There’s no disputing it. Sacramento’s biking scene is epic. From paved trails serving up stunning city views to daring descents along harrowing Sierra foothill terrain, our corner of Northern California has it all. Plan your next adventure with our list of must-try biking trails near Sacramento.
Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail
This winding 32-mile paved trail runs parallel to the American River and is great for urban exploration. Extending all the way from Old Sacramento to Folsom, it serves up stunning city and river views. Check it out if you’re looking for a close-to-home ride – or if you prefer pedal-powered commutes to motorized ones.
Folsom Lake
Speaking of Folsom, its namesake lake is home to some unreal mountain biking. Explore the Granite Bay trail network on the lake’s western banks. The diverse foothill terrain and lake views make for rides that are both scenic and technical (granite is in the name, after all). Over on the northeast side of Folsom Lake, you’ll find even more awesome trails, including the daunting Darrington Trail. This intermediate but challenging ride features some calf-busting climbs, harrowing descents, and a fair dose of technical terrain.
Auburn State Recreation Area
With more than 20 trails to choose from, there’s endless adventure to be had in this Gold Country mountain biking destination. This vast trail network features a little bit of everything – grueling climbs, epic downhill, tricky technical stretches. You can’t go wrong.
Deer Creek Hills Preserve
You won’t find trails like those at Deer Creek anywhere else. Open to mountain bikers from July through October, the “cow trails” on the preserve are changed up every week. Test your skill on singletrack and ranch roads. You can even take a guided educational mountain bike tour led by Sacramento Valley Conservancy volunteers. They also have free Monday night rides.
Sacramento Northern Bikeway Trail
This paved trail is roughly 10 miles and extends from downtown Sacramento to pastoral lands north of town. It packs a scenic punch along the way, serving up views of both urban and rural landscape. Fun fact: The trail follows the former right-of-way of the Sacramento Northern Railway.
Really Want to Go Big?
Head to Northstar in Tahoe for some monster downhill mountain biking. This popular ski resort turns its slopes over to bikers in the summertime. Claiming to be Tahoe’s only lift-serviced mountain bike park, Northstar delivers a variety of downhill adventures – everything from casual greens to expert-level blacks.
Your Storage Solution Between Adventures
Looking for the perfect storage unit for your bike or other outdoor gear? StorQuest Express on Raamco Street in West Sacramento has your back. We have units in all shapes and sizes, including climate-controlled spaces that keep your gear in mint condition – and ready for adventure at a moment’s notice.