With gorgeous mountain scenery, bucolic vineyards, ocean breezes, and sunny days, California begs to be explored on two wheels. Hit the road or take on the rugged mountain terrain and explore the best bike-friendly towns and cycling circuits in the Golden State.

Mountain and nature trails

Whether you’re seeking thrilling descents or serene forest paths, California's mountainous nature trails offer exhilarating rides for cyclists of every skill level. Strap on your helmet and get ready to explore some of the state's most rugged terrain.

Colby mountain recreation project

Butte County has always been the epicenter for mountain biking with its challenging Upper Bidwell Park. Now, the Colby Mountain Recreation Project adds another reason to visit. The single track is designed with jumps, drops, berms, and rock gardens. Humboldt Drop features a 1,500-foot vertical descent, and the Escape Trail, a nine-mile, multi-use, multiple-directional cross-country are standout features

Ferretti non-motorized trail system

With its m-bike-only and m-bike right-of-way trails, the Ferretti Non-Motorized Trail System in Tuolumne County is a favorite for mountain bikers. Located on over 500 acres of the Stanislaus National Forest, the trail system is a joint project of the Stanislaus National Forest and the non-profit Groveland Trail Heads. An adaptive trail for wheelchair m-bikes is also being added. 

North Lake Tahoe mountain biking

It’s hard to beat the scenery and terrain North Lake Tahoe serves up for mountain bikers of all abilities. For newbies or those looking for an easy ride, Tahoe XC offers over 30 miles of trails to explore. If you’re seeking a challenge, the recently rebuilt Stanford Rock rewards cyclists with a sweeping view after a demanding climb. 

Big Bear by bike

Big Bear is a perennial Southern California favorite mountain-biking escape and now has national recognition as one of the inaugural 2026 IMBA Trail Towns. At over 6,700 feet, it offers terrain for every rider. The paved Alpine Pedal Path is ideal for families and relaxed e-bike outings, while the Skyline Trail is made for adventurers and serves up stunning lake and San Gorgonio views. Snow Summit Bike Park offers lift-served downhill riding for first-time and experienced cyclists. 

Waterside cycling 

With nearly 840 miles of stunning coastline, California is a cyclist's paradise for waterside riding. From the rugged north coast to the sun-drenched beaches of sunny Southern California, these trails put the state's sparkling waters front and center.

Crescent City Harbor Trail

The Crescent City Harbor Trail in Del Norte County, a through-route of the official California Coastal Trail (CCT), is a multi-use trail that takes cyclists past some of the city’s most historic sites along Pebble Beach Drive. As you pedal, you’ll hear barking sea lions, spot seabirds and lighthouses, and be able to take a break to hunt for sand dollars or go tidepooling. 

Marvin Braude Bike Trail

Known as “The Strand”, the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail takes cyclists through some of Southern California’s iconic beaches, including Hermosa, Manhattan, and Redondo beaches. With the Pacific Ocean your constant companion, you’ll also see oceanfront mansions and old-school beach bungalows. Refuel along the way at The Portofino Hotel & Marina’s oceanfront restaurant.

Cruisin’ Santa Clara

Santa Clara is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Cyclists can take in the views from two picturesque trails. The Guadalupe River Trail is considered one of the best trails in the region, and the San Thomas Aquino Creek Trail is a peaceful escape that lets cyclists enjoy native wildlife with the peaceful bubbling sounds of the creek as their soundtrack. 

Mountains to Sea Trail

With an extensive and interconnected network of bike paths, 113 miles of off-street trails, and 286 miles of on-street bikeways, Irvine is as bike-friendly as Amsterdam or Copenhagen. One of the city’s most popular rides is the Mountains to Sea Trail, taking riders from stunning mountains to the glistening Pacific Ocean. 

Oceanside outings

Let the beautiful ocean views and laid-back coastal vibe fuel your ride on the iconic Strand Trail in Oceanside. For cyclists looking for an easy ride through bucolic landscapes, the San Luis Rey River Trail is the perfect nine-mile paved path that winds from inland to the coast. 

Bike-friendly cities & scenic communities

Clip in and roll out, California's most bike-friendly cities and communities prove that the best way to soak up local culture, art, and wine country is at two-wheeled pace. 

Big Art Loop

Get inspired by art along San Francisco’s 34-mile Big Art Loop that winds cyclists past nearly 100 large public sculptures throughout the city. Stretching from Sunset Dunes and Golden Gate Park to the Embarcadero, Bayview, and beyond, the route is the largest urban sculpture trail in the world.

Davis Bike Loop

Known as the "Bike Capital of the United States," Davis was the first city to install dedicated bike lanes. Today there are more than 100 miles of bike lanes and pathways in the city. One of the most popular is the Davis Bike Loop, which takes cyclists through vineyards and rural landscapes. Off the bike, cyclists won’t want to miss the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame Museum. 

Pedal Paso

Pedal through wine country in Paso Robles on the J. Lohr Winery Route, a 15-mile loop from Downtown City Park to the J. Lohr Winery. A tasting is a great reward for completing the journey. For a bigger workout, the Peachy Canyon Loop is an iconic 21-mile loop that challenges riders with climbs through expansive oak groves, canyons, and past world-class wineries. 

Joshua Tree National Park backcountry roads

Joshua Tree National Park offers miles of backcountry roads waiting to be discovered by mountain bikers. The Queen Valley Loop is an easily accessible 7.5-mile trail that starts at Barker Dam or Big Horn Pass. With sandy and rocky sections that traverse vast open landscapes with unique geology and fauna, it’s an ideal introduction to cycling in the park. 

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting, California's diverse landscapes offer an unmatched backdrop for every type of rider. Saddle up, soak in the scenery, and let the Golden State's endless roads and trails take you on the ride of a lifetime.