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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

    • San Diego, California

      Rose Canyon Trail

      3.6
      4.21 mi / 220 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. 
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    • Lone Pine, California

      Mountain Bike Alabama Hills Loop

      5.0
      14.7 mi / 1906 ft gain
      This 14.7 mile loop has some fun single track descents through the gorgeous Alabama Hills. It kicks off with a climb up the road, which can easily be shuttled if you have more than one car or someone to brave a hitched ride up the road.  From the trailhead start, you'll encounter quite a bit of l...
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    • 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...
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    • South Lake Tahoe, California

      Bike the Van Sickle Bi-State Park Trail

      4.5
      Starting at the top of Stagecoach Lift on Heavenly Resort this trail wraps around the north slope down to the bottom of town at the casinos. It has amazing view all the way down as you make your way down the woods up top and then cruise through the burn area near the gondola fire down to the bott...
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    • 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. 
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    • 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...
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    • Ventura County, California

      Sycamore Canyon Falls

      5.0
      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...
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    • San Diego, California

      Visitor Center Loop Trail

      5.0
      1.46 mi / 148 ft gain
      The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs.The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a well maintained, quick hike with shady spots scattered along the path and open year-round. This trail is great for kids and dog owners. There is a great netwo...
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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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    • Los Angeles, California

      Verdugo Peak via Hostetter Fire Road

      5.0
      7.39 mi / 1627 ft gain
      Verdugo Peak, at 3000 feet, is accessible from multiple directions and trails along the Verdugo Range. The most direct route to the top is Hostetter Fire Road, a 3.6-mile hard-packed dirt trail that climbs 1600 feet to the 3,126-foot summit. The hike begins at the dirt parking lot off of La Tuna ...
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    • 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...
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    • Topanga, California

      Calabasas Peak Motorway

      7.23 mi / 1565 ft gain
      Getting There You can, from Los Angeles, go one of three ways: take I-405 to US-101 and head west, or from downtown, take US-101 the whole way, OR, get on I-10 from the Westside or east of there and take that until it becomes PCH, then take that to Topanga Canyon (turn left onto Old Topanga Cany...
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    • South Lake Tahoe, California

      Bike to Star Lake

      5.0
      21 mi / 2300 ft gain
      Start out at the top of Corral Loop, in South Lake Tahoe, and begin the climb up Armstrong Pass. After the 4 mile ride up, you reach the split to either Mr. Toads or Star Lake. Continue another 2.5 miles up the steep and sandy climb to the saddle just below Freel Peak, the tallest peak in the bas...
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Camp at Baker Campground

      5.0
      / 6224 ft gain
      Baker Campground is a first come, first serve campground. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, and bear boxes. The cost for a single family site is $20 per night and a double family site is $40 per night. The campground provides bathrooms and potable water. The campground is typi...
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    • Corona, California

      Skyline Drive Trail

      3.0
      9.07 mi / 1946 ft gain
      This trail is shared by hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners. Rock climbers can find areas to boulder off the trail. Bring lots of extra water as this trail is rather dusty and can get very hot. This is a good training hike for those looking to do some backpacking.  The trail is open year-r...
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    • Los Angeles, California

      Verdugo's North Ridge Trail

      12.7 mi / 2684 ft gain
      The Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...
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