take the Blue and Gold Fleet Ferry. CA. All you have to do is pick a place, pack your bags, and hit the road. 57hours uses cookies for a better experience! Ready to bike your way through Californias scenic spots? Discover 7 must-visit go-kart tracks in California for adrenaline-pumping fun for all ages. Test your mettle on this technically advanced trail. The Best Mountain Bike Trails in Orange County Take your bike for a spin on one of Orange County's captivating and challenging cycling trails. Limit the Use of Sensitive Personal Information. The Kortum Trail is located inside Sonoma Coast State Park and its one of the best trails to hike and bike in Sonoma County. Couple the hundreds of miles of trails and over 260 days of sunny-to-mostly-sunny days and youve got the markings of a premiere mountain biking destination. TPC's used mountain bikes cover top brands like Trek, Specialized, and more. Shasta. Learn how your comment data is processed. Our success is due to our amazing volunteers. Yes and no. Depending on your goals and wishes, California gives you free rein when it comes to MTB adventures. 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. California Bike Tours. Your email address will not be published. 2. It balances beefy full . If the entirety of the ride is too much, theres a shuttle service available. The trail takes you on the Sonoma coastline with beaches to stop at along the way. For me, its usually the start or end of my ride. Theres no parking at the trailhead, so ride to it from downtown Fairfax, about a mile and a half away. So, put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. 2022 Santa Cruz Hightower AL R. 2022 Santa Cruz Nomad C R. 2023 Santa Cruz Bronson C S. 2022 Santa Cruz . Parking is available near the trailhead at Donner State Memorial Park. You can start at Fort Mason in the Marina District and head north over the Golden Gate Bridge. The Grand Mesa Northern And Southern Terminuses Colorado. A heavily trafficked trail near Laguna Niguel, the Aliso Creek and Wood Canyon Loop features a flowing river and is accessible year-round. About the best trails. Use this time to disconnect and recharge your batteries (so to speak) as you make your way through the mountains. for a well-earned bacon cheeseburger and fries. Its 7 miles out-and-back with embedded rocks, ruts, roots, tight switchbacks, and a fast bottom third. The area suffered significant erosion, so no skidding! Find used bikes for sale in California with a large selection of new and used bicycles at Local Bike Trader. 8. Were always happy to hear from adventurers like you. We rely on cookies to remember your preferences and analyze our website traffic. Located on the south side of the lake, where many crowd favorites are based, the route traverses the mountains behind Snow Summit resort and serves up picture perfect scenery. During your gradual yet steady climb to the summit of Mount Tam, youll pass by a redwood-lined creek, dense forest, and scenic overlooks. A way to travel slower, closer to ancient rhythms, a kind of neo-nomadism. Browse the mountain biking events calendar for upcoming mountain bike races, trail days and other nearby events. Insane, speedy downhills are simply timeless, Riders of all skills can raise dust on Fairfaxs trails, Theres a limited number of trails and it keeps going down, The area sees swarms of riders, so plan well in advance, The city is an adrenaline junkies wonderland, Trails are easily accessible and phenomenal, Choose from varied terrain and hundreds of options, The area is (rightfully) gaining recognition and with it, more riders, TOP CHOICE FOR MOUNTAINFULS OF SCENIC RIDES, There are no true beginner trails for gaining confidence, Rides can be surprisingly challenging, but there area shuttle services to help you out, Ride Californias classic fire roads, with a crosscountry twist, The trails here are the definition of thrilling, Wildlife enjoy the trails as much as riders do, Experience the unique mix of big city vibes and urban wild MTB, Many more options are outside the city limits, Its one of the most densely-populated areas so expect crowds, Pick-your-jaw-of-the-floor type views all around, Discover the most scenic trails in North California, There are phenomenal trails for every level of rider, Show off your skills on crazy fun technicals, Crowds love Santa Cruz, expect congested trails, If you want better views, prepare for strenuous uphill pedalling, TOP CHOICE FOR HIDDEN GEM WITH TECHNICAL RIDES, Home to one of the best downhills in the country, The place is jam-packed with technical feasts, Middle of nowhere in the best way possible. 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