Mountain Biking In California: The best places to mountain bike
Mountain biking in Califonia is said to be among the best in the world; it was invented there, after all. So, where should you go mountain biking in California?
The Golden State has an incredible amount of mountain bike trails. You can expect astonishing mountain and coastal views, technical terrain, and iconic rides. In this article, I will highlight the best destinations for mountain biking in California.
1. Fairfax
Fairfax is the birthplace of mountain biking and home to some of the most famous MTB trails. The sport’s popularity is largely down to the Marin County Crew, who cobbled together the first mountain bikes in the 1970s.
A trip to Fairfax rewards mountain bikers with challenging trails and scenic fire roads overlooking the town. The trails are not as gnarly as they used to be, but the downhills will still put cocky riders back in their place if they overcook it.
Where To Ride
Redpack Road
Fairfax is easy to get to, just North of San Fransico, over the Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito. The drive to Fairfax opens up the possibility of riding some historic trails, such as Repack Road. This is far removed from the traditional fire road due to gnarly steeps and chunky rocks.
The doubletrack road takes you on a windy ride from Fairfax, ending with a 1300 ft descent. You can expect tight switchbacks, steep drops, and stunning views
Camp Tamarancho
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, head to Camp Tamarancho. Here, you’ll find a network of trails, but the most popular attraction for mountain bikers is the Tamarancho Loop.
The Tamarancho Loop is a 9-mile circuit starting at Iron Springs Road. Expect to be out for about 3 hours and about 1,700 ft of climbing. However, you’ll be rewarded with thrilling terrain and forests packed with redwood trees.
Top Tips
- There are trails to suit all ability levels from Fairfax. Check out Komoot to find some suitable trails for your ability and mood.
- You can ride here all year round, but Spring to Autumn is considered the high season.
- It’s worth visiting the Marin Museum Of Bicycling while you’re there.
2. San Diego
San Diego has something for every outdoor enthusiast, especially for mountain bikers. It is home to over 200 canyons and hills, providing some of the best mountain biking in California. But after you’re shredding the trails, why not head to the beach for the afternoon to catch some waves?
San Diego is a big mountain bike destination, thanks to its excellent weather record and terrain. A good indication of this is that The San Diego Mountain Biking Association has over 1,000 members who look after the land.
Where To Ride
Noble Canyon
You can’t visit San Diego without riding Noble Canyon. The 10-mile ride takes you through forests and meadows before finishing in the Anza-Borrego desert.
This ride is considered by many to be the best MTB descent in Southern California. Expect narrow singletrack, lots of switchbacks, and rocky sections. The most technical sections include areas known as Stairway to Hell and Roman Road that will make you happy you wore your MTB protection.
Cowels Mountain
Cowels Mountain is easy to get to, as it is right in the city. However, it isn’t an easy loop to ride. Thanks to its steep climb, this 5.4-mile circuit will get your heart pumping (ebikers will love it). But the descent is lots of fun but technical, so bring your a-game for negotiating switchbacks, rock gardens, and railroad ties.
Top Tips
- Plenty of trails for all levels
- You can ride here all year
- Expect a mix of groomed trails, canyons, and hills
- Plenty of other things to do if you fancy a day off the bike
- Check out MTBProject for details on more San Diago trails
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is known for world-class skiing, snowboarding, and stunning views. But once the snow has melted, you can enjoy some of the best mountain biking in California.
The mountains surround the lake, providing many trails with jaw-dropping views. But the downhill areas are what mountain bikers head to Lake Tahoe for.
Neighboring ski resort Northstar keeps its ski lifts turning during summer to provide easy access to its downhill trails. The area is home to diverse terrain, so you can expect flowy trails, ones that cut through forests, and techy ones that test your skills and bravery.
Where To Ride
Flume Loop
One of the unique things about Lake Tahoe is that it sits on the California-Nevada state line. This means you can ride the classic Flume Loop on the Nevada side. This 22-mile loop lets you take in some of the lake’s best views. It also connects with the Tahoe Rim Trail, providing another 80 miles of rideable terrain.
However, you need to be capable of 1000 feet of climbing and cope with exposure and narrow sections of trail. But there is a shuttle service if you find the whole loop too much.
Tahoe Rim Trail
You can actually ride around the whole lake on the Tahoe Rim Trail. This route is 168 miles long and has varied terrain. Some of it is closed to bikes, so you’ll have to push your bike occasionally.
Most of the mountain bike trails around the lake are pretty mellow. So, it’s a great way to experience the lake’s stunning views. This ride is a good day out, so bring a packed lunch and your camera.
Top Tips
- See Laketahoe.com for more information on mountain bike trails
- There is enough terrain for good beginner riders to pros.
- A great place for varied terrain from lakeside pedals to woodland dashes
- Look for sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail for an excellent intro to the area.
- Lots of other outdoor activities to do, such as climbing and Via Ferrata.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is in the middle of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. It offers some of the best mountain biking in California and is considered Southern California’s biking capital.
Big Bear Lake is excellent for mountain biking as its temperate climate provides a long season. Its ski resort and the National Forest Service do a great job of looking after the trails while providing excellent amenities.
Where To Ride
Skyline Trail
The Skyline trail consists of 15.2 miles of singletrack. Many consider it one of the best trails for mountain biking in California. This trail is on the lake’s south side, where you’ll find many other favorites. The fantastic route takes you around the mountains at the back of Snow Summit resort, providing memorable views.
This is a point-to-point ride that you can ride in either direction. When you ride from east to west, you start at 7,351 feet and immediately start climbing to Snow Summit. From the top, you will enjoy fantastic undulating terrain lasting over 10 miles before joining a selection of flowy descents taking you to Metcalf Creek.
Hanna Flats Loop
Hanna Flats Loop is a favorite ride that blends fire roads and singletrack. The result is a surprisingly flowy route that winds down the mountain. You may want to add Gray’s Peak into your loop, a 2.2-mile extension with lake and valley views.
Cougar Crest Trail
The Cougar Crest Trail is not one for beginner riders. This 7-mile-long technically advanced trail is littered with rocks, roots, ruts, and switchbacks. It would be best to keep your eyes peeled for snakes, lizards, bobcats, and hikers.
Top Tips
- Check out Big Bear Lake’s website for more mountain biking info.
- You’ll find terrain to suit all skill levels.
- The season starts in spring and runs until the late autumn.
- Head to Hanna Flats Loop for a good intro to the terrain
- Expect lots of technical and long uphill pedals.
San Francisco
Luckily, mountain bikers in San Francisco don’t have to make too much effort to reach some epic mountain bike trails. You can find some of the best mountain biking in California in the Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve.
Don’t expect gnarly and techy trails, but the reserve is ideal for some easy pedaling after work or during a visit to the iconic city. However, you can head away from the city for something a little more exciting.
Where To Ride
Mount Diablo Summit Trail
Prepare for a tough climb and a dreamy descent on the 7-mile-long Summit Trail. This route has gorgeous views, but do your best to keep your eyes on the trail and only stop when you need to, as you’re in for a treat.
Factor in at least two hours to complete this mega trail starting at South Gate Road. From here, you get stuck into a steep climb that gets progressively harder. However, you’ll be rewarded with a long and fun descent
Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais is home to the 11.5-mile Coastal View Trail. You get to take in incredible views of the Pacific coast before arriving at Muir Beach and the Bay City.
Top Tips
- Check out Komoot for a few more San Francisco MTB loops.
- You can ride here all year round
- Expect a mix of terrain with challenging climbs and epic downhills
- Head to Mount Diablo for a good intro to the area.
- Don’t forget to go sightseeing.
Final Thoughts On Mountain Biking In California
This is just a tiny sample of mountain biking in California, but heading to any of these destinations will suit all levels of rider. Do you have some recommendations that should be on this list? If so, leave them in the comments section below.
