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Trail Day Essentials
California is one of the best states in the country for cycling. Between the Pacific coast, the Sierra Nevada and some of the biggest metro areas in the US, it packs in everything from flat, paved beach paths to world-famous mountain bike descents, and in much of the state you can ride all year.
We’ve grouped the trails below into four regions: the San Francisco Bay Area, Northern California and the Sierra, the Central Coast, and Southern California. Each card lists the trail’s surface, length and type, with a link to the map, directions and the official trail page, so you can pick a ride that fits your bike and your legs.
California Bike Trails Map
All 21 California Bike Trails at a Glance
Sort by any column or search by trail name, county or region. Lengths are in miles; click a trail name to jump to its details.
| Trail | Region | Counties | Length (mi) | Surface | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Trail | San Francisco Bay Area | All nine Bay Area counties | 350 | Asphalt, Gravel | Greenway |
| Iron Horse Regional Trail | San Francisco Bay Area | Contra Costa, Alameda | 32 | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail | San Francisco Bay Area | Contra Costa | 7.7 | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Mill Valley-Sausalito Path | San Francisco Bay Area | Marin | 3.7 | Asphalt | Greenway |
| Trione-Annadel State Park | San Francisco Bay Area | Sonoma | 40 | Dirt, Rock | Mountain Bike |
| American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) | Northern California & the Sierra | Sacramento | 32 | Asphalt | Greenway |
| Sacramento River Trail | Northern California & the Sierra | Shasta | 19 | Asphalt | Greenway |
| Tahoe City Trail System (Truckee River & West Shore) | Northern California & the Sierra | Placer | 19.4 | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Downieville Downhill | Northern California & the Sierra | Sierra | 15 | Dirt, Rock | Mountain Bike |
| Yosemite Valley Bike Paths | Northern California & the Sierra | Mariposa | 12 | Asphalt | Park Trail |
| Mammoth Mountain Bike Park | Northern California & the Sierra | Mono | 80 | Dirt | Mountain Bike |
| Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail | Central Coast | Monterey | 18 | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Fort Ord National Monument | Central Coast | Monterey | 86 | Dirt, Sand | Mountain Bike |
| Wilder Ranch State Park | Central Coast | Santa Cruz | 33 | Dirt | Mountain Bike |
| Bob Jones Trail | Central Coast | San Luis Obispo | 3 | Asphalt, Concrete | Greenway |
| Ojai Valley Trail | Southern California | Ventura | 9.5 | Asphalt | Rail-Trail |
| Marvin Braude Bike Trail | Southern California | Los Angeles | 22.3 | Asphalt, Concrete | Greenway |
| San Gabriel River Trail | Southern California | Los Angeles, Orange | 28 | Asphalt | Greenway |
| Santa Ana River Trail | Southern California | Orange | 27 | Asphalt | Greenway |
| Crystal Cove State Park | Southern California | Orange | 15 | Dirt | Mountain Bike |
| Bayshore Bikeway | Southern California | San Diego | 24 | Asphalt, On-street lanes | Greenway |
San Francisco Bay Area
Rail-trails through the East Bay suburbs, shoreline paths around the bay and the oak-covered singletrack of Sonoma County. 5 trails.
San Francisco Bay Trail
The San Francisco Bay Trail is a planned 500-mile walking and cycling route that will one day circle all of San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay. More than 350 miles are already complete, passing through all nine Bay Area counties and dozens of shoreline cities.
You don’t have to ride it end to end. Popular stretches include the San Francisco waterfront along the Embarcadero, the paths around Richmond and Point Isabel, and the marsh trails of the South Bay. Most of the route is paved, with some gravel and on-street links, so check the Bay Trail map before heading out on a longer ride.
Trail facts
- Asphalt, Gravel
- 350+ miles completed
- Greenway
- All nine Bay Area counties
- Cycling
Iron Horse Regional Trail
The Iron Horse Regional Trail follows a Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way that was laid out in 1891 and abandoned in 1978. Today about 32 miles are paved, running from Concord through Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon and Dublin to Pleasanton.
The trail is flat, wide and well used by commuters, families and road cyclists warming up for the hills around Mount Diablo. There are cafés and parks in the town centres along the way, and BART stations at Dublin/Pleasanton make it easy to ride one way and take the train back.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 32 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Contra Costa, Alameda counties
- Cycling
Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail
This 7.7-mile paved trail runs from the Olympic Boulevard staging area in Lafayette to the Valle Vista staging area in Moraga along the old Sacramento Northern Railway corridor, which once carried redwood lumber between Oakland and Sacramento.
It’s a quiet, shady ride past creeks, oak woodland and along St. Mary’s Road, with gentle grades that suit families and casual riders. Part of the trail near Valle Vista has been affected by a past landslide, so check the East Bay Regional Park District page for current closures before you ride the full length.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 7.7 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Contra Costa County
- Cycling
Mill Valley-Sausalito Path
The Mill Valley-Sausalito Path is a short, flat and paved route along the edge of Richardson Bay, with wooden bridges over the marshes of Bothin Marsh and views of Mount Tamalpais. At about 3.7 miles, it’s an easy ride for families and beginners.
It’s also the classic last leg for riders who cross the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, roll down into Sausalito and continue to Mill Valley. Many riders finish with a ferry ride from Sausalito back to the city.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 3.7 miles
- Greenway
- Marin County
- Cycling
Trione-Annadel State Park
On the edge of Santa Rosa, Trione-Annadel State Park covers more than 5,500 acres of oak woodland, meadows and streams, with more than 40 miles of trails open to mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. Its rocky, technical singletrack is famous among Bay Area riders.
A popular ride climbs to Lake Ilsanjo, a 26-acre lake with picnic tables along the shore. Bikes are allowed only on designated, named trails, the speed limit is 15 mph, and riders must yield to horses and uphill traffic.
Trail facts
- Dirt, Rock
- 40+ miles of trails
- Mountain Bike
- Sonoma County
- Mountain biking
Northern California & the Sierra
River parkways in Sacramento and Redding, paved paths at Lake Tahoe and in Yosemite Valley, and two of the state’s best-known mountain bike destinations. 6 trails.
American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail)
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail runs 32 paved miles along the American River Parkway, from Discovery Park in Sacramento to Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. It was recognised as a national trail in 1974 and is one of the most popular bike paths in Northern California.
The trail follows the river through cottonwood and oak forest, with plenty of parks, picnic areas and river access along the way. Bikes stay on the paved path to the right of the yellow line, walkers use the soft shoulder, and there is an enforced 15 mph speed limit.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 32 miles
- Greenway
- Sacramento County
- Cycling
Sacramento River Trail
In Redding, the Sacramento River Trail starts at the glass-decked Sundial Bridge and follows the river upstream to Keswick Dam. From there, the BLM’s 11-mile Sacramento River Rail Trail continues along the shore of Keswick Reservoir to just below Shasta Dam.
The whole route is paved. A round trip from the Sundial Bridge to Shasta Dam is about 38 miles, and longer loops of 40+ miles combine paved and dirt trails on both sides of the river. Expect hot summers, so start early and carry plenty of water.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- About 19 miles to Shasta Dam
- Greenway
- Shasta County
- Cycling
Tahoe City Trail System (Truckee River & West Shore)
Tahoe City sits at the hub of about 19 miles of paved multi-use trail. The Truckee River Bike Trail follows the river from Tahoe City toward Olympic Valley, partly on an old railroad corridor, while the West Shore trail heads south along Lake Tahoe toward Sugar Pine Point State Park.
The trails are mostly gentle and busy in summer, with rafters on the river and beaches along the lake. Bike rentals are easy to find in Tahoe City, and the elevation of more than 6,000 feet means it can feel harder than it looks.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 19.4 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Placer County
- Cycling
Downieville Downhill
The Downieville Downhill is one of the most famous mountain bike rides in the country. Most riders take a shuttle from the small Gold Rush town of Downieville up to Packer Saddle, then descend roughly 15 miles of fast, rocky singletrack back to town.
The newer “Tower to Town” option starts higher, near the Sierra Buttes fire lookout, for about 7,000 feet of descending. This is an advanced ride with exposure, loose rock and creek crossings, so bring a well-maintained full-suspension bike, spare parts and plenty of water.
Trail facts
- Dirt, Rock
- About 15 miles
- Mountain Bike
- Sierra County
- Mountain biking
Yosemite Valley Bike Paths
Yosemite Valley has more than 12 miles of paved bike paths, and riding them is one of the easiest ways to see the park without sitting in traffic. The flat loops pass meadows and viewpoints for Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan.
Bikes can be rented at Curry Village, Yosemite Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, and a free bike share runs in the valley from late spring. The speed limit on the paths is 15 mph, and mountain biking and off-trail riding are not allowed in the park.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 12+ miles
- Park Trail
- Mariposa County
- Cycling
Mammoth Mountain Bike Park
In summer, Mammoth Mountain turns into one of the biggest bike parks in the West, with more than 80 miles of lift-served singletrack. Trails range from smooth, wide beginner runs like Discovery and Adventure to steep, technical lines from the upper mountain.
There’s a skills park for practising jumps and drops, and the rental shops have hardtails, enduro, downhill and e-bikes. The trails sit at high altitude in the Eastern Sierra, so take it easy on your first day and pack layers for afternoon storms.
Trail facts
- Dirt
- 80+ miles of singletrack
- Mountain Bike
- Mono County
- Mountain biking
Central Coast
An oceanfront rail-trail on Monterey Bay, coastal-bluff and redwood singletrack, and a short city-to-the-sea path in San Luis Obispo County. 4 trails.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
This 18-mile paved trail runs from Castroville to Pacific Grove, much of it on the old Southern Pacific Railroad line that once connected Castroville with Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row. It opened in 1986.
It’s one of the most scenic easy rides in the state, passing the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Lovers Point and the Point Pinos Lighthouse, with sea otters and harbor seals often visible offshore. Rentals are available near the wharf, and the southern section can be busy on weekends.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 18 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Monterey County
- Cycling
Fort Ord National Monument
The former Army base at Fort Ord is now a 14,658-acre national monument with more than 86 miles of trails open to cyclists, hikers and equestrians. Rolling hills of oak woodland and coastal chaparral make it one of the best mountain biking areas on the Central Coast, and it hosts the cross-country races of the Sea Otter Classic.
Most trails are beginner to intermediate, with sandy sections and short, punchy climbs. Ride only on authorised trails marked with brown or green posts, as red markers show closed trails. E-bikes are not allowed on the non-motorised trails without a permit, and the monument is open from dawn to dusk.
Trail facts
- Dirt, Sand
- 86+ miles of trails
- Mountain Bike
- Monterey County
- Mountain biking
Wilder Ranch State Park
Just north of Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch State Park has 33 miles of trails, and bikes are allowed on all of them. Routes run from coastal bluffs and grassy marine terraces up into redwood forest, including the popular Enchanted Loop.
Riders must keep to 15 mph, stop for horses and walk their bikes through the historic ranch complex. Only class 1 e-bikes are allowed. Combine an inland loop with the flat Old Cove Landing Trail along the ocean for a bit of everything.
Trail facts
- Dirt
- 33 miles of trails
- Mountain Bike
- Santa Cruz County
- Mountain biking
Bob Jones Trail
The Bob Jones City to the Sea Trail is planned to link San Luis Obispo with the beach at Avila. Today the main section runs about 3 paved miles along San Luis Obispo Creek, from Ontario Road to Avila Beach, with a shorter segment in the city of San Luis Obispo.
It’s an easy, shaded ride through oak and sycamore woodland, ending at the beach and pier in Avila, so it’s a good pick for families. There are cafés and bike rentals near the beach.
Trail facts
- Asphalt, Concrete
- 3 miles
- Greenway
- San Luis Obispo County
- Cycling
Southern California
Beach paths and river trails across Los Angeles and Orange counties, a rail-trail into the Ojai Valley and a loop around San Diego Bay. 6 trails.
Ojai Valley Trail
The Ojai Valley Trail follows a former Southern Pacific branch line for about 9.5 miles between Foster Park near Ventura and the town of Ojai. A paved path for cyclists runs next to a dirt path for horses.
The trail climbs gently all the way to Ojai, through oak woodland and orchards with views of the Topatopa Mountains, so the ride back is mostly downhill. At the southern end it connects to the Ventura River Parkway Trail, which continues to the coast.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 9.5 miles
- Rail-Trail
- Ventura County
- Cycling
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Better known as “The Strand” or the Beach Bike Path, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs about 22 miles along Santa Monica Bay, from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach.
The flat, paved path passes Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey and the South Bay beach towns of Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo. It’s busy with walkers, skaters and tourists on sunny weekends, so ride early in the morning if you want to keep a steady pace.
Trail facts
- Asphalt, Concrete
- 22.3 miles
- Greenway
- Los Angeles County
- Cycling
San Gabriel River Trail
The San Gabriel River Trail is one of the longest car-free rides in Southern California. It follows the river channel roughly 28 miles from Seal Beach on the coast to the mouth of San Gabriel Canyon above Azusa.
The southern half is flat and urban, while the northern section passes Whittier Narrows and the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, with the San Gabriel Mountains getting closer as you ride north. There is little shade, so carry water on hot days.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- 28 miles
- Greenway
- Los Angeles, Orange counties
- Cycling
Santa Ana River Trail
In Orange County, the Santa Ana River Trail runs about 27 miles from Yorba Linda to the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, following the river from the foothills to the ocean. The trail continues into Riverside County, and a longer route toward the mountains is planned.
Riding north to south, it’s a gentle downhill most of the way, past Yorba Regional Park, Angel Stadium and several river parks before finishing at the beach. Bike paths run on both sides of the river for much of the way.
Trail facts
- Asphalt
- About 27 miles in Orange County
- Greenway
- Orange County
- Cycling
Crystal Cove State Park
Between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove State Park has about 2,400 acres of undeveloped backcountry with more than 15 miles of trails open to hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Most rides start up Moro Canyon and climb onto ridges with views over the Pacific. Fire roads make up much of the network, with some steeper singletrack for stronger riders. Finish with a swim at the beach, and check the park rules for any trail closures after rain.
Trail facts
- Dirt
- 15+ miles of trails
- Mountain Bike
- Orange County
- Mountain biking
Bayshore Bikeway
The Bayshore Bikeway is a roughly 24-mile loop around San Diego Bay, passing through Coronado, the Silver Strand, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and National City. About 13 miles are car-free bike paths, and the rest uses bike lanes and quiet streets.
A popular way to ride it is to take the ferry from downtown San Diego to Coronado, pass the Hotel del Coronado and roll down the Silver Strand between the ocean and the bay. Families can turn around at Imperial Beach to skip the on-street sections.
Trail facts
- Asphalt, On-street lanes
- About 24-mile loop
- Greenway
- San Diego County
- Cycling
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