Visit Downieville for your next mountain biking trip

Downieville

California

Backcountry bliss and epic descents! Tackle 500 miles of legendary, rugged trails in the Sierra Nevada.

Downieville is a historic gold mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California. It's a small, remote town known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The area is popular for hiking, fishing, and exploring the rugged mountain scenery.

Downieville has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time for mountain biking is typically from late spring through fall, when the trails are dry and the weather is ideal. Be prepared for remote riding and variable conditions. It's crucial to be self-sufficient, carry necessary supplies, and check trail conditions before heading out. Local shuttle services and guides are available to help riders navigate the area.

Featured MTB Trails

Downieville is a legendary mountain biking destination, renowned for its 500 miles of epic, backcountry trails and challenging descents. The area is famous for the Downieville Downhill, a classic descent that combines technical singletrack with stunning views. The trails are generally rugged and demanding, catering to experienced riders.

  • While Downieville itself doesn't hold a specific IMBA Ride Center designation, its Downieville Downhill is an IMBA Epic trail, which signifies a high-quality, backcountry riding experience. The trail system and the town are iconic in the mountain biking world.
  • Downieville Downhill: This is the legendary ride that defines the area. It's typically shuttled and offers a 15+ mile descent with over 4,000 feet of elevation drop, starting with trails like Butcher Ranch, Pauley Creek, and Third Divide (or an alternative like Big Boulder) before finishing in Downieville. It's known for its rocky, technical sections, flowy singletrack, and beautiful river scenery.

  • Mount Elwell/Mills Peak Trail: An epic high-country ride offering stunning views and a long, challenging descent. Often involves a significant climb or shuttle.

  • North Yuba Trail: A scenic and challenging trail that follows the North Yuba River, offering technical sections and beautiful views. Can be ridden as an out-and-back or as part of longer loops.
  • Lakes Basin Recreation Area (nearby): Offers a network of scenic trails around alpine lakes, such as the Round Lake Trail, with options for various skill levels, though generally more cross-country oriented than the pure Downieville descents.

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