Outbound Collective logo
  • United States
  • California
  • Mountain Biking
  • 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

    • Santa Cruz, California

      Hike the Rincon Fire Trail

      5.0
      1 mi / 300 ft gain
      The Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...
      Read more
    • Laguna Beach, California

      West Ridge to Car Wreck Trail and Mathis Canyon Loop

      4.5
      3.31 mi / 856 ft gain
      There are numerous ways to incorporate the Car Wreck trail into a larger loop through the Laguna Coast Wilderness and Aliso Canyon Park, but a common route is to begin at Alta Laguna Park at "Top of the World" in Laguna Beach. Take the West Ridge Trail .5 miles, bearing right onto the marked Car...
      Read more
    • Glendale, California

      Brand Library Loop

      5.0
      6.56 mi / 2648 ft gain
      Your adventure will start at the Brand Library parking lot. Walk behind the library towards the gated day use area and you will find the start of the trail on your right, Las Flores MTWY. The first half-mile rises over 500 feet to a plateau, equipped with benches, a park map and views of Griffit...
      Read more
    • Loma Mar, California

      Bike Pescadero Creek County Park

      5.0
      12.5 mi / 1350 ft gain
      Pescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...
      Read more
    • Los Angeles, California

      Lake Hollywood Trail

      4.7
      3.35 mi / 249 ft gain
      The Lake Hollywood Trail features beautiful wildflowers in the spring and is wheelchair accessible. A majority of the trail is paved, but approximately .6 miles is on dirt. Some of the trail is shaded, but bring sun protection regardless - especially in the summer. Dogs are not allowed on this tr...
      Read more
    • La Verne, California

      Marshall Canyon Trail

      4.0
      5.99 mi / 722 ft gain
      For this adventure you can choose to start in a multiple of places; for the easiest parking use Oak Mesa Park located next to Oak Mesa Elementary School. From the parking lot cross the soccer field towards the bridge on the north east end of the school. Once across the bridge follow Los Robles ea...
      Read more
    • San Francisco, California

      McLaren Park: Philosopher's Way Loop

      5.0
      2.25 mi / 315 ft gain
      Beyond McLaren's family friendly playgrounds and picnic areas, there are miles of trail to explore. The Philosopher's trail is a well-marked loop (notice the stone markings along the trail with arrows etched into them). There are several parking lots available where you can jump onto the loop. No...
      Read more
    • San Diego, California

      Balboa Park Loop

      4.6
      4.34 mi / 226 ft gain
      The Balboa Park Trail offers the chance to see wildlife and is open year-round. The trail is shared by runners, families, hikers, and bikers. Dogs are able to use the trail but must be kept on leash. There is a dog park you will pass by. 
      Read more
    • Bishop, California

      Photography in the ButterMilks

      5.0
      The Eastern Sierras have some of the most spectacular views in the world. This area in particular is known for its rock climbing. It also has amazing opportunities for photographers.The nights during a new moon are incredibly dark and create great astro photography shots. During the day, the l...
      Read more
    • Sonoma, California

      Sonoma Valley Wine Tour Bike Ride

      This 12 mile bike path starts at a rental shop in Sonoma Country called Sonoma Valley Bike Tours and Rentals. Follow the trail through the quaint residential area and into the back country vineyards and dirt trails. This ride can be anything between a hardcore 2 hour cycling workout with a few in...
      Read more
    • Gaviota, California

      Gaviota Wind Caves

      5.0
      2.37 mi / 577 ft gain
      Caves and epic views...need I say more?! That's what you'll encounter on this short 2.5 mile out and back hike to the Gaviota Wind Caves in the San Ynez Mountains, West of Santa Barbara. The Gaviota Wind Caves are a sandstone formation located 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean. One good thing about t...
      Read more
    • Berkeley, California

      Seaview and Big Springs Loop

      4.5
      4.28 mi / 1007 ft gain
      The trail is dog and horse friendly, and many trail loops make Tilden Regional Park fun for families and those of any skill level. The Seaview and Big Springs Trail loop is typically used by avid hikers, trail runners, or mountain bikers. The first half of the trail is exposed to the sun and rock...
      Read more
    • Laguna Beach, California

      B.F.I. Trail in Crystal Cove State Park

      5.0
      0.78 mi / 125 ft gain
      To get to the trailhead, enter Crystal Cove State Park through the Crystal Cove El Moro Campground entrance immediately next to El Moro Elementary School. Follow the road behind the school which leads to the main gate where you will need to pay a day-use parking fee of $15. Drive past the Campgr...
      Read more
    • Walnut Creek, California

      Run the Mt. Diablo Foothill Loop

      5.0
      6.2 mi / 875 ft gain
      Continue by car down Castle Rock Road until it dead ends at the beginning of the trail. Parking is usually easy to find. If full, there is another overflow lot about 500 ft back the way you came in.You'll walk a good half mile down the trail before getting the main gate. As you're walking, you'll...
      Read more
    • Ventura County, California

      Sycamore Canyon Falls

      3.3 mi / 545 ft gain
      ...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like...
      Read more
    • San Diego, California

      Hike the Rose Canyon Trail

      3.5
      8.9 mi / 725 ft gain
      This hike is open year-round but is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the spring is running. This trail offers good entry level mountain biking, with mostly flat well maintained trails and a couple of challenging but doable hills. 
      Read more