The Best Mountain Biking in California

Looking for the best mountain biking in California? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around California. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top mountain biking spots in and near California

Colfax, California

Hike The Historical Stevens Trail

5.0

8 mi / 3376 ft gain

Best known as one of the most popular hiking and biking trails to the North Fork American River, in part because of the easy access from Colfax. However, this is a remote trail, and hikers are advised to bring plenty of fluids as well as carry a whistle. The entire trail is primarily shaded, pa...
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Topanga, California

Eagle Rock in Topanga State Park

4.4

5.99 mi / 1106 ft gain

Eagle Rock is located in Topanga State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains, and it is a unique formation that provides an amazing panoramic view of Santa Monica. On a clear day, the Catalina Islands and Palos Verdes Peninsula are visible. You can park on along the street of Entrada Rd. or pay $10 ...
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Laguna Niguel, California

Dripping Cave in the Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness

4.4

7.68 mi / 889 ft gain

Dripping Cave sits tucked away in a corner of Wood Canyon, part of the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, and the trail to the cave, while short, requires *at least* a 2.25 mile hike in from the nearest trailhead (West Ridge Trail to Mathis Canyon), though this is less than ideal as that rou...
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Arcadia, California

Mt. Wilson Loop from Chantry Flat

4.5

12.74 mi / 4852 ft gain

Mt. Wilson is one of the more difficult mountains in the San Gabriel to hike, making this adventure Intermediate. While 5,700 feet doesn't seem that tall, the mountain has a prominence of almost 5,300 feet, meaning that hike is steeper and longer than some of the other popular mountains that star...
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Auburn, California

Hike to the North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine

5.0

4 mi

Located only roughly 40 minutes from Sacramento. This trail will allow you to view and walk under the 5th largest bridge in the US as well as enjoy the waterfall spectacle of a top releasing Dam. Once reaching Old Foresthill Road from the town of Auburn, drive over the smaller bridge spanning the...
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Redwood City, California

Hike or Bike the Old Growth Redwood Loop at El Corte de Madera

4.4

8.8 mi / 1900 ft gain

This hike starts at the middle parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The middle lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this ...
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Los Olivos, California

Backpack Zaca Ridge

5.0

8 mi / 2200 ft gain

From Santa Ynez, CA take Armour Rd until it hits Happy Canyon Rd, and make a left. Follow this scenic drive through vineyards and oak shaded pastures into the Angeles National Forest. A half-mile section of asphalt is rough from winter storms, so drive slow. The road becomes Sunset Valley Rd and ...
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Claremont, California

Hike the Claremont Wilderness Trail

4.8

Drive to the top of Mills Ave in Claremont. There is a main parking area to the left and overflow parking a block south on the right. It costs $3 to park for 4hrs.As the name implies, the Wilderness Loop is a loop that connects to other trails in the Claremont Hills Wilderness. You can choose to ...
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Escondido, California

Hike Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

5.0

7.36 mi / 1150 ft gain

Bernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park.The 7.36 mile out-and-back trail to the 1150 ft. summit starts on the east side of I-15. It's a relatively easy hike all the way to the top. It picks up a little once you make it to the Summit Trail junction, wher...
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San Diego, California

Hike to the Rope Swing in Tecolote Canyon

4.0

4.4 mi

Tecolote Canyon offers a great opportunity to explore nature right in the heart of San Diego, whether it is a hike, run, or bike ride on the trails. But the best kept secret is perhaps a rope swing over the creek! The main trail starts off at Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center, wh...
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Morro Bay, California

Quarry and Park Ridge Trail Loop

4.0

3.04 mi / 961 ft gain

Park Ridge is a double peaked ridge, elevated at 911ft, which stands next to Cerro Cabrillo, one of the Nine Sisters. The stunning 360* degree views at the top of Morro bay, Los Osos and San Luis Obispo, make this hike worth exploring. There are two ways to access the top. Park Ridge Trail takes...
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Half Moon Bay, California

Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

4.0

This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with...
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Auburn, California

Hike the Seven Pools Loop & Vista

5.0

4.5 mi / 450 ft gain

Hidden Falls Regional Park is tucked way in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about an hour from Sacramento and a 20 minute drive off Interstate 80 and nearby the town of Auburn. Most visitors simply make a be-line for Hidden Falls and miss one of the more breathtaking trail loops that the park...
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Laguna Beach, California

Water Tank Trail

4.3

3.05 mi / 502 ft gain

There a numerous trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness that proceed up and along the ridges and down into the canyons (or the reverse), and most are excellent for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins in Irvine Bowl Park at the en...
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Felton, California

Redwood Grove Loop

4.0

0.93 mi / 144 ft gain

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located just a few miles north of the city of Santa Cruz, along Highway 9. The park is home to an array of hiking and biking trails, but the crown jewel of the park is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is only a 1/4 mile in from the park's entrance. Many peo...
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Santa Rosa, California

Hiking, Swimming, and Fishing in Wine Country

5.0

Annadel State Park is located in the historic Valley of the Moon, just 60 miles north of San Francisco, in Sonoma. This popular 5,200 acre park features a wonderful variety of options to explore, boasting views of the Sonoma Valley, rolling meadows of wildflowers, and direct access to 26 acre Lak...
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