Mountain Biking Near Sacramento

For mountain bikers in the know, El Dorado County is a hidden gem. Miles of singletrack throughout the region means adventure, fun, and fantastic views for newbie and expert riders alike.

Explore the most popular mountain biking near Sacramento with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.

Avid mountain bikers know the area near Placerville in El Dorado County is a great place to be for fun trails and fantastic views. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced biker there’s a trail to suit your skill level.Put on your helmet and hop on that bike, we’re going on a ride to check out five awesome mountain bike trails near Placerville.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride

If you’re in the mood for adventure and have some experience mountain biking, then put Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride on your list. The name doesn’t lie, with 2 to 3 foot high drops, you can expect one intense ride. It’s one of the most well-known advanced rides around Lake Tahoe. The single-track trail descends for about five miles on rocky terrain. If that wasn’t extreme enough, there is also a section of stairs that is meant only for the most advanced biker. Although the trail is near Lake Tahoe, don’t expect to see great views of it from here. But, you will see picturesque rock drops as well as some conifer trees.

Powerline Trail runs along the eastern city limits of South Lake Tahoe through the El Dorado National Forest in a north-south direction. From the trailhead at the end of Saddle Rd., head directly south towards the ski area on the left as the trail follows the base of the hill. Heading more west brings you to the Under Power Line Variation to Powerline Trail closer to the houses.

The Fleming Meadow Loop in the Eldorado National Forest is one of the best marked and maintained trails I’ve come across in a national forest. When you hike Trail 8, you will come across many junctions with roads and other trails, but Trail 8 is marked so it is easy to follow. This trail is taken advantage of by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrian riders and the locals who know its secret. Watch where you step though, as horse apples are here and there.