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. Killington, VT. Nestled in the lush summer mountains of New England is one of the East's most acclaimed mountain biking resorts. The nearby mountains are as fun as they look. 57hours collaborated with local guides and outdoor adventurers to put together this list of the best destinations. This page only shows nearby & regionally targeted events. Ready to bike your way through Californias scenic spots? Top Bike Trails & Maps in California | TrailLink You can find numerous trails to ride many times during the year whether its spring, summer, fall, or winter. Plus Northern California is a prime location for mountain biking. / Headlands Ventures, LLC, all rights reserved. Discover hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. The Best Mountain Biking Trails in California . 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. Join Outside+ to get Outside magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Top 20 Bike Rides and Cycling Routes in California | Komoot 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. 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. YT Industries Body Bag. 5. If youre wondering whats the best time to visit Yosemite National Park for a bike trip, that would definitely be in spring or autumn. You can either bring your bike, rent one or even borrow it for free for 2 hours through the parks bike share program. Shop Now. The riding there is a bit more tame but perfect for a post-workday rush. Welcome to BikeRide - an organized cycling events calendar. And that's just the beginning, Ready to bike your way through Californias scenic spots? About the best trails. What put Kernville on the map are adventure sports. Plummeting down MTBs ancestral home should be on every mountain bikers bucket list. We operate 14 wildly successful stores in Petaluma, San Rafael, Sausalito, San Francisco, Berkeley, Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, San Jose, Pleasanton, Folsom, Roseville, & Stanford Research Park! 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. The carbon Mojo is one of its six full-suspension mountain bikes, and the Ripmo is a long-travel 29er, a match for enduro racers. "pair of sunglasses! Its a great way to see wildlife. Since 1998, Yo! $ 2,164.-. Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals. 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. Feb 12 2023. 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. Lets put it this way: theres even a Yelp page for the best trails in the area. Mountain bikes use lettered sizes, ranging from XS to XL. This challenging loop trail is a popular choice for adrenaline junkies. Many newbies are eyeing the most-touted singletrack spots like Crested Butte and Moab . 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. Need to Know: Thanks to shade from the forest, itsnever too hot in this area, even in midsummer. 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. Its a great workout! This awesome ride may be the most (free) fun youll have in the O.C. Free parking is available at Santiago Hills Park. And bring snacks and extra water! Cruising the historic and rooty trails of Mt. After conquering the fairly steep Barham Ridge fire road, you wont be too far from the top (yay! The Best Bike Trails in California Best California Mountain Bike Trails 22 miles long, its a great way to enjoy some of the best views of the lake. 4 days. Dentoni Park Trail. This isnt a secret since many areas of Northern California are world-renowned for mountain biking. Because this utter fanaticism for our product makes us the best at what we do - We live to create cyclists. Its also a great way to see the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay firsthand! Shasta. How many people get to say theyve ripped down the course where the first MTB race took place? The Best Dual-sport Motorcycle Trails in California (United States Weve got you covered. You also agree to our Terms of Use and our use of your information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. You can bike further on the Tahoe Rim Trail to South Lake Tahoe for a longer ride. 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. 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 listened to guides, poured over trip reports and took into account reviews from adventurers who are out there living it. Feeling adventurous? You can browse other events using the filters on the right or by viewing the "events" tab on regions. 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. All tuned up with 30-day warranty. 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. Courtney grew up riding the trails around Mount Tamalpais, where the sport literally got its start. The list of 17 best mountain bike trails northern california 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. Mountain Biking at Ski Resorts Once youre out there, its just you and the wildernessand some of the best plunges in California! Its really well built and super fun, Courtney says. Customize Map data OpenStreetMap contributors 2 Gridley Trail (out-and-back) Intermediate Parking: Park at or by Cooks Corner restaurant. Pros. Ride away into the sunset and indulge in magnificent views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean on the Mount Tamalpais Summit Loop. 10 Best Hardtail Mountain Bikes of 2022 - Mountain Weekly News Visit our shop for the widest selection of Cannondale, Santa Cruz, Giant, Electra, BMC, Salsa, and NS bikes. Before you hop back in your car though, stop by Cooks Corner for a well-earned bacon cheeseburger and fries. Santa Cruz - Bicycle Warehouse The trail takes you on the Sonoma coastline with beaches to stop at along the way. We send bi-weekly updates on new stories and trip discounts. Strap in for a roller coaster of roots. Recommended Routes in California - 509 MTB Project is built by riders like you. XS fits heights 4'10" - 5'2" SM fits heights 5 . For now, let me take you around the 18 of the best California mountain towns. The park is also one of few downhill mountain bike . 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. Descending 2,000 feet, the Killington Mountain Bike Park hosts notable professional-level downhill races, but also enjoys a nice variety of trail types. The 9 Best Mountain Bike Tires | Tested by GearLab Depending on your skill level, Santa Cruz has a few different options. The birthplace of mountain biking, California has grown from teething to teeming with supreme MTB trails all over the state. Discover 10 must-visit auto racing tracks and events in California for unforgettable high-speed thrills. Ride your way through Angel Island State Park for panoramic views of the Bay, the S.F. What to Ride: The trail is a short, mellow out-and-back route, butyou can connect to other trails to make ita longer ride. Elevation: 1,093 m. Mt. The 4 Best Mountain Bikes Under $3000. Mountain Bikes - The Pro's Closet The high point of this challenging jaunt, one of the best hikes in California, is a staggering 8,100 feet, but if you start the three-and-a-half-mile hike from the . A 5.4 mile loop with a max 25% grade, this will get your lungs and legs pumping. As an end-to-end trip, it can be ridden in either direction. 12 aug Fundamentals Trail Application - Women's Only (SC230812FTW) Santa Cruz, California. (4:16 at the time of this writing). Northern California has thousands of miles of awesome mountain biking trails. Dropping 5,000 vertical feet in 15 miles, it hosts the longest and most demanding mountain bike race in the country - the Downieville Classic. Thats where the iconic downhill starts. Bring extra protection and remember that theres no shame in walking your bike if needed. 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. Hours: Samuel P. Taylor State Park is open from 8 a.m.7 p.m. $900 at publicbikes.com. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. So, what are you waiting for? (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. Recumbent Road Racing Triathlon. shuttle ride features northern California's classic Sierra mountains riding. Check your inbox soon for the latest from California.com. 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. Add Event. 24. The trail is 6 miles, out and back and you can also explore the beaches along the way. 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 Best Mountain Bike Trails in Orange County Take your bike for a spin on one of Orange County's captivating and challenging cycling trails. Pack a picnic, bring your camera and enjoy every last bit of this trail. 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. Summit Bicycles - Your Bay Area, CA Bike Shop - 5 Locations to Serve You 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. What to Ride: In Downieville, its all about the Downieville Classic. The highway offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur coast. Even seasoned riders require a couple of hours to tackle this beast of a trail. 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? Tamalpais. Do you want gnarly technicals? Lets get to the nitty-gritty of it: This singletrack gem takes you across fire roads, steep sandy inclines and rounding burns. Its also one of the best things to do in the summer in Lake Tahoe. traverse the islands coastal grasslands and rich ecology, , and take a breather by the pristine Ayala Cove or Quarry Point beaches. Need to Know: The year-round bike park is located on private property operated by the Marin Council of the Boy Scouts of America. It is difficult rated, flowing singletrack with fast, rocky, technical features, and impressive drops. When purchased online. Our trip offers a little bit of everything on our scenic ride in the surrounding area of Santa Cruz, California. 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. 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. 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. . All you have to do is pick a place, pack your bags, and hit the road. The trail stretches for 8.9 miles, out and back with an elevation gain of 931 feet. When youre here it might feel like everyone rides. California is the home of mountain biking. Tamo or the Ranch, as locals know it, is easily the crown jewel of Marin County. Cons. Best Mountain Bike Under $500: Decathlon Rock Rider 520. On higher elevations, snowpack stays put even in June, Wooded trails, lakes and alpine meadows above the treeline, Consider buying the map of the area. Your email address will not be published. MTB Challenge - Cross Country Mountain Bike Racing. Bike to the top of Mount Tamalpais and be rewarded with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay Area. The views of the crashing ocean waves and (on clear days) downtown L.A. and Hollywood make the tough climb worthwhile. 1450f. Check Price. Its a cool old moto place.. Many riders opt for one of the many loop permutations in order to put the name to the test again and again. California Mountain Bike Trails - Mountain Biking in California hunting for unknown or forgotten treasures. 2. Distance. To get there, park by Pier 41 in San Francisco and take the Blue and Gold Fleet Ferry. 57hours uses cookies for a better experience! Very good fitness required. 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. Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. . Download the app. She hopes that her readers will fall in love with California, just like she did. Discover 7 must-visit go-kart tracks in California for adrenaline-pumping fun for all ages. Santiago Oaks 10-Mile Enduro Location: North Tustin Hours: Sunrise-sunset Parking: Free parking is available at Santiago Hills Park. lostandfoundbikeride.com July. Ready to check out the best trails in California for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? With that said, the eighty miles of undulating MTB track arent too technical nor demanding and run through stunning alpine terrain and pine forests. With rad views of the O.C. 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. Mount Tamalpais has been a popular summer and weekend destination ever since, and Mount Tamalpais State Park were formed in the early 1900s. Your email address will not be published. 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in California | AllTrails 1. Best e mountain bike rental near me in San Diego, California. Find your next dream mountain bike from Yeti Cyles in this deep dive into the Yeti lineup. With jumps, berms, chunk, speed, and technicality, the Santiago Oaks 10-Mile Enduro has it all. There are also many things to see on the way. If you visit during the summer, Coyote Adventures offers shuttle rides (otherwise you end up riding a 35-mile advanced loop trail). Enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the beach after your solid morning bike ride, then start a bonfire and. Shasta. Required fields are marked *. With a monumental central valley, you can enjoy flat rides along rivers and through preserves. Through this guide, we hope youve discovered some of the best mountain bike trails in Northern California. We tested affordable full-suspension models from Polygon, Trek, Giant, and others to find the best mountain bikes under $3000. The Mount Wilson Trail in Los Angeles is widely known as a gem for downhill mountain biking. Click here if an associate helped you with this order. And so they did. Find all the upcoming cycling events in California! Biking here can be an all-day adventure or a short ride depending on how far you want to go. intimate connection to Californias spectacular landscapes. Are you all about the views? This trail is not recommended for beginner riders, but this trail is a great technical trail for the more experienced rider! Best Bikes for College Students | Cheap Commuter Bikes 2021 - Bicycling Just near Carmel, California, is this 10.1-mile, point-to-point trail that is accessible year-round. All proceeds are used for trail maintenance, Downieville Outfitters are a jack of all trades. . Let us know! Adult Mountain Bikes : Target 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. This moderate route has some steep climbs and its an ideal trail for intermediate bikers. Kate Courtney and mountain biking were born in the same place: Marin County, California. Use this time to disconnect and recharge your batteries (so to speak) as you make your way through the mountains. skyline, and Marin Headlands. When it comes to human-powered adventure, the Golden State is a serious contender for the go-to adventure dealer on the West Coast. But after reaching the summit, the reward is worth it theres a 360-degree view that takes in many other peaks as well as San Francisco Bay and beyond! This is a great ride for more experienced mountain bikers as it has several uphill sections. 6 Must-Ride Mountain Bike Trails in California - adventureapp.io From beginners to pros and everyone in between, Santa Cruz has something for you. 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 Sure, you can eat that at about any restaurant, but in how many cities can you live it? Mountain Biking Events & Races Calendar | Trailforks This trail is all about speed. There are good options for technical descending and climbing, Courtney says. You cant bike to the summit but you can chain your bike and hike to the peak. Believe it or not, in the heart lies a 61-acre oasis, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. In the City on the Bay you wont need to stray too far from the busy streets for adrenaline-inducing MTB. Fenders included. When you reach the summit, youll also enjoy views of the eastern half of San Diego County and the Del Dios Gorge. We write about the places we visit and the gear we like. After the Ride:Downieville doesnt have a ton in the way of food offerings, but it does have tacos. If you visit during the summer, Coyote Adventures offers shuttle rides (otherwise you end up riding a 35-mile advanced loop trail). Holland's Bicycles. San Diego pretty much has two seasons: warm and warmer. The trail is 12.8 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,420 feet from point to point. With stunning views of an alpine lake and facilities available at the north shore, the Donner Lake Bike Loop is hard to pass up. 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. "My son manages to find every thorn in the road and is constantly getting flats on his e-bike. Climb up the Sunset Boulders, check out the prehistoric Mammoth Rock or hike up the Peaked Hill for panoramic views. Singletracks members have ranked the best mountain bike trails in California using our unique trail ranking algorithm. We know it can be difficult to choose from the innumerable mountain bike trails throughout the Golden State, so weve rounded up. 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. ); once you reach the summit, soak up the sun and the view as you take a much-deserved breather. I sold my Specialized mountain bike a couple years ago but now I'll be sure to come here when I . 0.7 mi. The trail is 5.1 miles and the terrain varies from rolling hills to steep climbs, with spectacular views of the Bay Area. 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. 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. Want to see your favorite spot on the list? Cycloscope is Daniele Giannotta and Elena Stefanin. The curves, switchbacks, and rocky chutes will make your head spin as trees whoosh by in a blur. Most riders like to link in Grays Peak, a 2.2 mile out-and-back, to take in the views of the lake and valley below. Our Los Gatos Store (408) 399-9142; email; 111 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030; Palo Alto. Used Bicycles for Sale in California - Local Bicycle Trader Get the app . Founder: Ignaz Schwinn and Adolf Arnold. 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. 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. Start off at South Gate Road and get ready to pedal your heart out up the hill. A way to travel slower, closer to ancient rhythms, a kind of neo-nomadism. Shasta is a quiet spiritual town that sits in Siskiyou County of Cascades Mount surrounded by alpine mountains, and complete peace. Discover the 7 must-visit archery ranges and classes in California, perfect for all skill levels to practice this time-tested activity. 13 Best Hikes in California - Travel + Leisure The Bernardo Mountain Summit is a prominent yet easily accessible peak towering over the blue waters of Lake Hodges. This highway is 655.8 miles long and can take up to a week or more depending on your biking stamina. Santa Cruz, California (Andrei Stanescu/iStock) Why Go: Courtney likes Santa Cruz's Emma McCrary Trailbecause it's an ideal spot to work on skills. Yo! the most (free) fun youll have in the O.C. Mountain bike trail counts across America showed increases of up to 500 percent last year compared with 2019. Parking: Free parking is available at Santiago Hills Park. Limit the Use of Sensitive Personal Information. Kate Courtney's Guide to Mountain Biking in Northern California 9.13mi. Northern California Biking Trails - Lumintrail The 15 Best Mountain Bike Brands of 2021 | GearJunkie 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. Largest Selection in San Francisco. All California Cities Bicycles in California by City . Keep in mind that this trail prohibits pets. Parking: Park near the start of the trail. be the first to know 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. Ride over the crest to the coast or follow the loop to the overlook and back. Wheel size (27.5 / 29) also affects fit and ride quality. $4399.00. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the beach after your solid morning bike ride, then start a bonfire and savor an easy summer dessert. Folding Hardtail Hybrid Jumping Kids Mountain. Used you can find plenty of bikes with that budget. Heading out the door? So, what are you waiting for? Since 2013, the Bronson has been the prototype of an all-mountain bike and the flagship of the Santa Cruz lineup. 1 reviews. The Bernardo Mountain Summit is a prominent yet easily accessible peak towering over the blue waters of Lake Hodges. Meet Your Maker is an ongoing series of rides hosted by the . Theres over 3,300 of climbing but you get to enjoy it on the other side. 1411 I StreetSacramento, CA 95814(916) 446-2453 - Call or TextGet DirectionsStore Hours: Monday - Friday: 10AM to 6PMWeekends: 10AM to 5PM, Click to schedule a Body Fit Geometry Fit. 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. The rocky doubletrack might be double the trouble, but its totally worth it. The climb up Mission Peak is steep and challenging. 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. TrailRank. 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. (April 1September 30). Approximately 1.5 miles up the trail, theres a left-hand bend and a large oak tree near a drop-off. A group of guys in the seventies didnt see a regular fire road. Cowboy Loop got its name from the nearby historic rodeo. After the Ride: Alices Restaurant is a great place for breakfast, Courtney says. Lake Tahoe fits the bill. 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 The views are pretty spectacular as well, especially if you time it right and go during sunset or sunrise. Apr 8 2023. Sacramento - Mike's Bikes 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. Top 10 Trails in California - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy