8 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in California's Sierra Nevada
Compared to European and Asian countries like The Netherlands and Japan, the United States lags behind when it comes to biking. On the bright side, there are a growing number of bike-loving communities popping up all over the country, with California’s Sierra Nevada region having its fair share of cycling-focused towns. Yep, biking is in, folks!
Not only does cycling promote health and mental wellness, but it is also great for the environment. Whether you are a visitor or a resident of these bike-friendly towns in California’s Sierra Nevada, take advantage of its incredible trails and scenic views when you pedal your way through this beloved mountain range in The Golden State!
South Lake Tahoe
With multiple mountain trails, an active bike group, and a picture-perfect panorama of Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe is a mountain biking paradise! Before heading out, touch base with the local mountain biking community, the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, to help you get acquainted with the trails and local events. They have clean-ups and fundraising activities to help maintain the trails and the town’s Bijou Bike Park.
If it is your first time biking in South Lake Tahoe, make the popular Tahoe Rim Trail your first route. Approximately 96 miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail are designated as a National Recreation Trail, and the entire loop spans a beautiful 170 miles around the Lake Tahoe Basin. Looking for a challenge? SLT has trails for advanced riders, too, such as Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, which has a long plunging descent. But if you would rather have a chill ride, the Powerlines Trail, with its forest route, is quite suitable for newbie cyclists.
Tahoe City
Similar to South Lake Tahoe, you also get the stunning Lake Tahoe as your backdrop while biking in Tahoe City. But what makes it better is the local government’s support of cycling and general exercise, as shown in its 23-mile Multi-Use Trail System that spans all over the area. Check out this map to see where specific trails start and end, such as the Dollar Hill Path up north and the West Shore Path that leads to the Sugar Pine Point State Park.
For something historic, try the Tahoe City-Truckee Road—a 30-mile loop connecting Tahoe City and Truckee. The trail is on the original Tahoe-Truckee Toll Road that was built way back in 1860 for horse-drawn wagons. Gorgeous views and a historic road? That is a fun way to learn about history! Stop by River Ranch Lodge’s riverfront restaurant during your history lesson for some quality eats.
Truckee
From e-bike cruising in the city to biking through historic roads and up the mountains, Truckee is one of the premier biking destinations in the Sierra Nevada region. It has over 26 miles of scenic paved trails, starting with the Truckee River Legacy Trail that follows along the babbling Truckee River. Need a two-wheeler of your own? Truckee has e-bike docks all over town via BCycle, which you can conveniently rent through your phone.
Other notable trails around town are the Martis Valley Trail, the Trout Creek Trail, and the Tahoe City-Truckee historic road. Aside from its e-bike convenience and wonderful trails, one of the best things about Truckee is its all-inclusive program for riders of all levels. The Trails for EveryBODY program has accessible dirt trails and caters to cyclists who need adaptive bikes and mobility devices so everyone can enjoy the beauty of Sierra Nevada.
Auburn
Auburn likes to call itself the Endurance Capital of the World, thanks to its endurance events and iconic trails. The title is well-earned, as even Brad Kearns, an elite cyclist and triathlete, settled in town and created the Auburn Endurance bike trail. Challenge yourself with downhill pedaling via the Culvert Trail. For the brave ones with strong legs, pedal uphill and go through a spooky tunnel with the Clementine Loop.
Auburn is not just for the extreme wheelers, as the Auburn Bike Park—designed by Auburn's Trail Alliance and world-renowned trail maker Randy Spangler—is open for riders of all ages and abilities. You can also get in touch with the local bike group, the Sierra Foothills Cycling Club, for weekly rides and seasonal events. Biking is immensely fun when you pedal with friends, anyway.
Mammoth Lakes
When it comes to outdoor mountain adventures, Mammoth Lakes is one of the best! Known for skiing and other winter activities, the town opens up its wonderful biking trails once the snow melts. Beginner-friendly cycling routes, such as the Shady Rest Path and the appropriately called Scenic Loop toward Mammoth Mountain, are a must-try while here. Looking for a family-friendly trail? Check out the Mammoth Lakes Trail System to find a trail that fits you and your family’s skill set.
Mammoth Lakes is also home to one of the top bike parks in the country: the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park. With high-alpine riding and a Discovery Zone for novice bicyclists, it is an amazing biking wonderland for everyone. Back in town, restore some spent calories at the Good Life Cafe and its traditional American dishes. Yep, the cycling life is good, alright!
Mariposa
Mariposa is more than just a stopover town for tourists on their way to Yosemite National Park, as it also boasts its own hiking and biking trails. Add the Stockton Creek Preserve Trail to your must-bike list, which has wildflowers and butterflies (the town’s namesake) during early spring and is only a few minutes from downtown. Other biking trails in town include the tiny Mariposa County Arts Park near the yummy Cinnamon Roll Bakery and the Merced River Trail up north.
Make your cycling-centric stay in Mariposa even more special by getting a unique tour from Yosemite E-Biking. Their e-bike fleet with tassels, bells, and animal ears on helmets will add fun and hilarity to your Mariposa biking vacation! After all, biking does not have to be too serious.
Olympic Valley
Olympic Valley thrived when it hosted the Winter Olympics back in 1960, and today, it continues to be a favorite California go-to for outdoor adventures. While skiing and running are the top sports in town, biking is also a favorite pastime by visitors and locals. Rent a bike from Olympic Valley Ski and Bike or at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort and start a scenic ride from The Village at Palisades to the sparkling waters of the Truckee River.
Mountain biking is only allowed within designated areas, so it is best to stick with a few approved trails. The nearly 6-mile Thunder Mountain Trail offers a moderately challenging pedaling that will take around three hours to finish. Meanwhile, the Western States Trail is not as tough and will take you through a picturesque pine forest with a fantastic meadow view. You will feel like an Olympic champion with such a vista!
Oakhurst
Formerly a ranch and timber town, Oakhurst’s bike-friendly nature comes from its proximity to Yosemite National Park. While most visitors hike through the nearby majestic forests, many prefer the serene experience of biking through the woods. Rent your wheels at Yosemite Valley Bikes or Pedal Forward and give the Lewis Creek Trail a try. It is good for starting pedalers and will reward you with a pretty sight of a waterfall.
If you want some more water views, you cannot go wrong with a loop along the pine-trimmed waters of Bass Lake just west of town. The Mono Trail and Goat Mountain Trail are the two easy trails to reach from Oakhurst and will have excellent waterfront views of the lake. If all that pedaling has you beat, head back to town for a sweet snack at Bee’s Bakery Cafe and maybe grab a bear-themed souvenir of the town’s beloved mascot to commemorate your memorable biking trip.
Cycling Bliss in the Sierra Nevada
For most people, pushing pedals up or down a road is the last thing on their minds for relaxation. However, a true bicyclist will tell you that there is nothing more freeing and relaxing than having the wind in your hair and seeing natural marvels as you bike. Luckily, this feeling can be captured in these bike-friendly towns in California’s Sierra Nevada region.
California has been steadily growing its cycling communities all over the state. While the towns on this list are not as big as the biking meccas of San Francisco or San Jose, cruising in the Sierra Nevada region is equally good. Tahoe City has Lake Tahoe routes, Truckee has inclusive biking, and Oakhurst has Yosemite National Park trails. Traverse and sightsee the Golden State in a special way!
