We kicked off summer with a strike mission to the Sierra near Yosemite. Hans Rey and the Laguna Rads sampled some of the best riding the west side of the Sierra has to offer. Granite rocks, loamy forests, and chunky enduro style trails gave us a whole range of conditions native to California riding.
Riding is thriving in the Yosemite area despite being banned in the park itself. In the national park, biking is limited to paved areas only, but nearby public lands offer some of the best terrain on the planet.
Yosemite is famous for granite peaks but just outside the national park you can also find plenty of rock. Photo credit: Tony Zentil
Popular mountain biking areas include:
Sierra National Forest: Offers miles of trails with varying levels of difficulty, perfect for both casual riders and seasoned bikers.
Bass Lake: Just south of Yosemite, this area is known for its scenic lake views and forested trails.
Shaver Lake: Nearby China Peak has some lift service DH and Enduro trails but these days the most prized trails are outside the bike park.
Mammoth Mountain: A premier destination for mountain biking with extensive downhill trails and a bike park.
An example of mountain bike accessible granite near Bass Lake. Photo Credit: Tony Zentil
Want to give this adventure a go? Here are some resources you will need.
Reference Bass Lake on Trailforks for GPS – https://www.trailforks.com/
Talk to the owners / riders at Pedal Forward Bike Shop in Oakhurst about the best way to arrange shuttles – https://pedalforwardbikes.com/
Learn more about the area – https://www.yosemitegateways.com/
Help with trail maintenance / building – donate now! https://southgatetrails.org/
Essential tools by Fix Manufacturing for your next adventure
Got a weekend ride trip planned this summer? Be sure to pack an Eflator™ Mini for those longer backcountry rides. Keep a MTB Field Kit™ stashed in your vehicle or at camp to get your bike prepped. Carry a Wheelie Wrench™ Pro / Dynaplug® Edition on the trail for repairs and tire punctures.
