Last Updated on 7 January 2026 by Cycloscope
There are hundreds of great trails to ride in this region. Here are the 9 best mountain biking trails in Northern California
Northern California has thousands of miles of awesome mountain biking trails. This isn’t a secret since many areas of Northern California are world-renowned for mountain biking. Whether you are a beginning or advanced mountain biker, there is a trail for you in Northern California.
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You can find numerous trails to ride many times during the year, whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter. What makes mountain biking in Northern California so unique is its diversity of trails within 10 miles of each other.
Although there are hundreds of great trails to ride in this region, I’ve narrowed it down to the 9 best mountain biking trails in Northern California:
Best Mountain Bike Trails in Northern California
1. Tahoe East Shore Trail
Location: Lake Tahoe
Tahoe East Shore Trail is a great place for bikers because it offers scenic views and a fun adventure.
It is known as “America’s most beautiful bikeway” for its stunning eastern views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. The trail is 6 miles, out and back, and you can also explore the beaches along the way. It’s also one of the best things to do in the summer in Lake Tahoe.
You can bike on this trail for hours, and it never gets boring. The views are pretty spectacular as well, especially if you time it right and go during sunset or sunrise.
The trail is wide and flat, with a 144-foot elevation change, making it ideal for beginners who want to try mountain biking with minimal risk.
The Tahoe East Shore Trail GPX map is available on Komoot.
2. Kortum Trail
Location: Bodega Bay
The Kortum Trail is located inside Sonoma Coast State Park, and it’s one of the best trails to hike and bike in Sonoma County. The trail is 8.9 miles out-and-back, with an elevation gain of 931 feet.
The trail takes you on the Sonoma coastline with beaches to stop at along the way. The best part about this trail is that you can start and end at multiple points, so you don’t have to bike the entire way if you don’t want to.
There are also many things to see on the way. Climb up the Sunset Boulders, check out the prehistoric Mammoth Rock, or hike up the Peaked Hill for panoramic views.
3. Flume Trail
Location: Lake Tahoe
The Flume Trail is a great trail for hiking or biking with your family or friends and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Tahoe. The trail is 12.8 miles long with an elevation gain of 1,420 feet from point to point.
Shuttle buses return you to your starting point, or you can ride back for a total of 25.6 miles.
This moderate route features some steep climbs and is ideal for intermediate riders. The trail also makes for a great weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a thrilling ride or to explore Lake Tahoe more deeply on your mountain bike journey. You can bike further on the Tahoe Rim Trail to South Lake Tahoe for a longer ride.
4. The Pacific Coast Highway
Location: Leggett to Dana Point, one way
The Pacific Coast Highway is a scenic route along the California coast and an excellent way to see some of the state’s most beautiful scenery. The road has been called one of America’s Top 10 Scenic Drives by USA Today and is often referred to as “The Best Driving Road in America.”
With more than 100 miles of coastline, there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way. While many people drive this route, it’s just as much fun to bike along with the cars.
This highway is 655.8 miles long and can take up to a week, depending on your biking stamina. It’s a great workout! This trail is not for beginners or casual riders.
It’s for experienced mountain bikers who want an intense workout and great scenery. The highway offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur coast. The road hugs the cliffs of the California coastline, offering spectacular views of the rugged coastline and ocean.
You’ll see some beautiful beaches along this trail, as well as gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails that lead to amazing views. You can also see whales, seals, and other sea life from this trail if you’re lucky enough to catch them at the right time.
5. Avenue of the Giants
Location: Weott
Avenue of the Giants is a must-try because it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. The trail winds through towering redwoods, which can be up to 4,000 years old, and passes through Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
Bikers will bike through redwood souvenir shops, treehouses, restaurants, and more. The trail is relatively flat and free of traffic congestion, as it runs parallel to the highway, making it ideal for a quiet bike ride.
It’s 32 miles long, so you can turn this into an overnight trip and camp out at one of the nearby sites. Reserve a spot at the Hidden Springs, Burlington, or Albee Creek campgrounds.
6. Tioga Pass Road
Location: Yosemite National Park
Looking for a weekend biking trip? Take a challenging 64-mile-long ride through Tioga Pass Road. This is one of the highest roads in the Sierra Nevada and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
You’ll pass through beautiful pine forests, high mountain meadows, and rugged granite cliffs. It’s a great way to see wildlife. You may see deer or bears grazing along the roadside. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a mountain lion or two!
Biking here can be an all-day adventure or a short ride, depending on how far you want to go. For example, if you just want to ride for 30 minutes or an hour, there are plenty of places to stop along the way where you can enjoy lunch or just get off your bike for a bit while taking in some great views at Olstead Point and Tenaya Lake.
If you’re wondering what the best time is to visit Yosemite National Park for a bike trip, that would definitely be in spring or autumn.
7. San Francisco to Sausalito via the Golden Gate Bridge
Location: San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, and biking across it offers a unique perspective on this remarkable structure. It’s also a great way to see the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay firsthand!
The trail is flat and easy to ride, making it ideal for beginners or families planning a day trip from San Francisco. You can start at Fort Mason in the Marina District and head north over the Golden Gate Bridge.
After crossing over into Sausalito, you’ll go down Bridgeway Street, which is a fun, curvy road with plenty of places to stop for food or drinks along the way.
8. Mission Peak Panorama and YSC Loop
Location: Fremont
Mission Peak is one of the best bike rides in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you’re looking for an easy ride, this isn’t it! The climb up Mission Peak is steep and challenging. But after reaching the summit, the reward is worth it — there’s a 360-degree view that takes in many other peaks as well as San Francisco Bay and beyond!
The trail is 5.1 miles and the terrain varies from rolling hills to steep climbs, with spectacular views of the Bay Area. You’ll ride through singletracks and fire roads until you’re near the summit.
You can’t bike to the summit, but you can chain your bike and hike to the peak. If you plan to bike at Mission Peak Regional Wilderness, make sure you bring plenty of water because it can be hot during the summer months or when there’s not much rain. But even on sunny days, the peak can be windy, so bring layers.
9. Valley Loop Trail
Location: Yosemite National Park
Look up at Yosemite’s granite mountains as you bike through the Valley Loop Trail. It’s a moderate trail that loops around 13 miles. There is minimal elevation gain. Stop at Yosemite Falls, the Swinging Bridge, and Sentinel Bridge for views.
You can share the roads with vehicles, and while you’re biking on the bike paths, the speed limit is 15 mph. You can either bring your bike, rent one, or even borrow one for free for 2 hours through the park’s bike share program.
Conclusion: Best Mountain Bike Trails in Northern California
California is home to some of the best mountain bike trails in the United States. The state has excellent weather, jaw-dropping scenery, and challenging terrain. Plus, Northern California is a prime location for mountain biking.
From Marin headlands to Lake Tahoe, you can find trails that range from paved bike paths to rocky creek beds. Through this guide, we hope you’ve discovered some of the best mountain bike trails in Northern California. Head to these locations for a superb biking adventure!
Author Bio: Rasika is the owner of the travel blog Bae Area and Beyond. She is from the Bay Area, and her blog covers California destinations. She hopes that her readers will fall in love with California, just like she did.
When is the best time to ride mountain bike trails in Northern California?
Spring through fall is typically ideal for most Northern California mountain bike trails, as winter snow and rain can make higher-elevation routes muddy or inaccessible. Lower elevation areas like coastal or Bay Area trails can be rideable year-round depending on local conditions.
Are there trails suitable for beginners in Northern California?
Yes! Many locations like the Tahoe East Shore Trail or flat Bay Area routes across the Golden Gate Bridge are perfect for beginners and family rides. Additionally, there are easy cross-country trails and fire roads in areas like Quincy’s South Park Trail System.
What are some advanced mountain biking options in Northern California?
For experienced riders, trails like the Flume Trail at Lake Tahoe offer a mix of technical sections and challenging elevation gains. Other epic options include remote or high-elevation singletrack around Plumas County and longer downhill runs like the legendary Downieville Downhill (outside the Cycloscope list but notable in NorCal MTB culture).
Do I need a mountain bike or is a gravel bike okay?
A dedicated mountain bike is best for technical singletrack and steep trail sections, while sturdy gravel bikes are well-suited to smoother fire roads or coastal rail trails. Always check the trail surface and difficulty before heading out.
Do I need permits or passes for mountain biking in NorCal parks?
Some parks and forest areas require entrance fees, parking passes, or permits, depending on the managing agency. Always check local rules before riding to ensure compliance and protect the trails.
What makes mountain biking in Northern California special?
Northern California offers incredibly varied terrain—from scenic lakeshore singletrack and coastal forest trails to expansive fire roads and rugged mountain climbs. Riders of all levels can find trails close together within the region, making it a standout destination for both short rides and multi-day adventures.