California Hiking and Biking in Calaveras CountySome of the best California mountain and road biking can be found in Calaveras County. Easy flat terrain to steeper more challenging mountain bike trails are available for mountain bikers of all experience levels. Scenic California hiking – from easy day hikes to backpacking excursions can also be found in Calaveras County. Within Stanislaus National Forest and Calaveras Big Trees State Park are numerous campgrounds, easily accessible for hikers and backpackers.  Trail maps are available at the Calaveras Visitors Center in Angels Camp or you may view them here.

Angels Camp to San Andreas Bike Ride

Length: 16 miles
Surface: Asphalt
Climbing: Approximately 600 feet, return is 1600 feet
Road or Mountain Bike

Start: Go 10 miles down Dogtown Road to Fricot City Road. Go about 200 yards to Calaveritas Road. Turn left and go about 6 miles to San Andreas. Turn left onto Mountain Ranch Road to downtown to San Andreas, about ½ mile.

Highlights: Very low traffic, historic mining towns of Dogtown, Calaveritas and San Andreas. Visit the county’s museum and check out historic San Andreas.


Bear Valley Adventure Company

209-753-2834
#1 Bear Valley Road. P O Box 5120
Bear Valley 95223
bearvalleyxc.com

Flatwater kayak and mountain bike rentals, lessons and sales, fishing supplies and bait, gas, mini mart, maps and information.


Get On Your MARK Cycling Adventures

Wine/ Bike Tours, Training Camps and Clinics
Murphys
209- 890-6244
getonyourmark.com

Come ride with us!  Gold Country cycling excursions from novice to expert.  Tours include vineyard lunches, wine tasting and gourmet dining.  Improve your cycling skills with training plans, climbing camps and cycling clinics in the Sierras.


Glory Hole Recreation Area

Length: Road Bike – 8 miles of low traffic roads
Mountain Bike – 18 miles of single track, 4 connecting loops: Carson, Frontier, Buckbrush and Angels Arm
Surface: Road bike – smooth asphalt Mountain bike – all dirt
Climbing: Lowest to highest, about 340 feet
Start: Road bike – Glory Hole Sporting Goods Market
Mountain bike – various parking lots – look for the trailhead

Highlights: Scenic, wildlife, exercise and endurance


Mountain Pedaler

209-736-0771
352 S. Main St.
Angels Camp 95221

Full range of bicycles, clothing and accessories as well as custom-made bikes. Excellent sales and repair shop staff. Stop by and we’ll fit you with the perfect bike. Local trail maps and rides available.


Murphys Winery Bike Tour

Length: ¼ to 14 miles Surface: Asphalt
Climbing: Zero to 800 feet
Start: Murphys Park

Head West on Algiers to Main Street. Be sure to stop by Malvadino and Zucca Mountain Tasting rooms. Take a left onto Main Street and head over to Black Sheep Winery. From there, go back South on Main and hit Twisted Oak Winery, Milliaire, Domaine Becquet and French Hill. You may also stop at the Stevenot Tasting Room downtown, but if you’re more ambitious, head west on Sheep Ranch Road. You’ll do a little climbing on this scenic route into San Domingo Valley where Stevenot Winery is nestled in the canyon. As you head into the canyon, just remember you’ll be climbing back out!

From Murphys Park, you may want to head south on Algiers and then take a left onto Six Mile Road. Go about 1 mile to Ironstone Vineyards. It’s just a slight climb and evens out at the top. Grab lunch at their fabulous deli! Upon leaving you can either take the easy ride back into Murphys or extend your ride: Coming out of the Ironstone parking lot go right. The asphalt will soon turn to gravel. Meander down this pretty road and you will soon overlook Gerber Vineyards. Stop at the quaint tasting room and learn about Laraine Wines. Continue on Six mile Road and make a left onto Highway 4. Ride the highway back to Murphys, but don’t miss Chatom Vineyards in Douglas Flat – it’s right on the way!

Highlights: History, Food, Wine and Spectacular Scenery.


Natural Bridges Hike

This beautiful two-mile round trip hike will lead you to spectacular limestone caverns that have been carved out by Coyote Creek. Getting There: Highway 4 to Parrots Ferry Road. Go about 4 miles and park at the marked trail head.


The Big Loop

Angels Camp to Murphys and back to Angels Camp.

Length: 20 miles
Surface: 90% Asphalt; 10% Graded Dirt
Climbing: Approximately 1600 feet
Road or Mountain Bike

Start: Dogtown Road in Angels Camp. Go about 6 miles to San Domingo Road. Follow San Domingo Road to Sheep Ranch Road, about 4 miles. Turn Right onto Sheep Ranch and you’ll climb into Murphys. You may return to Angels Camp via Murphys Grade Road by taking a right or take a left and return to Angels Camp via Highway 4 (this is the safer alternative).

Highlights: Rural route so very low traffic, Stevenot Winery, Mercer Caverns, Historic downtown Murphys, beautiful scenery and photo ops.



Calaveras Visitors Bureau
Post Office Box 637, 1192 South Main St. Angels Camp, CA 95222
Telephone: 209-736-0049 Toll-free: 1-800-225-3764
Email: info@gocalaveras.com

Website design: Gower Communications