TOP 10 Scenic mountain biking trails in California

Welcome to the Backbone Trailhead on Big Sycamore Canyon Road, a stunning gateway to nature located in the heart of Malibu, California. Nestled within the scenic beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains, our park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors. Whether you're an avid hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the Backbone Trailhead is the perfect starting point for your adventure. Our trailhead provides access to the iconic Backbone Trail, a renowned path that stretches over 67 miles through diverse landscapes, offering breathtaking vistas and a wide array of flora and fauna. Explore the rich biodiversity of the area as you traverse through lush canyons, rolling hills, and serene woodlands. With trails suited for all levels of hikers, from beginners to seasoned trekkers, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Welcome to the Oceanfront Inn – Shelter Cove’s premier seaside lodging located at 26 Seal Drive in Whitethorn, California, United States. Our 10 room Inn and Restaurant are perched atop a bluff overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean in Northern California’s Lost Coast. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean from your private balcony or deck, where you can witness the epic journey of gray whales passing by. Under new management, your innkeepers Dale and Donna will ensure your stay is full of happy memories. Shelter Cove is a small seaside hamlet in the secluded wilderness of the King Range Mountains, offering breathtaking ocean views and a peaceful, pristine environment. Deer, foxes, and other wildlife freely roam the town, while sea birds, seals, river otters, and whales can be spotted along the coastline. The town is accessible by boat, small plane, or car via a scenic road that was the original wagon trail in the 1800s.

VeloCambria is a unique institution located at 4056 Burton Drive in the charming coastal town of Cambria, California. This multifaceted establishment combines a bicycle store, cafe, food, and store all under one roof. Whether you're in need of a new bike, a delicious meal, or some shopping, VeloCambria has you covered. Explore the beautiful surroundings of Cambria by renting a bike, grab a bite to eat at the cafe, or browse through the store for unique finds. VeloCambria is the perfect destination for cyclists, foodies, and shoppers alike.

Avila Beach Surf Shop, located at 51 San Miguel Street in Avila Beach, California, is known as the best surf shop on the Central Coast. Whether you're looking to surf, bike, kayak, or fish, we have everything you need to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Avila. From soft top surfboards and boogie boards for rent or sale, to wetsuits in all sizes, we have you covered for all your aquatic adventures. If biking is more your speed, we offer electric bikes, mountain bikes, and beach cruisers for exploring the scenic Bob Jones Trail and Avila Valley Barn. Our family-owned shop is proud to be a part of the Avila Beach community and we are passionate about sharing our love for the outdoors with everyone.

Making Adventures to Remember is a charming food store located at 10545 Sunrise Highway in Mount Laguna, California. Offering a wide range of delicious snacks, drinks, and gourmet treats, this institution is the perfect stop for anyone looking to fuel up before heading out on an adventure in the beautiful California wilderness. Whether you're hiking, biking, or just enjoying a scenic drive, Making Adventures to Remember has everything you need to make your outing unforgettable. Stop by today and stock up on all the essentials for a day of fun and exploration.

Summit Bicycles is a bicycle store located at 1031 California Drive in Burlingame, California. Situated near the western shore of the San Francisco Bay, our store is in a convenient location near Bayside Park. With a uniquely painted exterior, you can easily spot us at the corner of California Drive and Carmelita Avenue. Burlingame is a great location for cycling enthusiasts, with access to a variety of trails and road rides. Whether you're a mountain biker looking for nearby trail systems or a road cyclist seeking scenic routes, Summit Bicycles has everything you need.

Serpas Ranch Open Space Trailhead is a beautiful park located at 2304 Sanctuary Drive in Fairfield, California, United States. This peaceful and scenic trailhead offers visitors the opportunity to explore the surrounding natural beauty on foot or by bike. With well-maintained trails and stunning views, Serpas Ranch Open Space Trailhead is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy a day of hiking or biking in a serene and picturesque setting. Come and experience the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem in Fairfield!

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park is a beautiful 2,789-acre park located in Richmond, California, United States. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park features 25 miles of trails, including paved paths that are wheelchair accessible. Visitors can enjoy stunning views from the crest of the East Bay hills while exploring the park's diverse landscapes, which include oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian forests along Wildcat Creek. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including foxes, raccoons, deer, and a variety of bird species. Visitors may also have the chance to spot coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats. The park has a children's playground, picnic areas, and barbeque facilities available for reservation. There is also a historic stonework area at Alvarado Park, which provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Vasona Lake County Park is a picturesque park located in Los Gatos, California. Situated at 333 Blossom Hill Road, this park is a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning views of Vasona Lake and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as picnicking, hiking, biking, and boating. The park also features playgrounds, picnic areas, and a train ride for children. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery, Vasona Lake County Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and families looking to spend a relaxing day outdoors.

Shell Ridge Open Space is a picturesque park located in Walnut Creek, California. This stunning open space offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area with miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is known for its scenic views, diverse wildlife, and lush vegetation. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while taking in the serene surroundings of Shell Ridge Open Space. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Sierra Vista, located at 5345 Sierra Road in San Jose, California, is a must-visit tourist attraction in the area. This preserve in the Eastern foothills of Santa Clara County offers stunning views of the Valley and diverse landscapes to explore, including oak woodlands, rolling grassland, and chaparral communities. Home to several protected wildlife species such as the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, and Western burrowing owl, as well as golden eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, and gray foxes, Sierra Vista is a nature lover's paradise. The Aquila Loop Trail is perfect for beginners and families, offering mellow hikes with expansive views and the chance to spot red-tailed hawks, bobcats, and acorn woodpeckers.

Skypark is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located at 361 Kings Village Road in Scotts Valley, California, United States. Nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Skypark offers visitors a serene and natural setting to relax and unwind. With its lush greenery, walking trails, and picnic areas, Skypark is the perfect destination for a day out with family and friends. The park also features a playground for children, making it a great spot for families to enjoy quality time together. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors, have a picnic, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area, Skypark is a must-visit destination in Scotts Valley.

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, located on Sierra Road in San Jose, California, offers stunning views of the Valley and a chance to explore diverse landscapes such as oak woodlands, rolling grasslands, and chaparral communities. This preserve is home to a variety of protected wildlife species including the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, and Western burrowing owl, as well as other species like golden eagles, mountain lions, and bobcats. The Aquila Loop Trail is a great option for beginners and families with young children, providing expansive views of grasslands and rock outcroppings. The preserve features multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, with benches along the way to rest and take in the scenery.

Nix Nature Center is a park and tourist attraction located at 18751 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach, California, United States. The center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can explore the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, with 40 miles of trails winding through oak and sycamore woodlands, rocky bluffs, and scenic vistas. The park is home to diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including rare and endangered species like the California Gnatcatcher and Orange-Throated Whiptail. The Nix Nature Center offers exhibits, wildlife viewing areas, and regular guided tours by volunteer naturalists. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more in this beautiful natural setting. The park is part of the Natural Community Conservation Planning program, dedicated to preserving Orange County's disappearing Coastal Sage Scrub community. Explore the beauty and biodiversity of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at Nix Nature Center.

Brookside Park, located at 1630 Brookside Avenue in Redlands, California, is a picturesque park and tourist attraction nestled at the base of the San Bernardino mountains. Just 60 miles east of Los Angeles and 45 miles west of Palm Springs, Redlands is a charming city with easy access to hiking and biking trails, quaint shops, historic architecture, and local restaurants. The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Brookside Park is also home to the Planning Commission meetings, which take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 4 pm.

Pauba Ridge Park is a beautiful outdoor oasis located in Temecula, California. Situated at 33407 Pauba Road, this park offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. With walking trails, picnic areas, and open green spaces, Pauba Ridge Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature. Whether you're looking to go for a leisurely stroll, have a family picnic, or simply soak in the scenic beauty, this park has something for everyone. Come visit Pauba Ridge Park and experience the tranquility and beauty of this outdoor gem in Southern California.

Rose Canyon Open Space Park is a beautiful natural oasis nestled in the heart of San Diego, California. This stunning park offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, with miles of scenic hiking trails, lush greenery, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're a nature lover looking to explore the great outdoors or simply seeking a peaceful spot to relax and unwind, Rose Canyon Open Space Park is the perfect destination. Come and discover the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem in San Diego.

Mission Valley Hillsides Open Space is a stunning park located in San Diego, California, United States. This beautiful open space offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with scenic views of the surrounding hillsides and valleys. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and picnicking in this serene natural setting. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife and native plants, making it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a challenging trail to conquer, Mission Valley Hillsides Open Space has something for everyone.

Escondido RV Resort is a premier lodging and RV park located at 1740 Seven Oaks Road in Escondido, California, offering a range of spacious RV sites with full hook-ups, from standard to super platinum. Embrace the RV lifestyle with top-notch amenities in a picturesque setting. Located just a short drive away from San Diego, guests can enjoy urban adventures, including visits to SeaWorld® San Diego, the USS Midway Museum, and the museums of Balboa Park.

The Otay Open Space Preserve is a sprawling park and tourist attraction located at 2155 Otay Lakes Road in Dulzura, California. This beautiful preserve offers visitors the chance to explore over 8,000 acres of pristine natural landscapes, including rolling hills, oak woodlands, and stunning vistas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful and scenic setting. With its diverse wildlife and stunning views, the Otay Open Space Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located in Redwood City, California, United States. This preserve offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with miles of hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful hike or a scenic picnic spot, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve has something for everyone to enjoy.

Conejo Canyons Open Space is a breathtaking park and popular tourist attraction located at 1993 Rancho Conejo Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, California, United States. This expansive open space offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Conejo Valley, with miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic viewpoints, and diverse wildlife. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an active outdoor adventure, Conejo Canyons Open Space has something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit today and experience the beauty of this stunning park firsthand.

Big Sky Park is a sprawling oasis of natural beauty located at 2251 Lost Canyons Drive in Simi Valley, California. This popular tourist attraction boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. With its wide open spaces and tranquil atmosphere, Big Sky Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is a popular destination located at 11311 Santa Ana Road in Ventura, California. This beautiful institution offers a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. From camping and lodging options to a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Lake Casitas. The park's serene setting and stunning views of the surrounding mountains make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family or a peaceful retreat in nature, Lake Casitas Recreation Area has something for everyone.

Visit Santa Barbara is a premier tourist attraction located at 500 East Montecito Street in Santa Barbara, California, United States. The institution offers a unique experience, showcasing the stunning beauty of the California coast with its breathtaking beaches, majestic mountains, lush vineyards, and charming communities. Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of outdoor adventures, arts and culture, and indulge in the local food and wine scene. Explore the natural wonders of Santa Barbara without breaking the bank, as the institution offers a list of free activities for visitors to enjoy. From picturesque parks and gardens to scenic hiking trails, Santa Barbara provides endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

Shiloh Ranch Regional Park is a picturesque park located at 5750 Faught Road in Windsor, California. This popular tourist attraction offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 850 acres of stunning natural landscapes, including rolling hills, oak woodlands, and scenic meadows. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature photography. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the park's extensive trail system. With its tranquil setting and beautiful surroundings, Shiloh Ranch Regional Park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Old Train Trestle Bridge is a historic tourist attraction located on Pipeline Road in Santa Cruz, California, United States. Visitors can travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain while conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the forest. The steam engines at Roaring Camp date back to the 1890s and are some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America. The train departs from the Santa Cruz Mountains, traveling through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Visitors can also take a reverse roundtrip from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back on weekends.

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is a picturesque camping destination located on Davison Rd in Orick, California. Situated within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, this campground offers a unique experience surrounded by sandy beaches, open meadows, and towering coast redwood trees. Visitors can choose from campsites at Gold Bluffs Beach or Elk Prairie campground, with restrictions on trailer and motorhome sizes. While enjoying the natural beauty of the park, guests can explore 75 miles of hiking trails, a 19-mile bike loop, and scenic drives throughout the area.

Kirk Creek Campground is a picturesque oceanside paradise located in Big Sur, California. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, each campsite offers stunning views of the coastline. The campground is perfect for both tent and RV camping, with spacious sites equipped with tables, campfire rings, and grills. Vault toilets are available throughout the campground. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking on scenic trails in the Los Padres National Forest, exploring the nearby Nacimiento Road, and relaxing on the rocky beach just a short walk away. For those looking to venture further, Sand Dollar Beach, the largest sandy beach in Big Sur, is just a five-mile drive away.

The Lower Gondola Station is a popular tourist destination located at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland, California, United States. This station serves as the starting point for a scenic gondola ride that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely ride to the top of the mountain, where they can take in panoramic views of the city below. The Lower Gondola Station is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Oakland from a unique vantage point.