This is a great ride for more experienced mountain bikers as it has several uphill sections. Be on the lookout for bobcats, lizards, snakes and hikersits quite popular on the weekends! Complete with crumbling rock, shale chips, and coastal and desert plant life, the Backbone Trail makes for one enjoyable experience. The views of the crashing ocean waves and (on clear days) downtown L.A. and Hollywood make the tough climb worthwhile. Weve got you covered. Shop Now. Shasta on this epic five-hour tour of Northern California. Spring through Fall is high season, but you can ride it year-round, Fire roads cutting through sagebrush, grasslands and pine forests, Wind down with a beer in Iron Springs Pub or, Make sure to check out the Marin Museum of. Photo credit: Carol Colborn 4. Also known as the Potato Patch Trail, the 4.5 mile route is surprisingly varied and one of the most fun workouts youll ever try. Race, Mountain, Hybrid, Folding, BMX, Kids. There's an entire beginner section on the Snowshed Slope. Courtneys pick? 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. The exhilarating ride downhill will also make all the uphill struggle worth it. Ready to check out the best trails in California for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? Basecamp has specialized in offering adventure and rock climbing camps in Californias. With more than 100 miles of coastline, there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. There isnt even a gas station. Top Bike Trails & Maps in California | TrailLink 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. You understand that your consent is not a condition of purchase, and that you can opt-out at any time. 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. 66. Mammoth Lakes, CA, California, United States. 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. Need to Know: Not all sections of the 165-mile trail are open to mountain bikers, so be sure to read the policy for the part youre interested in before you go. This is a 10 mile singletrack gem. Yo! Check out Santa Cruz. This trail is all about speed. Mountain Bike & Gravel (with our sister company, Sacred Rides) Hiking; By Collection. There are also many things to see on the way. Youll be in seventh heaven, counting down until your next ride. . Forest Of Nisene Marks and Soquel Demonstration Forest Mountain Bike Ride over the crest to the coast or follow the loop to the overlook and back. Much of it follows an old rail line and features bridges built atop train trestles. TrailRank. Kate Courtney and mountain biking were born in the same place: Marin County, California. 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. Two sections in particular, Stairway to Hell and Roman Road, are what make this course a technical delight. Intermediate riders who are still working on their skills should check out Wilder Ranch. 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. 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. Hours: 6 a.m.6 p.m. (October 1March 31) and 6 a.m.7:30p.m. The best mountain bikes, according to serious mountain bikers - SFGATE Holland's Bicycles. Located in northern San Diego, the Open Space offers lots of lines for riders of all skill levels. DURATION 6 Days. You can either bring your bike, rent one or even borrow it for free for 2 hours through the parks bike share program. The same dust the OG Klunkers kicked up can cling to your tires too. The trail also makes for a great weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Thetrail leading from the top of Mount Rose, for example, is only open to bikers on even-numbered calendar days. Bakersfield. The historic trail leads you through Donner Lake Memorial Park, which has over eight miles of hiking trails and plenty of fishing opportunities, so catch your post-workout meal and take a break by diving into the clear, blue waters of Donner Lake. The Skyline-to-the-Sea trail is a great destination ride. The main loop is about an hour-long ride, but there are a lot of options to extend, Courtney says. Wilder Ranch State Park is kind to its riders. They saw steep slopes and rocks the size of their head and thought, flying over that would be pretty neat. Summit Bicycles - Your Bay Area, CA Bike Shop - 5 Locations to Serve You TheMount Hough Trail is a long, flowing singletrack thats relatively smooth, scenic, and so much fun, Courtney says. The area suffered significant erosion, so no skidding! As an end-to-end trip, it can be ridden in either direction. Cowles Mountain is a technical challenge, and best of all, its right in the city. Theres no parking on the island. Located 25 minutes from Big Bear Lake, Camp Yofi has everything. Ride up the trail or drive via Pine Mountain Road until you reach a clearing. Start with a short ride to the trailhead from Santiago Hills Park before hopping on the fire road. The 15 Best Mountain Bike Brands of 2021 | GearJunkie Its a great workout! this moderately trafficked lakeside loop is accessible year-round. Cons. Pack a picnic, bring your camera and enjoy every last bit of this trail. Bring extra protection and remember that theres no shame in walking your bike if needed. What to Ride: Courtney loves the Manzanita Trail, which you can link with Giant Salamander for a nearly nine-mile loop. If youre lucky, you might even spot a mountain lion or two! Its perfect if youre looking for a thrilling ride or if youre looking to explore Lake Tahoe deeper on your mountain bike journey. Intermediate and advanced riders, listen up! 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. 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. Paved roads and tough mountain uphills (with great downhills), Mount Diablo has a couple of routes that might strike your fancy, SanFrans iconic sightseeing spots need no introduction, Check out Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals. Feel free to yell yee-haw on its short, but rowdy descent. Parking: Free parking is available at Santiago Hills Park. The California DIRT MTB Series is one of YBONC Foundation's main fundraisers to support programs for Nevada County, CA school bike clubs. Mission Peak is one of the best bike rides in the San Francisco Bay Area. Keep in mind that this trail prohibits pets. The terrain, regardless of where you decide to go, is diverse. After the Ride:Downieville doesnt have a ton in the way of food offerings, but it does have tacos. Weve got you covered. the most (free) fun youll have in the O.C. Youll pass through beautiful pine forests, high mountain meadows, and rugged granite cliffs. This awesome ride may be the most (free) fun youll have in the O.C. At over 500 square miles and over 11,000 feet in elevation, Grand Mesa in Colorado is the largest flat-top mountain in the world. After conquering the fairly steep Barham Ridge fire road, you wont be too far from the top (yay! 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. Though it can be a difficult journey, the scenery is priceless and the ride is legendary. What's Up With Sausalito's Floating Homes and Houseboats? Its also a great way to see the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay firsthand! Singletracks members have ranked the best mountain bike trails in California using our unique trail ranking algorithm. Artist's Palette Trail is approximately 8.5 miles South of the intersection of Highway 190 and Badwater Road in Death Valley. Parking is available near the trailhead at Donner State Memorial Park. Stationed along the Pacific, San Diego has an outdoor sport for everyone. Northern California: Road Racing; Northern California Velodrome Assoc. Establish a physical connection with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area while cycling the Cheeseboro Loop. While many people drive this route, its just as much fun to bike along with the cars. Mountain Bike Trails near California - MTB Project 1450f. Its close to the trailhead, then you can ride right to the ocean. Think you can beat the record time? This challenging loop trail is a popular choice for adrenaline junkies. This moderate route has some steep climbs and its an ideal trail for intermediate bikers. Californias well known cocktail of chill vibes and adrenaline sparked the genius of the Marin County crew back in the 1970s, and lo and behold, MTB was born. Should you want to expand your day you can link up with the Tahoe Rim Trail, which opens up another 80 plus miles of riding. 24. All proceeds are used for trail maintenance, Downieville Outfitters are a jack of all trades. Backbone Trail: Will Rogers to Temescal Ridge. But remember that hard ascents promise rewarding descents and thats exactly whats in store. Depending on your skill level, Santa Cruz has a few different options. South Lake Tahoe Bike Trail Location: South Lake Tahoe Level of difficulty: Moderate Distance: 10.9 miles Route: Loop 13 aug Intermediate / Advanced Skills (SC230813I) Santa Cruz, California. Test your mettle on this technically advanced trail. Bike Rides in California. (April 1September 30). Thanks for signing up. Bonus: Lo helped to design the Ripmo with frame sizes that can fit . The trail winds through towering redwoods, which can be up to 4,000 years old, and passes through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Parking: Park at or by Cooks Corner restaurant. Eureka To Mt. Add Event. $900 at publicbikes.com. 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. She is from the Bay Area and her blog covers California destinations. for a well-earned bacon cheeseburger and fries. Why shop with us? Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult Distance: 10 miles Time: 15 minutes Founded: 1895. 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. What makes mountain biking in Northern California so unique is its diversity of trails within 10 miles of each other. Boasting a 5,000-foot vertical descent in less than eight miles, Mt. On top of that, the area is blessed with refreshing rivers and swimming holes. Youll be riding through a forest straight out of a fairytale, but the picturesque redwoods will swallow you the instant the steep descent begins. Not to be underestimated are the citys 200+ canyons and hills that separate its many mesasall geographical features that make for excellent MTB terrain. Elwell. How many people get to say theyve ripped down the course where the first MTB race took place? The Grand Mesa Northern And Southern Terminuses Colorado. 53.5 km. 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. 03:05. (Suspension travel is the amount of movement offered by the bike's front and rear suspension. The singletrack is narrow with plenty of switchbacks and huge, gnarly rocks. Visit our shop for the widest selection of Cannondale, Santa Cruz, Giant, Electra, BMC, Salsa, and NS bikes. Enjoy this point-to-point trail near Nevada City, California which is 24.4 miles long. If you go in the summer, a river jump in the North Fork of the Yuba is absolutely necessary afterward, Courtney says. You can share the roads with vehicles and while youre biking on the bike paths, the speed limit is 15 mph. Friday November 4, 2022. Total Body Fitness Granite Bay, CA. Its time to put on your helmet and embark on. Whatever terrain suits you best, we have the road bike, mountain bike, kids bike, or electric bike for you. Ride deep into the heart of redwood country, and then climb to the top of Mt. There are good options for technical descending and climbing, Courtney says. Another unique appeal for bringing your bike to San Diego is the surf n turf. Since 2013, the Bronson has been the prototype of an all-mountain bike and the flagship of the Santa Cruz lineup. Cardboard. Courtesy of Sonoma County. What to Ride: In Downieville, its all about the Downieville Classic. Best Enduro Mountain Bike: Specialized Stumpjumper EVO. 10 Best Downhill Mountain Bike Parks in North America - TripOutside Steel frame is heavy for carrying up stairs. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Enchanted Loops darling name is in stark contrast to its technical nature. Come for the 35 miles of multiuse trails, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and old-growth redwoods. Over 250 used bicycles at our Shop. 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. traverse the islands coastal grasslands and rich ecology, , and take a breather by the pristine Ayala Cove or Quarry Point beaches. Tamalpais. Reserve a spot at the Hidden Springs, Burlington, or Albee Creek campgrounds. The trail takes you on the Sonoma coastline with beaches to stop at along the way. The Downieville Downhill is one of California's most iconic mountain bike trail 3. Traveling the world by bicycle since 2014 across more than 50 countries. (4:16 at the time of this writing). Best Mountain Bike Under $500: Decathlon Rock Rider 520. How to Choose a Mountain Bike | REI Co-op 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. Basecamp Adventure Sports Camp. Need to Know: The year-round bike park is located on private property operated by the Marin Council of the Boy Scouts of America. 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. Our online publication, updated daily, brings you all the content you need to live your California dreams. The highway offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur coast. Bike to the top of Mount Tamalpais and be rewarded with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Chula Vista. 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. Never have we found this much flow potential in one place. Its a moderate trail that loops around 13 miles. Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals. Need to Know: Thanks to shade from the forest, itsnever too hot in this area, even in midsummer. So, what are you waiting for? Mountain Bike Sizing . 6 Must-Ride Mountain Bike Trails in California - adventureapp.io Still, the trails are so professionally maintained youll think youre mountain biking in Aspen. The 4 Best Mountain Bikes Under $3000 | Tested by GearLab 2023 Best 10 Trails and Hikes in California | AllTrails Rent bikes, gear, shuttles, and then grab a bite at their restaurant, Sabrinas at The Forks. Once you complete the beautiful ride, why rush your home when you can set up camp in one of the parks 154 camping sites? Cruising the historic and rooty trails of Mt. Why Go: Camp Tamarancho is a well-maintained bike park with looping singletrack for nearly all abilities. By submitting your email address you agree to our Terms of Use This isnt a secret since many areas of Northern California are world-renowned for mountain biking. 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. Why Go: Courtney likes Santa Cruzs Emma McCrary Trail because its an ideal spot to work on skills. Best Mountain Biking Destinations in California | 57hours If you just need a tune-up, our bike techs have you covered. Our recommended businesses are top-quality and are committed to their communities. When we say downhill, we mean downhill. Why does that matter? USED BIKES - Columbus Cyclery Go Bike It Take your bike for a spin on one of Orange County's captivating and challenging cycling trails. The climb up Mission Peak is steep and challenging. Parking: Limited pull-out parking is available near Blithedale Park, and there is street parking on Blithedale Avenue all the way back to town. Stay in touch while we get lost! Make sure to stop for a while at the top and fully take in the view before heading back down the steep mountain. Its really well built and super fun, Courtney says. We rely on cookies to remember your preferences and analyze our website traffic. Youll need a $5 day pass, or grab an annual pass for $45either can be purchased online or at Sunshine Bicycles in downtown Fairfax. Courtney grew up riding the trails around Mount Tamalpais, where the sport literally got its start. With over 300 stream-fed alpine lakes offering great fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, it became a great personal retreat.The Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway (State . Sure, you can eat that at about any restaurant, but in how many cities can you live it? What to Ride: The trail is a short, mellow out-and-back route, butyou can connect to other trails to make ita longer ride. Apr 8 2023. Come test your abilities in a fun and supportive community! Lake Tahoe fits the bill. Top 10 Trails in California - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy So, put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. You can find numerous trails to ride many times during the year whether its spring, summer, fall, or winter. A steeper head-tube angle generally indicates that a bike will turn faster and climb better. Put off reality and put on your helmet as you embark on these fun mountain biking trails in the Golden State. Along your route, smell the wildflowers and enjoy the killer vistas. This 20 mile loop is accessed off the TRT and features downhill singletrack madness that deposits you right at South Lake Tahoe. Wednesday night series beginning at 6 p.m. Cross country MTB event. Cycling has changed dramatically as the decades have rolled by, but Mike's Bikes has never wavered from our total dedication to the sport. Here, shecan ride year-round on endless miles of purpose-built trails with ample variety ofups, downs, and cross-country routes. be the first to know Youve got trails for all levels, but where it really shines is with its downhill areas. On the alpine trails you can count on plenty of elevation gain and flowy downhill sections. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. The Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail is perfect for a workout-worthy ride, making it one of. 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. While technically in Nevada, the Flume Loop is a Tahoe area classic that many locals deem The Must Ride. These trails were purpose built to be enjoyed by riders of all ages and ability using sustainable trail building techniques. . Santiago Oaks 10-Mile Enduro Location: North Tustin Hours: Sunrise-sunset Parking: Free parking is available at Santiago Hills Park. Limit the Use of Sensitive Personal Information. The largest natural island in the San Francisco Bay, this local gem offers many recreational and wildlife watching opportunities. If youre a seasoned rider, mountain bike in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park on some of the best trails in the stateif not the country. The ascent is steep to start with, and it gets worse. Follow us on Social Media, Copyright 2017 Cycloscope. There will be a cash purse to the Pro classes. Typical specs: 120-140mm of suspension travel; 67-69 head-tube angle. With that said, the eighty miles of undulating MTB track arent too technical nor demanding and run through stunning alpine terrain and pine forests. Plus Northern California is a prime location for mountain biking. Mt. From Mt. Its 7 miles out-and-back with embedded rocks, ruts, roots, tight switchbacks, and a fast bottom third. By Jeremy Benson, Joshua Hutchens, and Kyle Smaine. In the City on the Bay you wont need to stray too far from the busy streets for adrenaline-inducing MTB. Meet Your Maker is an ongoing series of rides hosted by the . There are even, Find the best campground near Lake Tahoe for you here. Wide gear range for hilly cities. 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. Head to the Sequoia National Forest where the surrounding Sierra Nevadas drop into the Kern River valley, and youll see: loads of mountain biking and paddleboarding await. The Best Bike Trails in California LEVEL Intermediate. And neither is ever too hot. This challenging loop trail is a popular choice for adrenaline junkies. Mountain bikes use lettered sizes, ranging from XS to XL. $295.99 reg $369.99. During your gradual yet steady climb to the summit of Mount Tam, youll pass by a redwood-lined creek, dense forest, and scenic overlooks. Whether you are a beginning or advanced mountain biker, there is a trail for you in Northern California. The Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail is perfect for a workout-worthy ride, making it one of best bike trails in San Diego. Lets put it this way: theres even a Yelp page for the best trails in the area. Courtney, 24, now lives near Palo Alto, but the trails around the North Bay arestill some of her favorite places to train. Pat Donahue also contributed to this review. TBF MTB Clinic - Off Road Mountain Biking.