Portola, CA • Lost Sierra
A singletrack loop around Beckwourth Peak, right next door to High Camp
Distance
14.9 mi
Elevation Gain
1,843 ft
Surface
91% dirt
Difficulty
Mostly green, some blue
Ride Time
About 2.5 hrs (est.)
Best Months
Mar–Jun, Sept–Oct
The Beckwourth Peak Trail is a non-technical, cross-country singletrack trail with stunning views of the Sierra Valley and the many peaks and ridges of the Lost Sierra. The trail is mostly green with some blue sections. There is plenty of climbing, but it's enjoyable for anyone with a decent level of fitness.
It starts in town at Portola City Park, climbs to the shoulder of Beckwourth Peak, loops the peak, and then rewards you with a fun descent back to town. Ride it on a mountain bike or hike it; either way, you'll share the trail with very little traffic.
14.9 miles from Portola City Park, with 1,843 feet of climbing. Tap the map to explore, or send the route to your GPS.
Start by riding into the city park and hopping on the trail just above the pump track. The singletrack takes you around the ball fields and into the woods, then crosses a dirt road. The long climb up the mountain starts on the other side of that road.
The climb runs about 7 miles. There are some short, punchy pitches, but overall the trail is well designed, with switchbacks that keep the grade reasonable. Around mile 7 you'll reach the trail's signature feature: a rock tunnel you ride straight through.
The loop around the peak is best ridden counter-clockwise. On the north side of the mountain, as you get close to finishing the loop (around mile 10), there's a short rock garden. It's rideable, but novice riders will walk it. Fortunately, it's very short.
From there, enjoy the downhill back to town. It's a two-way trail, so check your speed and watch for riders climbing on your way down.
The trailhead is at Portola City Park (Third Avenue and South Gulling Avenue). There's plenty of parking right in front of the park, with a bathroom and drinking fountain nearby.
The best place for a post-ride beer is just around the corner at Box Car Taphouse.
The best months to ride are March through June, and then September and October. July and August are good too, but bring extra water, start in the morning, and get the climbing done before the temperatures rise into the upper 80s.
The mountain is named after James Beckwourth, an African American explorer, born into slavery, who scouted and created a wagon route across the Sierra. Long before that, the Mountain Maidu lived in this area for over 3,000 years.
Stay Next to the Trail
Beckwourth Peak High Camp is an off-grid glamping property right next to the Beckwourth Peak Trail. Ride straight from your cabin or yurt to the trail, then come back to a hot shower and big, dark night skies.
Choose from the North Cabin, South Cabin, The Yurt, or the Campsite, or book the whole property for your crew. Open May through October.
At a Glance
