If you’re planning a California mountain biking road trip—or just looking to hit some of the best trails the state has to offer—this list is for you.
We recently spent several weeks riding from Southern California all the way up to the Oregon border, and these were the most fun, confidence-building, and downright rowdy trails we found.
Whether you’re into flow, jumps, rock slabs, or loamers, California’s got it all. Here’s what stood out:
???? Mary Jane & Willow Creek Loop (Bass Lake)
Located near Oakhurst, California, this loop combines the Mary Jane Trail and Willow Creek Trail, offering a diverse riding experience.
- Mary Jane Trail: Spanning approximately 1.5 miles, this trail features a blend of forested singletrack and expansive granite rock slabs, reminiscent of Yosemite’s iconic landscapes. Riders can expect a mix of technical sections and flowing paths.
? View the Mary Jane Trail on Trailforks - Willow Creek Trail: Extending about 2.7 miles, this trail is primarily used for hiking but offers mountain bikers a challenging ride with rocky segments and flatter areas. Best ridden in drier months.
? More info on MTB Project
? A parking fee of $10 is required if you park in the lot, but we parked down the road closer to the start of the trail (see our map). Also, this trail loop is best suited for experienced riders due to its technical nature.
? Intervention & Jumpline Trails (San Clemente)
Situated in the San Onofre area of San Clemente, these trails are designed for riders looking to enhance their jumping skills.
- Intervention Trail: Classified as a Black Diamond trail, it features medium-sized gap jumps and smooth berms, making it ideal for riders aiming to progress their jumping techniques. The trail is primarily singletrack and caters to downhill riding.
? Intervention on Trailforks - Jumpline Trail: Multiple lines, all well-built and super fun. Great for progression and dialing in air control.
? San Clemente Jump Route
?? Always inspect jumps before attempting—conditions can change quickly. We ALWAYS roll through before hitting the jumps!
? Hatchery Ridge Trails (Blue Lake/Arcata)
Nestled in Blue Lake, California, the Hatchery Ridge Trail System offers riders a taste of the region’s renowned loamy trails.
- Trail Access: Managed by the Redwood Coast Mountain Bike Association (RCMBA), access requires membership, which helps support trail maintenance and growth.
? Learn more from RCMBA - Trail Features: Expect steep gravel road climbs, natural flow, techy descents, and all the loam you can dream of through redwood forest.
? Trail overview on Trailforks
? Respect access rules and ride with care to keep these trails open!
? Enticer Jump Trail (Redding area)
Part of the Swasey Recreation Area near Redding, Enticer is a must-ride if you’re into jumps and want to push your limits.
- Trail Features: This mile-long jump line is loaded with tabletops, gaps, step-ups, and berms. Purpose-built for progression, it’s a favorite for both locals and traveling riders.
? View Enticer on Trailforks - Trail Vision: Built to challenge and build skills in a controlled setting. Bonus: great views and smooth dirt. ? Redding Trail Alliance Info
? I crashed here—but I’d ride it again in a heartbeat. The crash was not on a big jump.
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Catch you on the trail!
