The Bass Lake area has plenty of mountain bike trails to choose from, depending on your skill level. These three are a good place to start.
First is the easy to intermediate mountain bike trail Goat Mountain. Next is the more advanced and popular trail 007. Lastly is an advanced trail that is a bit more off the beaten path known as Mary Jane.
Keep in mind; these mountain bike trails might require slightly different bikes. For Goat Mountain, which is a 4+ mile round-trip that leads to a spectacular view of Bass Lake and the surrounding mountains, your typical hard tail mountain bike will suffice. But, for the popular 007 Trail or the Mary Jane Trail, you should opt for a full-suspension bike. If road biking is more your style then consider taking a ride along the north shore road (Rd 432), out of the Pines Resort parking lot, and swinging left around the south shore road (Rd 222) all the way to the dam and back. It is 8 miles to the dam so an excellent 16-mile round trip.
Here are three local favorites of varying difficulties, courtesy of Pedal Forward Bikes.
Goat Mountain – Lookout Road
This trail is 3 miles long and rated as easy so be sure to bring along the whole family. The trail ends at the Goat Mountain Fire Tower with great views of the surrounding landscape. This is a fireroad that has a long and steady climb to the top of the lookout so be prepared for the challenging uphill. The good news is it’s all downhill on the way back. There is only one trail intersection about half way up so keep to the right if you want to make it to the Lookout. Taking a left at the intersection will provide several trail options for different skill levels. Consider trying one of them on your way down for a change of pace. You can find maps and descriptions for them at pedalforwardbikes.com. Goat Mountain “ninja” or Spring Cove Trail.
Directions from the Pines: Take the lower road out of the pines village parking lot (Rd 432) until you reach the end of the lake then take a left and swing back along the south shore(Rd 222). Take a right at the Forks resort onto Rd 426 then a left when you reach the stop sign at the top of the hill. After about a mile when you pass the fire station and Hidden Meadows Road, you’ll find a fire road on your left. There is a green gate where the trail begins.
007 first
This iconic trail is made up of several sections with varying degrees of difficulty. For our purposes we will only be covering the first 2 mile section that starts at the first crossing of Central Camp Road and ends just shy of the intersection of Central Camp and Rd 274. This section of 007 is only a moderately difficult trail but still has a few technical areas of rock gardens and a rut at the bottom where caution will be needed to navigate. 007 is a classic downhill single track trail with an exhilarating descent that will not be soon forgotten. Be sure to check out pedalforwardbikes.com for maps and descriptions for the rest of 007.
Directions from the Pines: Take a right on the upper road(Rd 274) and follow it until the end of the lake. A dirt parking area will be on your right, directly across from Central Camp Road. Ride your bikes up Central Camp Road roughly two and a half miles until you see the trail on your left.
Mary Jane
This trail is 2 miles in length but can easily be made into a 12 mile loop by combining it with the Willow Creek trail and several fire roads. Mary Jane is a very technical trail with sections on an open rock face that should only be attempted by an experienced mountain biker. The trail begins from Moon Rock or from fire road 6S88. The trail has several excellent features such as drops, bowls, and rolls with amazing views of Bass Lake. It changes from open rock slab into a forrest trail with plenty of fun along the way. It ends at the Willow Creek fire road 7S82 which you can take back down to the lake or go down and cross the creek to catch up the the very technical Willow Creek trail. More maps and information can be found at pedalforwardbikes.com.
Directions from the Pines: Take a left on the upper road(Rd 274) past the government center to the top of the next hill (Chepo Saddle). On the right there is a dirt pull out and a gate that depending on the time of year might be shut. If it is open, the fire road(6S13) will require a vehicle with 4 wheel drive and a bit of clearance. Take the road(6S13) to the end and then a right on 6S11. Follow until it turns into 6S88 and look for a spur road on the right 6S88D to Moon Rock.
Mountain Biking in Yosemite
Off road biking is not permitted in the park. Bicycles are only allowed on paved roads and about 12 miles of the multi-use recreational path within Yosemite Valley. That means no cycling off-road or on the hiking trails.
There is so much to be seen in the Yosemite-Bass Lake area. From bike-able trails to family-friendly events, you’ll always have something to do. Visit www.basslake.com to stay updated on upcoming events and room availability.
Find out why Bass Lake is a perfect hub for mountain biking. click here
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