Find the top rated mountain biking trails in California, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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We live in Ventura and ride this trail at least once a month. It is always fun and a great ride. Even in the heat of the summer if you start early in the morning you can ride up to Ojai have breakfast in one of the many great places to eat then be going back down the trail in the shade with the coastal breeze in your face and dropping almost 20 degrees by the time you get back to Ventura.
I walk from OB east to where the trail meets Int 5, and back at least twice (total appx. 5 miles round trip) starting at 4:00 a.m. Takes me about 2 1/2 hours. The trail is pretty much deserted at this early hour, for me at age 66 its a great start to the day. I love this wonderful trail!
My wife and I are in our mid fifties. We started from the Mason Station outside of Westwood. The first 5-7 miles were difficult on our hybrids. I definitely would recommend having a mountain bike. The path surface was deep gravel-type rock that our bikes kept sinking into. Picture jogging on a loose sand beach--it felt like that.
Then we hit the more worn path with the 4% downgrade. The final 20 miles was like a beautiful sled run. We hardly had to peddle. The surface changed many times as did the scenery and the terrain. There were many road obstacles to steer around like trees down and huge ruts, but the majority of the path was smooth sailing.
I would definitely do this again, but probably start farther up the trail and avoid the first few miles. Another noteworthy observation is that the city bus that takes you back to Westwood only runs three times a day and can carry only three bikes at a time. We took the 12:10 bus and there were five bikes wanting to get on. Some people had to leave one person behind with the bikes and go get the vehicles in Westwood.
Overall it was a very beautiful and positive experience and we would definitely do this again.
On this trail, there are many elevation gains and decreases. Going down is fun, but going up can be tiring. There is also a lack of shade on this trail. For those reasons, this isn't a very family friendly trail. However, you never have to stop, making it a great trail if you want to break a sweat and get some good exercise in.
Nice flat ride with lots of wildlife despite it being through town.
I did the 11 mile round trip from the Southern Sawyer Camp trailhead to the San Andreas Lake dam and back with my nine year old daughter on a Saturday morning in June 2017. It was her third bike ride of this length and was a big hit. Parking can be tight and the first two or three (freshly paved)miles are crowded with pedestrians, but otherwise perfect for an extended and interesting trip with a child. Unlike a lot of flat paths around the Bay Area, this one has lots of interesting curves and varied scenery. The last stretch to the dam is uphill and a but of a challenge for small ones, but also brings a sense of accomplishment. Highly recommended.
Had a nice relaxing ride along the trail in May. Weather was sunny but pleasant. The trail description is accurate: the trail follows Dry Creek, which had water after the Winter's heavy rains. The trail passes through several parks, as well as oak trees and grassland. We saw several people walking and biking on the trail, but it was not nearly as crowded as the Crystal Springs Trail. Recommended for Spring and Fall and possibly Winter, if it's not raining. Can be very hot in the Summer.
I rode from Old Town to the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and back to car in Old town.
Pros: The trail is a beautiful paved trail that meanders along the American river from Sacramento to Lake Folsom. Just a slight grade up as you ride east.
Cons: Many homeless encampments along first four miles of trail near Sacramento. I have heard of crime occurring upon cyclists riding through this area.
Cycle time; 3:45 Hours
Distance 49 miles.
+ Good parking. You'll probably have to park along the road because the Inspiration point parking lot is small.
+ Not very crowded. This trail is kind of out of the way so not too many people visit.
+ Great pavement. Perfectly smooth for strollers.
+ Not too hilly. It has some up and downs which is nice for the variety but none of them are strenuous.
I went at 10am in the morning and the fog was still heavy. Could not see any of the views. On the return stint the fog had lifted.
Around mile 1.5 you walk through a small forest of Eucalyptus tree which is really great.
I only walked half way and then turned around and came back. I am looking forward to going back and doing the full trail sometime.
Six Mike round trip on North shore of the creek was a perfect experience with my 9 year old daughter. Flat, no traffic, lots of birds, and a picnic table at the end of the road.
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