Cyclists in California were among the first to tinker with their bikes and take them off-road in the 1960s-70s, so it’s no wonder the Golden State is replete with mountain-biking trails. From Lake Tahoe to San Diego, here are 11 of the best.
Camp Tamarancho
Camp Tamarancho is an expansive trail network located in Fairfax, often called the birthplace of mountain biking. Dubbed the “crown jewel of Marin County,” the network attracts intermediate and advanced riders with a bevy of routes, among them the famous Tamarancho loop. This nine-mile singletrack, which typically takes two to three hours to complete, ascends 1,700 feet and forces riders to contend with rock gardens and navigate around towering redwood trees.
Cannell Plunge
So named because of its dizzying 5,000-foot drop, Cannell Plunge is characteristic of the exciting downhills found in Kernville in the southern Sierra Nevada. Ideal for advanced riders, the single-track features curves, switchbacks, and rocky chutes. Riders rarely tackle Cannell Plunge only once. Why? Because after one thrilling descent here, they’re sure to return.
Cougar Crest Trail
Cougar Crest is a scenic 4.8-mile out-and-back trail in the cross-country destination of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Technically advanced, it incorporates a number of embedded rocks, making for a classic rock-garden experience that requires mountain bikers to stay aware. Another reason to pay attention: there are bobcats, snakes, and even hikers here, with many of the latter filling up the trail on weekends. Great views of the lake abound.
China Camp
Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced rider looking for a quick weekday ride, there are few places better in Marin County than China Camp. Stretching for approximately nine miles—though the distance can be extended by roughly three miles —this singletrack balances beginner-friendly terrain with a moderately challenging climb that will keep more experienced riders entertained. When you add in the fact that there are also pleasant views, it’s clear China Camp is a trail not to be missed.
Demo Forest
Dubbed a “modern marvel” thanks to the way it was sustainably built, the Soquel Demonstration State Forest (colloquially known as Demo Forest) brings riders of all ages to bike amid the redwoods of Santa Cruz County. While there is certainly more than one trail worth tackling here, if you have to choose one, the Flow Trail is the easy choice. Over the course of 3.5 miles, it delivers a sublime cross-country experience worthy of its name.
Downieville Downhill
Riders from around the world flock to this trail in the Sierra Nevada for its staggering 4,000-foot descent. Rated as advanced, the route presents technical challenges in addition to its steepness. Mountain bikers looking for additional technical challenges should explore the many other trails in the small town of Downieville. Despite the quality of the riding here, Downieville has yet to attain the popularity of other California mountain-biking destinations, meaning there aren’t as many crowds.
Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais in Marin County looms large, both in Bay Area topography and in mountain biking history. After all, it was here that a group of local riders began to popularize the sport in the ‘70s. Today, mountain bikers still come to Mount Tam for the experience of reaching the top of the iconic peak, the summit of which offers spectacular views of both the ocean and the bay (or, on foggy days, endless waves of gray). Just north of San Francisco, Mount Tam is the literal high point of a region that has a multitude of accessible urban trails.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
This 20-mile singletrack loop begins with a punishing 3,300 vertical-foot climb. It then earns its nickname with a wild second half that is all downhill. Along the way, there are major drops, rocks, boulders, and other technical challenges. Considered a difficult trail, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is located in Lake Tahoe.
Noble Canyon
Riders can take a tour of three distinct ecosystems on this San Diego ride. Considered perhaps the best downhill trail in Southern California, Noble Canyon begins among alpine meadows and oak trees before leading into traditional Southern California shrubland and, finally, the Anza-Borrego Desert. Among the obstacles presented on the narrow singletrack are rocks so jagged and obtrusive that riders should feel no shame dismounting and walking their bikes.
Repack Road
A pilgrimage of sorts for mountain bikers, Repack Road is where the first mountain-biking race was held in Marin County, in the shadow of Mount Tam. Today, riders can test their skills on the same doubletrack that the pioneers of the sport carved out from the terrain. The winding route begins on surface roads before making a 1,300-foot descent. On the way down, riders have to contend with blind turns, steep drops, and a set of switchbacks to end the iconic route. Time yourself to see how you stack up against the legends of the sport.
Tahoe Rim Trail
In total, the Tahoe Rim Trail traverses 170 miles around Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California and is open to hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Even though bikes are not allowed on certain segments, you can still ride most of the trail as it winds its way through alpine meadows, wooded forests, and up rocky peaks with stunning views. This singletrack trail is undulating and somewhat technical, but nothing that intermediate riders can’t handle. If you’re short on time, the Tahoe Rim Trail Association suggests some shorter routes on the trail that still pack a big punch.