11 Best Mountain Biking Towns in California
by Aventura on March 26, 2023
California has many fantastic mountain biking destinations. Here are some of the best mountain biking towns in California:
1. Marin County
California’s 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.
2. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for mountain bikers with numerous trails, including the Flume Trail, which is known for its stunning views.
3. San Diego
Couple the hundreds of miles of trails and over 260 days of sunny-to-mostly-sunny days and you’ve got the markings of a premiere mountain biking destination.
4. Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a mountain town that offers world-class mountain biking trails, including the Kamikaze Downhill and the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park.
5. San Francisco
In the City on the Bay you won’t need to stray too far from the busy streets for adrenaline-inducing MTB. Believe it or not, in the heart lies a 61-acre oasis, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve.
6. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a coastal town that has numerous trails with various levels of difficulty, including the famous Soquel Demonstration State Forest.
Photo by David Baron
7. Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a popular destination for mountain biking, with trails ranging from easy to difficult. The Skyline Trail is a favorite among locals and visitors.
8. Downieville
Downieville is a small town located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is home to some of the most challenging mountain biking trails in California, including the Downieville Downhill and the Butcher Ranch Trail.
9. Auburn
Auburn is a popular mountain biking destination with over 100 miles of trails, including the famous Foresthill Divide Loop.
10. San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a coastal town that offers various trails for mountain biking, including the Irish Hills and the Poly Canyon Loop.
11. Kernville
Head to the Sequoia National Forest where the surrounding Sierra Nevadas drop into the Kern River valley, and you’ll see: loads of mountain biking and paddleboarding await.
These are just a few of the best mountain biking towns in California. There are many other great destinations in the state, so be sure to do some research and plan your next adventure.
