Explore the best rated trails in Buck Meadows, CA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bear Creek Bikeway and Tuolumne River Trail . With more than 9 trails covering 45 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Update: This trail now extends all the way to the intersection of Yosemite Blvd and Lake Rd. The importance of this is that it directly connects with the Lake Road dedicated bike path that takes you all the way to UC Merced and Lake Yosemite on a paved (asphalt) and safe route.
The Rascal Creek (most locals have dropped the "Black" in the title) Bike Path is most definitely worth a ride. A good starting point is Rahilly Park. Heading west(ish), the trail winds along a riparian route, much of which is a well preserved greenbelt. Street crossings (two) are low traffic, while underpasses bypass all the busy intersections (G, M, and R Sts). There are playgrounds (e.g. after R St.) and a disc golf course along the way. The path is well maintained, foot traffic is generally light, and the environment is family safe. Some caution when descending into the underpasses is warranted, especially under G St., as it can occasionally be partially obstructed by loitering humans and/or trash.
Heading the opposite direction from Rahilly Park, the path is bounded by some very pleasant gardening. When you reach McKee turn left, cross at the crosswalk just beyond the very visible fire station, and you'll be back on a bike path that now leads to the Yosemite Blvd/Lake Rd intersection. Though this is the end of the Rascal Creek path, if you do cross the intersection, you'll be able to take a pleasant ride with a mild grade on a paved bike path out to UC Merced, and a bit further on, to Lake Yosemite (great place for a picnic, which also has bathrooms). This would add approx. five miles (round trip) to your ride. Goat heads abound on the bike path at Lake Yosemite, and I recommend using the roadway in the park instead. Enjoy!
Great ride for young children on their own. Keep an eye out for homeless, garbage, and the smell. Beyond that, it's a great ride. Though needs a little greenery.
This is an easy scenic trail for the whole family. There are markers along the way giving some history as well as remaining iron on the ground. Campground on the east end of trail if you want to camp out
Nice trail thru town...perfect for all ages...
Yes as described previously, after 5 miles the road is reduced to-a single track, or foot trail. The River is irresistible in its beauty, worth the trip. The old Railroad bed has experienced many Rock slides over the lay 70 years with no Matinence preformed. You will walk your bike plenty. It’s a great hiking trail.
Took the bikes out for the first time with the wife on her first ride and we decided to ride just around the house and slowly worked her towards the trail and she loved it and did the entire ride and worked our way back home nearly 10 miles on her first ride!! Beautiful riding with great sites.
Had a nice walk with our family and dog on trail. The river and flora were beyond what we expected and a great way to spend 3 hours. I must say that the homeless population in the park was a little concerning but mostly kept to themselves.
Experience walking/biking under the canopy of thousands of oak trees on a flat, winding asphalt trail for all ages. I have always passed friendly folks and random bicycle police. (Thank you)
This trail was highlighted as a terrific way to view some spring mountain flowers while riding along the Merced River. In April 2019 my wife and I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately we got a late start so ended up riding mid-afternoon, a little too hot for the flowers although we did see a few patches.
We started at the Briceburg trailhead. The view along the river was spectacular even though the gravel road was quite a wash board so had to keep our speed down. There were several camp grounds along the river within the first five miles. Unfortunately there is a locked gate at five miles that has a bypass for walkers, but because of the way it was built, there was no way to get our bikes through so our 13 mile trip was cut short. We talked to a local who happened to be there who said the gate had been there for many years. So short of lifting our bikes over the gate, we decided someone just didn’t want us riding on so we turned around.
The day was not a complete loss, however, because you are about an hour from the Yosemite Valley. We headed on over, had lunch and rode through the valley. The water falls were spectacular from all the snow fall this year.
We found the parking area at the Frasier Flat end of the trail fairly easily. Was hard to find parking due to the number of cars. We later ran into the volunteer trail maintenance crew to whom all the cars belonged! It's good to know that these trail are maintained. This one is an easy uphill walk. You start at river level and slowly climb above it, later it catches back up to you. Was a beautiful walk in perfect weather.
We started at the Tuolumne city end of the trail and really enjoyed the walk. The bush lupine was in full bloom and smelled wonderful! Nice easy walk down the trail toward the river. A nice easy workout on the way back up the hill. Perfect for beginners. The only downside was that they were doing road repair below the trail and the smell of diesel fumes and truck noise kind of detracted from the experience. But after a mile we couldn't hear the trucks anymore.
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