7 Mountain Biking Trails to Try in Calaveras County, California

Home to hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, Calaveras County, California, sees family travelers hit the trails every year for unforgettable adventures. In preparation for the summer, Calaveras Visitors Bureau created a comprehensive guide to help cyclists navigate through some of the county’s most scenic parks and trails.

Seven sites are featured within the guide, all offering different experiences.

© Courtesy of @will_on_2_wheels

Arnold Rim Trail

Ideal between spring and fall, this trail sits less than 30 minutes away from Angels Camp Information Center. A moderate/challenging trail, this 17-mile trail is designed with mountain bikers in mind. Along the way, you’ll pass views of canyons, giant sequoias and even a waterfall, as well as White Pines Lake and Sierra Nevada Logging Museum.

Bear Valley Area

Head to these trails between June and October (depending on spring snowmelt and late autumn snowfall). Located an hour from Angels Camp Information Center, cyclists enjoy 32 miles of shared-use trails for cyclists of all skill levels.

New Hogan Lake Mountain Trails

Open year-round, the more than 30 miles of trails centers around New Hogan Lake, a popular spot for camping, fishing, hiking and water sports. For a relaxing ride, take to the 3-mile trail connecting Acorn Campground with the park office.

Sourgrass Recreation Area

Stop at these trails between spring and fall for a moderate/challenging mountain-biking experience. Certain sections of the trail are for the most adventurous, and these sections are worth your while when you get to see spring wildflowers or autumn leaves. Trails weave through granite boulder fields, tall pines and black oaks.

© Courtesy of @geopedler

New Melones Lake

Featuring about 30 miles of trails of various difficulty levels, New Melones Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in California and includes 19 multiuse trails open year-round. Glory Hole Loop, one of the more popular trails, is a scenic and fast route, ideal for intermediate mountain bikers.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Ranked as moderate/challenging, the mountain bike routes in Calaveras Big Trees State Park offer dozens of miles of roads and trails. The park welcomes all mountain bikers along fire roads and paved tarmac throughout the area. Before or after a ride, walk through the north or south grove trails to witness 1,000–3,000-year-old giant sequoias lining the pedestrian-only trails.

Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway

Best to visit between June and October, bikers are spoiled with hundreds of miles of shared-use trails. Trails run through Arnold, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Dorrington and the Bear Valley area. Bike to the High Sierra lakes or cycle through fields of wildflowers come summertime. Trails range from short, easy rides to strenuous, multiday routes.