The Mountains surrounding Bass Lake are full of amazing opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, no matter your preference for activity. Whether you spend your time hiking, fishing, 4 wheeling, rock climbing, boating, or mountain biking, the central Sierras have you covered.
Bass Lake is a hub to some of the best mountain biking trails in central California. If you are not a local that knows every creek and fire road, you might not have realized these hidden gems surround you. The variety of trails can provide everything from a nice easy family bike ride to a white-knuckled, adrenaline-pumping downhill that will not soon be forgotten. One of the only setbacks to getting out and on these trails is the lack of prominent trail markings and maps to help you navigate them. Visitors to the area now have an invaluable resource known as Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventures to help.
Pedal Forward Bikes and Adventure, located on Highway 41 in Oakhurst, is more than just your average bike shop. They offer repair and tune-up packages to keep you ready for the trails, but they also provide something that is worth much more than the trail maps they sell, quality advice on what local trails are best for you and your experience level. Stop by or call before you plan a trip to have them recommend the best trail for you based on your riding abilities and goals.
We contacted Michael Broderick and Jorge Negrette, co-owners of Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventures, to ask a few questions about the local trails. Here are some of his answers:
Q: What is your favorite trail and why?
A: 007 First.
Why? It’s flowy enough to ride it fast but has features that keep it interesting no matter how many times you ride it. The more you ride it, the faster you get. It is also fun riding it at a slower pace.
Q: Which trail would you recommend for a beginner?
A: Technically, none of the Bass Lake singletrack trails are for beginners as they are ratted “blue.” However, Lupin-Cedar Bluff Road/Yellowjacket 7S24 is a double-track trail on Goat Mountain suitable for beginners. Newer riders can ride 007 First slowly and walk their bike in sections that are too challenging.
Q: Are any family-friendly?
A: It all depends on the age and skills of all participants. None of the trails are ideal for young children. We suggest riding Jackson road near Yosemite for families with young children. Teenagers that are used to mountain biking will love the trails but may find some of the climbs challenging.
Q: What is so special about mountain biking in the Sierra
A: There are many trails to choose from, and you can enjoy some fantastic views. Additionally, the topography dramatically changes as you climb in elevation. For example, the trail Blind Squirrel has sections where you’re riding on a granite dome.
Q: Do you recommend any special equipment, especially for tourists?
A: A good quality full suspension Mountain bike is critical if you plan to ride singletrack. Hardtail mountain bikes can be ridden on some of the trails and all of the fire roads. Gravel bikes are perfect for the fire roads.
Q: Are the tails well marked? Do you need a map?
A: Trails are not well marked with the exception of Goat Mountain. You can purchase a map from us. You can also download the Trailforks app. However, you will want to use the paid version for it to be beneficial.
Q: What is the best season to mountain bike in the Bass Lake Area?
A: You can ride year-round, but the fall is the best time of year temps are cooler, and trails can be better to ride when there has been some recent precipitation.
Click here to read about 3 Best Mountain Bike trails at Bass Lake.
ENDED: GIVEAWAY : Mountain Adventures & Getaway
Come to experience Bass Lake Mountain Bike Trails yourself. Enter our epic Mountain Adventures & Getaway Giveaway for a chance to win one of the ten (10) great prizes! Total prize value over $1,300!
MAIN PRIZE:
- Two (2) night stay for two in the Pines Chalet
- $100 dining credit for Ducey’s on the Lake
- Two (2) full-day bike rentals from Pedal Forward Bike & Adventures.
Other prizes: gift cards, coupons, logo merchandise and more…
Open from 7/20 – 7/27/2021 and the winner will be announced on 7/30/2021.
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I use to soend evry weekend and Holidays up there. I know several trails my family would ride on with our bikes & Dirt Bikes. I have also stayed at The Pines a lot of times and my family, friends, and I enjoyed our Holidays there together. I love it there , there is so much to see and do, or you could just relax and enjoy Bass Lake. 💘 It ! Debra Washburn