Angels Camp, CA…Whether you are looking for a nice easy bike ride, a heart pumping mountain bike trail, or a challenging bike race, Calaveras offers diverse trails and some of the best racing events. Combined with mild temperatures, lush green countryside, and wildflowers bursting with color, Calaveras in the springtime is a great time to ride.  Everything you need to ride is right here in Calaveras. Read on for scenic racing events, leisurely routes, breathtaking mountain bike trails, and the right folks to talk to about biking in Calaveras.

Get Riding – Bike Rentals & Gear

• Bear Valley Adventure Company – Bear Valley, CA
• Bear Valley Bicycles – Arnold, CA
• Mountain Aloha MTB Co. – Avery, CA
• Mountain Pedaler – Angels Camp, CA

Have Fun at one of Calaveras’ Cycling Events

February 23, 2025 – Copper Valley Circuit Race

The Copperopolis Road Race is a Velo Promo bicycle race. The circuit is just under 21 miles long, begins in Milton at its westernmost point, and winds around Salt Springs Valley Reservoir near Copperopolis on its easternmost point.

This California classic is known as the Paris-Roubaix of California. Depending on your category, the race is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 circuits. The scenery is gorgeous, but the roads are rough. Be sure to have everything tightened on your bike, and you’ll want thick tires.

July 12, 2025 – Death Ride

Challenge yourself to the premier cycling event in California – the 2024 Tour of the California Alps Death Ride.  This ride is sure to challenge you, inspire you, and leave you wanting more. Starting in Markleeville, CA, you’ll ride over 103 miles with six HZC climbs up to 14,000′ in elevation while enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Located in the stunning California Alps, the Tour of the California Alps – Death Ride® course covers the traditional five mountain passes. Climbs include both sides of Monitor Pass (Hwy 89), both sides of Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) and both sides of the Pacific Grade (Hwy 4). Packet pickup and the start and finish line festivals all take place at Turtle Rock Park, just north of Markleeville. Route and event details can be found at www.deathride.com.

Mountain Biking – Next Level Adventure

Mountain biking at New Melones I Courtesy of Instagrammer @_mikeywright_

If mountain biking is your thing, Calaveras does not disappoint.  Choose from alpine biking, Sierra trails, and lake trails to that dose of adrenaline pumping.   Watch this video mountain biking in Bear Valley to get a little taste of the divine…

Skyline Bear Valley Resort

Mountain Biking Bear Valley Mountain Resort

The resort opened two mountain biking trails, both accessible by a highspeed chair lift recently outfitted with bike carriers. More than four miles of trails integrate berms, bank turns, tabletops, and other features mountain bikers expect on a proper biking trail. The new trails integrate the existing trails throughout Bear Valley and create a complete loop between the Bear Valley Lodge and the Village.  “The Central Sierras are an up-and-coming mountain biking scene, every weekend we see more and more bikers in the valley; our new lift access trails give enthusiasts a fuller experience.,” commented Tim Schimke, director of operations at the resort.  Also opening is a skills park for people to hone their abilities before heading up the mountain.  High-end equipment, including Norco mountain bikes and e-bikes are available to rent, on a first-come-serve basis. The trails on the Bear Valley eastern slope operate on a year-round special use permit from the Stanislaus National Forest Service and require a lift ticket to access.  Tickets can be purchased at the resort. For more information visit www.bearvalley.com/mountain-biking.

Arnold Rim Trail

Photo courtesy the Arnold Trail Association

Mtbproject.com says, “While I highly recommend this ride, the climbs from either direction to Manuel Peak are face-punchers. Out from the Museum @ about 3.5 miles you’ll hit ‘The Beast’: +500ft in 1/4 mile and HAB for most. Not as bad in the other direction.” The Arnold Rim Trail (ART) is a unique trail system at mid-elevation in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains. A non-motorized trail system designed for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, it connects the many wonders of public lands along the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway stretch of Hwy 4 to its communities, creating a high level of access for its residents and visitors. You’ll discover breathtaking vistas with panoramic views stretching from Mt. Diablo in the East Bay Area to snowy Mt. Lyell on the high eastern slopes of the Sierras near Yosemite, then dive down into canyons with streams coursing through the shade of older growth forests of cedar, pine, fir and oak. High rocky promontories, native acorn grinding rocks, a magnificent waterfall, many birds and wildlife of all kinds, and a lake lie along its current completed section in the part of the Stanislaus National Forest known as the Interface.

New Hogan Reservoir – Coyote Point Trail

New Hogan Bike Route I Courtesy of Instagrammer @will_on_2_wheels

Mtbproject.com describes the trail as “The trail is relatively flat with a mix of narrow rocky single track followed by some narrow smooth single track. Trail has a great flow with even mix of uphills and downhills, trail is very narrow in places adding to the sensation of riding through a tunnel of brush (great on the downhills).” In the spring, this is a great trail will ride through the California poppies, lupine, and other Calaveras wildflowers in perfect temps typically ranging 70 to 80 degrees.

Waranerosa Bike Park in Murphys – Bring the whole family!

Waranerosa offers 40 miles of unique private mountain bike trails in Murphys, CA. Experience Waranerosa mountain retreat’s private guided mountain bike tour from owners, Dustin and Kim Waraner. The morning starts with a 2-3 hour mountain bike adventure through 80 acres of private mountain biking trails. Enjoy nature’s beauty and magnificent views during this unique behind-the-scenes experience with expert guides to teach, advise, and share their private outdoor passion with like minded enthusiasts.

Watch this video of the fun they are having at Waranerosa!

Want to spend the night?! Click here to see their vacation rentals at the mountain retreat!

Calaveras Cycling Club – Motherlode Bicycling Coalition

Social Bike Ride in Milton, CA I Courtesy of Instagrammer @power2theshe

Looking for some casual cycling fun? Join the Motherlode Bicycling Coalition to get social while enjoying bike rides in Calaveras County year round. Whether a first time visitor to the region, or well experienced with Calaveras’ most enjoyable cycling routes, you’ll love connecting with this free bicycle organization. Offering warm and laid back social rides for cycling enthusiasts in some of Calaveras’ most beautiful cycling destinations, get the inside scoop on Calaveras’ cycling enthusiast scene with the people who know Calaveras bike routes the best!

Frogtown Classic BMX Days

Frogtown Classic BMX 2022

Do you enjoy BMX races? You can compete or just watch the fun at Frogtown Classic BMX Days on September 12-14, 2025 at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds (Home of World Famous Jumping Frog Jubilee). Celebrating its 5th year in 2025, the multi-day, classic, vintage BMX festival showcases the dirt bikes, legendary racers, and the famous United Bicycle Racers downhill track. The three day event brings together both old-school style and modern BMX racing, a bike show, swap meet, vendors, and more! Get together with other BMX history enthusiasts for tons of biking fun!

If you can stay a few days, check out Calaveras lodging options here, and we look forward to seeing you soon!