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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

    • Aliso Viejo, California

      Top of the World via West Ridge Trail

      5.0
      4.76 mi / 443 ft gain
      Directions to get here are pretty straight forward via the map. You park your car in a residential neighborhood along the street, and from there, you can't miss the entrance. The trail is paved for the first 100yds or so and after you make a right turn at the top, you'll be on dirt and sand the r...
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    • Redwood City, California

      Mountain Bike at Purisima Creek

      This beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend on. If you are starting from Skyline Boulevard, i...
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    • San Rafael, California

      China Camp Loop

      4.0
      9.23 mi / 1716 ft gain
      Park at the lot in the China Camp State Park. Hop onto the Bay View trail to gain to begin the loop trail. Switchbacks take you up to a long and easy path passing through shaded and open areas. Enjoy the grasslands speckled with oak trees and coyote brush. You can see the San Rafael bay and bridg...
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    • South Lake Tahoe, California

      Hike the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail

      5.0
      8.1 mi / 859 ft gain
      The Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is located in South Lake Tahoe, California. It is important to note that there is no trail on the east side of the lake. The trail turns into a paved road when you reach the marina after passing the campground. Additionally, lots of small trails jut out from the main tr...
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    • Santa Barbara, California

      La Cumbre Peak via Tunnel Trail

      9.96 mi / 3310 ft gain
      Tunnel Trail is a great way to get to the top of La Cumbre Peak. You get to the trailhead by taking Tunnel Road until it dead ends at a large water tower, there you can park your car and start on foot. You take Spyglass Ridge Road up which is a paved fire road until it becomes dirt when you get o...
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    • San Bernardino County, California

      Camp at Hole In the Wall Campground

      5.0
      You may think a desert is barren and ugly with little to offer the avid outdoorsman. The truth is very far from that. The Mojave, like any other great outdoor location offers great hikes, amazing views, wildlife, and a night sky that is hard to beat anywhere else. The Mojave just like all great d...
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    • 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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    • Nevada City, California

      Take a Family Ride

      4.5
      Well if you start at Banner Lava Cap and Gracie Roads then you will see the canal at the top of Gracie Rd. Hop onto the berm of the canal and head north {upstream}. The trail is dirt and about 4 ft wide in the beginning and widens to 6 to 8 ft for most the way . Continue upstream on the canal and...
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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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    • 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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    • Santa Barbara, California

      Inspiration Point

      4.0
      3.82 mi / 1109 ft gain
      Hike up the 3.5 mile trail to an unbeatable vista that will leave you smiling! This hike has a steady uphill climb from the trailhead off of Tunnel Rd into Los Padres National Forest. Keep in mind this trail can get pretty crowded on weekends, so you're best to be at the trail early in the mornin...
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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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    • 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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    • 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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