Mountain Biking in Bear Valley - Ski and Snowboard California's Central Sierra Nevada

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Activities

Much of this information has been provided courtesy of Bear Valley Advenutre Company

Mountain Biking

Bear Valley is a peddler’s paradise. Road riders and mountain bikers will enjoy spectacular vistas and challenging terrain. Be sure to bring your camera to record stunning wildflowers and beautiful backdrops.

Beginners can ride on scenic paved or gravel roads with flat to moderately steep terrain, while intermediate to advanced riders can enjoy more challenging single track and 4x4 trails with steeper grades. Riders are welcome on all National Forest trails and roads outside of designated Wilderness; however, certain routes offer a better biking experience than others, due to terrain, trail condition and lower potential for conflict with other users. Contact the Bear Valley Adventure Company for more detailed information about particular routes.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Bikers will love the endless combination of single track, granite slab, and jeep trails. The volunteer maintained trail system throughout the Stanislaus National Forest offers over 20 different established trails that can be combined to satisfy any rider. Trail signs are not posted, stop in a local shop for a copy of the Bear Valley Mountain Bike Trail Guide. Lift accessed mountain biking is in the future development plans of Bear Valley. If downhill is yourmain focus, inquire at Bear Valley Adventure Company to set a shuttle.

Bear Valley to Lake Alpine Trail – 3 miles (each way)
This trail offers the easiest route to Lake Alpine and avoids peddling up Highway 4. Wide, forgiving single track with few obstacles makes this the perfect trail to develop your mountain biking skills. The trail offers a gently climb up to Silvertip campground. From Silvertip riders can choose to further explore the large network of trails above or around Lake Alpine or cool off with a dip in the lake.

Cape Horn Trail – 2 miles (each way)
Cape Horn Trail will take you breath away, several times over. The trail begins just off the Duck Lake trail and finishes just off Highway 4 at the Cape Horn turnout. The top of the trail offers sweeping views into the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, woodsy single track, and the grand finale, a stunning look down to Lake Alpine. Although this trail satisfies advanced riders, intermediate and adventurous beginners will have a great time.

Granite Slab – Under 1 Mile (each way)
Test your skills on rock and try to ride the trail without putting a foot down. This fun trail begins just inside of Bear Valley Village off the Perry Walther Community Center parking lot. This is a section may be short trail but offers an awesome way to finish a ride or challenging start. You will often see locals out on the granite working their bikes up and down the sweeping bowls and fun ledges. This trail is recommended for advanced riders.

SlickRock - 22 Miles
For a long uninterrupted downhill this cobblestone jeep road will is a must for strong intermediate and advanced riders. The route takes riders right down slickrock road. If the cobblestones, rolling terrain, and granite sections don’t put a smile on your face, stop and take a dip and the many swimming holes or try out the granite water slides. The ride eventually finishes at Utica Lake where riders can connect to another Sapps Hill and ride out. Double your pleasure and add on the Cape Horn downhill and the Lakeshore trail. Make the day easier shuttle a car to Utica Lake.

Lake Shore Trail –5 Miles, Easy, Hiking Trail and 4-Wheel Drive Road
Lake Alpine provides a beautiful backdrop for your mountain biking on this popular trail. On the north of the lake are a few modest grades, but overall this is an easy ride. Please be careful of hikers, especially on weekends and holidays, as many people come to enjoy the area. If you prefer more solitude, ride this trail on week days. Numerous alternatives exist for parking along Highway 4.
Elephant Rock Loop - 8 Miles, Easy, Hiking Trail, Gravel and Dirt Roads
The highlights of this 7000 foot elevation ride are splendid views of Union Reservoir and Elephant Rock Lake. They lie cradled in the ancient, iceberg-scarred granite of this very scenic Sierra area. The ride is moderately long on mostly level terrain, providing an enjoyable experience for riders of all skill levels. Please note that the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness is quite near on the north and east, and remember that mountain bikes are not allowed within the designated Wilderness. The best spot to begin and end this ride is the gravel parking lot at the end of 7N75 on the south side of Union Reservoir.
Bear Trap Basin Loop - 8 Miles, Moderate, 4-Wheel Drive Roads and Hiking Trail
The first section of this ride includes a hearty climb, but your efforts are rewarded with spectacular views of the Mokelumne Wilderness from the ridges. In Bear Trap Basin are beautiful meadows and groves of Quaking Aspen, both seasonally home to a variety of wildflowers. In addition to the loop there is a 3.5 mile trail skirting the ski slopes and returning to Bear Valley. The bike ride begins and ends at the Corral Hollow 4WD Road west of Bear Valley at Highway 4, with plenty of parking available.
Jelmini Basin Loop - 17 Miles, Moderate, Hiking and OHV Trails, 4-Wheel Drive and Dirt Roads
If you are in the mood for a moderately long ride with a good variety of trail characteristics, this is the one for you. Much of the ride is on ridges with views "forever", and there are some nice long downhills past aspen groves and tranquil mountain meadows. Start this ride at 7N09 and Highway 4 near Cabbage Patch Maintenance Station or drive a short distance up 7N09 to begin. Some parking is available at each location

Road Biking

Scenic Byway Highway 4 boasts stunning views over Ebbets Pass, great road conditions, and little traffic. With more so many options to consider we have limited to selection to a few of our most popular road rides. The mileage and elevation gains are calculated starting at Bear Valley Village.

Destination	Round Trip Distance	Climb
Lake Alpine	7 miles	700’
Stanislaus River	18 miles	850’
Mosquito Lake	20 miles	1,500’
Hermit Valley	26 miles	2,600’
Spicer Reservoir	26 miles	2,100’
Dorrington	36 miles	2,500’
Ebbetts Pass	40 miles	4,300’
Arnold	50 miles	3,400’
Lake Tahoe (one way)	70 miles	5,300’
Markleville	79 miles	7,500’
Angels Camp	90 miles	6,700’