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  • 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

    • Laguna Beach, California

      Trail Run the Boat Road and Laguna Ridge

      4.3
      4 mi / 600 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 trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. A classic out-and-back (with many options for loops) begins at the end of Dartmoor Street ...
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    • Malibu, California

      Scenic Trail

      4.0
      1.53 mi / 322 ft gain
      The trailhead is located in the day use area of Point Mugu State Park.  Park in the day use area parking lot. There is a parking fee of $12/day or $3/hr.   From the parking lot, walk through the campground until you reach the old service road.  After passing through the gate, turn left at the si...
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    • Lake Elsinore, California

      Ride the San Juan Trail

      4.5
      11 mi / 3400 ft gain
      The San Juan Trail is located off the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) in Southern Orange County. It is done frequently as a long, 11 mile climb that is rewarded by an almost continuous descent of 3400ft. The out-and-back trail head is back Hot Spring Canyon Rd from the San Juan Fire Station. It can also ...
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    • Campo, California

      Photograph the Mexican Border on the PCT Southern Terminus

      4.5
      From San Diego head East on Hwy 8 for roughly 60 miles to Buckman Springs Road (Exit 51). Take a right on Buckman Springs road an drive South for 10 miles. Turn right on CA-94 W (Campo Rd) and drive for 1.5 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on Forrest Gate Road. Take this road f...
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    • Escondido, California

      Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

      5.0
      7.15 mi / 1060 ft gain
      Bernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park. The 7.15-mile out-and-back trail to the 1060 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, wh...
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    • Los Angeles, California

      Beacon Hill via Coolidge Trail

      5.0
      2.84 mi / 587 ft gain
      The starting point for your run is at the Griffith Park Southern Railroad. From the parking lot walk east crossing Crystal Springs Drive and find the Coolidge Hiking Trail. Begin running up Coolidge Trail toward Upper Beacon Trail making sure to stay straight at the first intersection (0.2 miles)...
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    • Mammoth Lakes, California

      Ride Mammoth's Bike Park

      4.5
      Mammoth Mountain Bike Park offers terrain for every ability level, boasting 3,500 acres and over 80 miles of single track. We offer the best beginner experience in the industry with the Discovery Zone, miles and miles of forested intermediate trail riding and are the leaders in building diverse a...
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    • Big Bear Lake, California

      Knickerbocker Road & Pine Knot Trail

      5.0
      6.1 mi / 1007 ft gain
      Park at the free parking lot behind the village off Knickerbocker Rd between Village Drive and Pedder Road. Ride up Knickerbocker Rd towards the mountain. Look out for the fire service road 2N08 that veers left and uphill. The first 2 miles are challenging steep uphill, but beautiful nonetheless....
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    • Bakersfield, California

      Hike the San Emigdio Trail in the Wind Wolves Preserve

      4.0
      5 mi / 200 ft gain
      This area is a family friendly hiking area for beginners. The farthest place to hike on the map is call Reflection Pond and is about a 7 mile hike out and back. The main trail called San Emigdio Trail runs right next to a stream the whole time. It is a really nice area for a day hike to find some...
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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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    • Claremont, California

      Claremont Wilderness Loop

      4.8
      5.03 mi / 1020 ft gain
      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 t...
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    • Auburn, California

      North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine

      4.9
      4.43 mi / 968 ft gain
      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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    • Calistoga, California

      Hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail

      5.0
      8.3 mi
      The incline on this trail begins pretty much right away and is fairly gradual for the entire hike, some of it is quite rocky, making this an easy to moderate level hike. However, with some shade (probably wouldn't attempt it on a hot summer day) and the sweeping views of the valley that get bette...
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    • Palo Alto, California

      Arastradero Preserve: Juan Batista & Meadowlark Loop

      3.0
      4.65 mi / 597 ft gain
      Getting There: From Hwy 280, take the Page Mill Road exit and head West on Page Mill Road, away from Downtown Palo Alto (if you're taking 101, exit on Oregon Expressway). Then turn right on Arastradero Road. There will be a small sign indicating the dirt parking lot on the eastern side of the st...
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    • Los Angeles, California

      Cahuenga Peak Loop Trail

      3.88 mi / 1237 ft gain
      The Cahuenga Peak Loop is perfect for trail runners and hikers. The trailhead is in Hollywood Hills - park off to the side on a street. This trail features beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Dogs are allowed on the trail if kept on leash. The trail can be dusty and dirty, so watch your step. Ke...
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    • Half Moon Bay, California

      Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

      4.5
      6.8 mi / 528 ft gain
      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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