The Tahoe East Shore Trail GPX map is available on Komoot. The trail is 12.8 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,420 feet from point to point. Youll ride through singletracks and fire roads until youre near the summit. Through this guide, we hope youve discovered some of the best mountain bike trails in Northern California. Check Price. Along your route, smell the wildflowers and enjoy the killer vistas. The Grand Mesa Northern And Southern Terminuses Colorado. Ride up the trail or drive via Pine Mountain Road until you reach a clearing. The main loop is about an hour-long ride, but there are a lot of options to extend, Courtney says. She is from the Bay Area and her blog covers California destinations. 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! Believe it or not, in the heart lies a 61-acre oasis, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. Elevation +. Want to kick it up a notch? 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. It is rumored that our store in San Rafael was home to some of the first mountain bikes in the country. The birthplace of mountain biking, California has grown from teething to teeming with supreme MTB trails all over the state. USED BIKES - Columbus Cyclery Go Bike It Shasta is a quiet spiritual town that sits in Siskiyou County of Cascades Mount surrounded by alpine mountains, and complete peace. / Headlands Ventures, LLC, all rights reserved. 1 reviews. Intermediate. What does it mean to be a California.com Recommended Business? The 9 miles circuit starts on Iron Springs Road and will take you from two to three hours to complete. Approximately 1.5 miles up the trail, theres a left-hand bend and a large oak tree near a drop-off. Best mountain bikes travel bags and boxes | BikePerfect She hopes that her readers will fall in love with California, just like she did. If you go in the summer, a river jump in the North Fork of the Yuba is absolutely necessary afterward, Courtney says. Courtney, 24, now lives near Palo Alto, but the trails around the North Bay arestill some of her favorite places to train. 1. Courtneys pick? 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. Killington, VT. Nestled in the lush summer mountains of New England is one of the East's most acclaimed mountain biking resorts. 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 4 Best Mountain Bikes Under $3000 | Tested by GearLab Cowboy Loop got its name from the nearby historic rodeo. Best Mountain Bike Under $1000: Co-op Cycle DRT 1.2. But even on sunny days, the peak can be windy so bring layers. Getyour burrito and go eat it on the beach.. The Best Mountain Biking Trails in California traverse the islands coastal grasslands and rich ecology, , and take a breather by the pristine Ayala Cove or Quarry Point beaches. Discover 10 must-visit auto racing tracks and events in California for unforgettable high-speed thrills. With jumps, berms, chunk, speed, and technicality, the Santiago Oaks 10-Mile Enduro has it all. Depending on your skill level, Santa Cruz has a few different options. But there are plenty of other great runs, including the 20-mile route from Brockway Summit to Tahoe City or, for newer riders, the Page Meadows Loop. 5/13-16 Downieville Classic MTB Race & Festival: MTB Races May. Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult Distance: 10 miles Time: 15 minutes Schwinn. With a monumental central valley, you can enjoy flat rides along rivers and through preserves. Parking: Free parking is available at Santiago Hills Park. Keep in mind that to enjoy the sights youre looking at a 1,000 foot climb to start. With 16 miles downhill and a 5,000-foot vertical drop, youll love every second of this ride. 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. They rode clunky, DIY bikes whose balloon tires left their marks on these now legendary trails. Best Hardtail Mountain Bike . 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. Apr 8 2023. Its really well built and super fun, Courtney says. 6 Must-Ride Mountain Bike Trails in California - adventureapp.io Inspired by vintage road bikes, the . After conquering the fairly steep Barham Ridge fire road, you wont be too far from the top (yay! The Best Bike Trails in Northern California Admire the azure waters of Lake Tahoe while traversing the region on two wheels. Thanks for signing up. The Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail is perfect for a workout-worthy ride, making it one of best bike trails in San Diego. How many people get to say theyve ripped down the course where the first MTB race took place? Head-tube angle is the angle that the head tube forms with the ground. From trails to post-ride tacos, the decorated Mountain Bike World Cup champ shares her favorite Northern California spots. Eureka To Mt. Santa Cruz Flow Source: https://www.twowheeledwanderer.com/posts/best-california-bike-trails/ 13 Top 10 Trails in California - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Author: railstotrails.org Published: 02/09/2022 Sacramento - Mike's Bikes Favorite Place to Ride:Anywhere there's singletrack.Bikes Owned: Bikes Owned:89 Centurion Prestige, '79 Centurion Sport DLX, '84 Centurion Accordo, '20 Surly Straggler, '22 Giant Escape 2 Disc, Riding Since:1980 Favorite Place to Ride:Cesar Chavez Park (downtown Sacramento), Auburn, Whiskeytown Bikes Owned:Cannondale 29er 1, Cannondale Six 13, Specialized Ellez S-works Single Speed, Specialized Sirrus fixed gear, Trek 1986 Sirrus Single Speed, Quamen 20" Clad 8 flatland BMX bike, Clad 4 flatland BMX bike, Schwinn flat track beach cruiser. Its close to the trailhead, then you can ride right to the ocean. Are you all about the views? The San Diego Mountain Biking Association has 1,000-plus members who steward the land and play a huge part in advocacy. Typical specs: 120-140mm of suspension travel; 67-69 head-tube angle. The trail can be challenging if you're pushing. 4 days. Northern California: Road Racing; Northern California Velodrome Assoc. The nearby mountains are as fun as they look. Youll be riding through a forest straight out of a fairytale, but the picturesque redwoods will swallow you the instant the steep descent begins. Best e mountain bike rental near me in San Diego, California. is the 2023 USAC Regional MTB Championship. California - Ninja Mountain Bike Skills USA bike tours | Our tours - California Park in the lot for the Cheeseboro Trail System. I sold my Specialized mountain bike a couple years ago but now I'll be sure to come here when I . 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 stretches for 8.9 miles, out and back with an elevation gain of 931 feet. Depending on your goals and wishes, California gives you free rein when it comes to MTB adventures. Ready to check out the best trails in California for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? Depending on your goals and wishes, California gives you free rein when it comes to MTB adventures. Once. The rocky doubletrack might be double the trouble, but its totally worth it. Parking is available near the trailhead at Donner State Memorial Park. Lets get to the nitty-gritty of it: This singletrack gem takes you across fire roads, steep sandy inclines and rounding burns. National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Much of it follows an old rail line and features bridges built atop train trestles. 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 Mountain Bike Trails - Mountain Biking in California Total Body Fitness Granite Bay, CA. 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. Let us know! Used Bicycles for Sale in California - Local Bicycle Trader Its also one of the best things to do in the summer in Lake Tahoe. Santa Cruz - Bicycle Warehouse 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). If youre in the mood for an extra challenge, just hop on one of the other connected roads in the area. Weve got you covered. Add Event. Its an advanced riders dream. Kate Courtney and mountain biking were born in the same place: Marin County, California. You can bike further on the Tahoe Rim Trail to South Lake Tahoe for a longer ride. Best bike for northern California? : MTB - Reddit 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. California is the home of mountain biking. 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. The Kortum Trail is located inside Sonoma Coast State Park and its one of the best trails to hike and bike in Sonoma County. Browse the mountain biking events calendar for upcoming mountain bike races, trail days and other nearby events. Fenders included. How to Choose a Mountain Bike | REI Co-op Its somewhere I train a good amount.. . LEVEL Intermediate. Put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. What's Up With Sausalito's Floating Homes and Houseboats? The California DIRT MTB Series is one of YBONC Foundation's main fundraisers to support programs for Nevada County, CA school bike clubs. 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 . 5. This trail is not recommended for beginner riders, but this trail is a great technical trail for the more experienced rider! Many riders consider this to be the premier downhill ride in all of Southern California. You cant bike to the summit but you can chain your bike and hike to the peak. easily one of the best . intimate connection to Californias spectacular landscapes. The company suffered bankruptcy in 1992 and has been operating ever since as the sub-brand of Pacific Cycles. It balances beefy full . During your gradual yet steady climb to the summit of Mount Tam, youll pass by a redwood-lined creek, dense forest, and scenic overlooks. Enjoy the lovely SoCal scenery as you bike your way to the top, where youll be rewarded with a great view of Laguna Beach. Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals. After conquering the fairly steep Barham Ridge fire road, you wont be too far from the top (yay! Its a cool old moto place.. 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. Wilson is the best ride in Southern California if you're into enduro mountain biking. Try a fat bike or an electric mountain bike. Alot of trails that used to be challenging when I was younger are now really fun for me to return to.. XS fits heights 4'10" - 5'2" SM fits heights 5 . I'd look for a trail geometry hardtail or full suspension with 130-160mm of travel. Summit Bicycles - Your Bay Area, CA Bike Shop - 5 Locations to Serve You With the size of the state (3rd largest in the nation), the huge variety of eBike friendly trails and areas, the variety of terrains available to eBike riders, and the differing skills and wants of eBike riders it is difficult to narrow down the best places to ride an eBike in California. Want to see your favorite spot on the list? While technically in Nevada, the Flume Loop is a Tahoe area classic that many locals deem The Must Ride. and majestic sunsets waiting along the Luge Loop Mountain Bike Trail, you wont mind pounding out the miles of a steep uphill climb. There's an entire beginner section on the Snowshed Slope. Best Motorcycle Rides In Northern California - REVER Whales spout water in the distance. Location: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Founded: 1895. Once you complete the beautiful ride, why rush your home when you can set up camp in one of the parks 154 camping sites? Top Bike Trails & Maps in California | TrailLink 9.13mi. 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. Meet Your Maker Event Returns to Skyline XC in Napa, CA The Best Lakeside Bike Trails in NorCal 5. 13 Best Hikes in California - Travel + Leisure 13 aug Intermediate / Advanced Skills (SC230813I) Santa Cruz, California. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, How to Travel by Bicycle: a Beginners Guide to Start Bike Touring, How Much Does it Cost to Travel the World by Bicycle, Cycling Austria: Lake Region, Carinthia, Danube Cycling Path, Vienna, and Salzburg, How To Prepare For An Ultra Distance Cycling Event & The 3 Best Races For Beginners, Cycling Morocco! Visit our shop for the widest selection of Cannondale, Santa Cruz, Giant, Electra, BMC, Salsa, and NS bikes. Smooth paths, flowy fun, rocky drops, treacherous gnar, and extreme tech punctuate hundreds of trail systems and riding parks. Joe Rodota Bike Trail, Santa Rosa. Bicycle and hike in the Northern California Redwoods. After the Ride: Alices Restaurant is a great place for breakfast, Courtney says. Bonus: Lo helped to design the Ripmo with frame sizes that can fit . We feature bikes from Trek, Specialized, and more, as well as full service repairs. 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. The best mountain biking in California is clustered around the Bay Area, San Diego, and the Sierra Nevadas. The 15+ Best Mountain Bike Brands Of 2023 You Must Know - BikesReviewed.com The park is also one of few downhill mountain bike . (Image credit: Evoc) Whether you're going on vacation with your bike or heading abroad for a big race, the best mountain bike travel bags and boxes are a worthwhile investment for getting it there safely. 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. Here youll get amazing coastal views on many mellow tracks without nasty uphill pedals. This highway is 655.8 miles long and can take up to a week or more depending on your biking stamina. The exhilarating ride downhill will also make all the uphill struggle worth it. (as Amazon Associates we earn commission from qualifying purchases). Traveling the world by bicycle since 2014 across more than 50 countries. As you make your way from the Roadrunner Loop singletrack to the Chutes climb, youll feel your glutes and your heart beating faster. Elsewhere youll encounter awesome woodland trails, roots, berms and even the odd waterfall. If you just need a tune-up, our bike techs have you covered. 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. Anaheim. 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. Home to the world-renowned Downieville Classic Race, this sweet, loamy 15 miles is comprised of 85% decline and drops 4,000 feet in elevation. The trail then becomes more difficult, with about a mile-plus of loose-pebble, sun-exposed slope that eventually gives way to short, steep downhill bends. California's 11 Most Affordable Places to Live, Rainn Wilson Shares Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution. 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. So, put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. 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. The trail takes you on the Sonoma coastline with beaches to stop at along the way. When youre here it might feel like everyone rides. With jumps, berms, chunk, speed, and technicality, the Santiago Oaks 10-Mile Enduro has it all. Before you hop back in your car though, stop by Cooks Corner for a well-earned bacon cheeseburger and fries. shuttle ride features northern California's classic Sierra mountains riding. This isnt a secret since many areas of Northern California are world-renowned for mountain biking. E-bike friendly. (Suspension travel is the amount of movement offered by the bike's front and rear suspension. The trail winds through towering redwoods, which can be up to 4,000 years old, and passes through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Most riders make a beeline for the legendary Downieville Downhill, but there are loads of technical gems scattered around, including Mills Peak and Mt. Plus Northern California is a prime location for mountain biking. Not to be underestimated are the citys 200+ canyons and hills that separate its many mesasall geographical features that make for excellent MTB terrain. Yes and no. This is a great ride for more experienced mountain bikers as it has several uphill sections. If you plan on biking at Mission Peak Regional Wilderness, make sure you bring plenty of water with you because it can be hot during the summer months or when theres not much rain around. With coastal and alpine views just miles apart, forearm-pumping technical beasts, and legendary rides that have literally made historyare you ready for all that California has in store? 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. "My son manages to find every thorn in the road and is constantly getting flats on his e-bike. Don't miss any of the best rides! Pedal around the beautiful blue waters of Donner Lake and soak up the mountain scenery. Coastal bluffs, redwood forests and wooded hilltops, Learn how to surf or fast track your progress with local legend Richard Schmidt, Spokesman Bicycles and Another Bike Shop have got you covered. Its also a great way to see the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay firsthand! In San Diego you can ride the mountains in the morning and surf in the sea in the afternoon. Visit our shop for the widest selection of Cannondale, Santa Cruz, Giant, Electra, BMC, Salsa, and NS bikes. Suitable for all skill levels. There isnt even a gas station. Folding Hardtail Hybrid Jumping Kids Mountain. 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. Complete with crumbling rock, shale chips, and coastal and desert plant life, the Backbone Trail makes for one enjoyable experience. and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from California.com about news, events, offers, and partner promotions. After crossing over into Sausalito, youll go down Bridgeway Street, which is a fun, curvy road with plenty of places to stop for food or drinks along the way. Strong intermediates up to expert level trails, Late May through October. Add Your Recommended Routes RECOMMENDED ROUTE Easy/Intermediate Inter-Garrison Rd to Kyle's Bench loop. Bike Rides in California: Cycling Events Calendar 2023 & 2024 Sale. What to Ride: Courtney loves the Manzanita Trail, which you can link with Giant Salamander for a nearly nine-mile loop. Gray Butte Trail, Mount Shasta. Feel free to yell yee-haw on its short, but rowdy descent. 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. The same dust the OG Klunkers kicked up can cling to your tires too. If you visit during the summer, Coyote Adventures offers shuttle rides (otherwise you end up riding a 35-mile advanced loop trail). From Marin headlands to Lake Tahoe, you can find trails that range from paved bike paths to rocky creek beds. Join Outside+ to get Outside magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. This page only shows nearby & regionally targeted events. The best mountain biking in California is clustered around the Bay Area, San Diego, and the Sierra Nevadas. Feeling adventurous? Best Mountain Bikes 2023 - Forbes Vetted This moderate route has some steep climbs and its an ideal trail for intermediate bikers. Find used bikes for sale in California with a large selection of new and used bicycles at Local Bike Trader. When you reach the summit, youll also enjoy views of the eastern half of San Diego County and the Del Dios Gorge. This challenging loop trail is a popular choice for adrenaline junkies. The Skyline-to-the-Sea trail is a great destination ride. A way to travel slower, closer to ancient rhythms, a kind of neo-nomadism. What put Kernville on the map are adventure sports. 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. The Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail is perfect for a workout-worthy ride, making it one of. Discover the best of California. Theresan iconic surf spot at Steamer Lane, and its always fun to watch the surfers, Courtney says. Weve got you covered. Get ready for switchbacks, blind, sharp turns, steep drops, and pine vistas that transport you to the mountain bike trails in Sedona. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. 85 mi. Used you can find plenty of bikes with that budget. For advanced mountain biking aficionados, get your tires dirty on the technicals snaking through the areas famous redwoods.