Ride the sublime trails that seem endless, climbing from rivers to peaks, and snaking invisibly through trees. Ride for hours in places that are truly “quiet” and “empty”. This is a rare fortune, possibly worth more than any gold taken from these hills.
Lavezzola Road in Downieville provides access to moderate to very technical mountain bike trails. This nationally recognized trail system has been featured in mountain biking magazines as having some of the best and most scenic trails in the world. In Downieville, ride the North Yuba Trail with Halls Ranch and Fiddle Creek Ridge, the Downie River Trail and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Divide trails.
The world-famous Downieville Classic is an annual bike race event weekend not to be missed, if you can find a place to stay...
The biking trails that Downieville is famous for originate on the Sierra Buttes (get started on Packer Saddle!), and the world famous Downieville Classic starts in Sierra City. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) winds itself across Haypress Creek, and then emerges at the Yuba River at Loves Falls. These waterfalls are spectacular and an easy walk from Hwy 49. The PCT crosses Hwy 49 just north-east of Sierra City, and then climbs in a series of switchbacks across the southwest face of the Buttes right above town. Sierra City is a popular stop-over for weary PCT hikers, to stock up on provisions, do laundry, and for some, get a comfortable night’s sleep in a bed. The Wild Plum Loop Trail starts near the Wild Plum campground and meanders alongside Haypress Creek through riparian hardwood communities that provide a rich birding experience.
The Pliocene Ridge provides for some amazing mountain biking as well. Most of the country around the towns in this area is quite rugged and undeveloped with few groomed trails. But the historic Henness Pass Road provides for biking for the adventurous.
