Whether you’re looking for a new form of exercise, are a thrill seeker, or just want to find a new hobby, mountain biking might be right for you! If you’re an experienced mountain biker, then you likely have an idea of what you’re looking for already. Breathtaking mountain bike trails, unique terrain, and a fun new atmosphere.
All around the globe, mountain bike parks and trails are present, you don’t always have to travel to find trails! But it can be a great excuse to do some traveling, nationally and internationally, to enjoy new trails and take in new views on your mountain bike. California is a beautiful state to explore new terrain, for beginners and adrenaline seeking experts alike! Before you head out, make sure you have all the gear you need to be prepared for the trails, like tools, bike clothing, and protection.
A variety of California mountain bike trails are perfect for a wide range of skill levels. You can be a beginner and still get to enjoy the outdoor offerings of California. If you’re on the intermediate or expert level, then surely, you’ll find enough terrain to challenge you and push you to your limits! It’s not just beaches and Hollywood stars in California, trust us.
5 Best California Mountain Bike Trails:
1. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve – San Diego
Difficulty: medium
Length: 10 miles
Route Type: network
Surface: singletrack
Elevation: +1,007/1 ft
Our first mountain biking destination is considered one of the largest urban parks in the United States, and it rests between Rancho Peñasquitos and Sorrento Hills. Los Peñasquitos Canyon is the perfect choice for riders seeking a variety of trail offerings and activities all in one venue. It offers 4,000 acres of the Peñasquitos and Lopez canyons and is home to many different geologic formations, as well as soil types. This makes it perfect for intermediate riders seeking to up their game a little bit!
Also, it’s best to be sure to bring your bike bags and bring your camera, extra water, snacks, and otherwise. The California preserve is also known to be home to birds, mammals, and reptiles, some of which are considered endangered or rare species.
2. Flow Trail – Day Valley
Difficulty: medium-hard
Length: 3.5 miles
Route Type: one-way
Surface: singletrack
Elevation: 2,028 ft
Coming in at the number two spot of mountain bike trails in California is an offering in Day Valley! Flow Trail is a spot perfect for riders seeking intermediate to difficult trails. It boasts a 3.5-mile singletrack, with 2,028 ft of high elevation.
Flow Trail is popular for its climbs which can be a bit challenging for biking beginners! Get those water bottles ready though! There are plenty of added or built-in features to adventure on as well. Those looking for a great cardio workout have definitely got to try this one. If you’re looking to improve or work on your handling skills, without going too far, then Flow Trail is the spot in California for you!
3. Mt. Wilson Trail – Pasadena
Difficulty: medium
Length: 14.5 miles
Route Type: one-way
Surface: singletrack
Elevation: 5,712 ft
Making it to the number three spot of our roundup of California mountain bike trails is a 14.5-mile offering from Pasadena! Mt. Wilson Trail is famous for its downhill terrain, catching the attention of riders seeking intermediate to difficult trails!
If you’re looking for beautiful, classic California views as you enjoy your mountain biking workout, then this is the spot for you. Also, for aficionados seeking to grind it out and improve on a certain aspect of their riding, then it’s best to make the most of the terrain’s 5,712 ft in elevation! Ready your bike pumps, though, as the trail can get a bit rough! If you’re looking to push your skill and take it to the test, try this wonderful yet challenging terrain!
4. Westridge Singletrack Loop – Sullivan Canyon
Difficulty: easy-medium
Length: 11.5 miles
Route Type: loop
Surface: singletrack + other
Elevation: +955/958 ft
As we near the end of our mountain bike trail list, we get into much more beginner and intermediate-friendly trails. The Westridge Singletrack Loop in Sullivan Canyon is home to wide open, picture-worthy scenes!
It has 11.5 miles of grounds you can enjoy, with 50% of it being singletrack. The shaded California canyon is what really made it stand out amongst riders of a variety of skill levels.
5. John Nicholas Trail – Monte Sereno
Difficulty: medium
Length: 5 miles
Route Type: out & back
Surface: doubletrack
Elevation: 2,913 ft
Completing our roundup of mountain biking trails in California is the John Nicholas Trail near Monte Sereno! With a variety of great views and a selection of trails for intermediate riders, this spot boasts 5 miles in doubletrack, with a 2,913 ft high terrain!
The ascent is doable for riders of almost all skill levels and can be a perfect choice for riders looking to improve their overall handling and endurance. Riders can find water bars in the middle of the descent, adding a bit of spice to your downhill experience! Best to plan for crowds or choose a weekday, as this spot can get rather crowded.
We all have our personal preferences when it comes to mountain biking, but we can all agree – nothing is better than a good view as we pedal along! We hope you get to visit some of the California favorites mentioned in this roundup, and we hope you get to enjoy it just as much as others have. Just remember, be safe, have fun, and make the most out of every trip!
