Mountain
FAT TIRE RIDES (BURNEY AREA)
Burney area is noted for its mountain biking with hundreds of miles on United States Forest Service roads in Lassen National Forest and Modoc National Forest. Forest Service maps are recommended for all off-road, backwoods bicycling. The most prominent peak is Burney Mountain, reportedly a challenging 24 mile, 4,642-foot climb to the summit. Google map recommends accessing McElroy Road, five miles south of Hat Creek on Highway 89, a Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway leading to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
CYCLE SISKIYOU (COUNTY)
Northern California’s Siskiyou County mapped 600 miles on 25 paved routes throughout the county. Mountain biking routes include 16 trails and 21 unpaved US Forest Service roads totaling over 500 miles. “Routes are designed for short day trips others are extended loops for multi-day adventures,” according to a promotional brochure with identified routes. The publication is available at state and local tourism centers and Siskiyou County businesses.
A specific route map and legend are available at www.CycleSiskiyou.com
Numerous road rides are mapped by Siskiyou Century (Yreka) at www.sisikyoucentury.com and Castle Crags Century (Mt. Shasta City) at www.castlecragscentury.com.
GREAT SHASTA RAIL TRAIL
The newest entry into off-road bicycling is Great Shasta Rail Trail (GSRT) the red cinder, former railbed from Burney to Pilgrim Creek, near McCloud. The trail is restricted to non-motorized recreation - bicycling, running, walking, snow-shoeing and cross country skiing in winter and equestrian rides. Thirty-seven miles of the trail are open, primarily on the northern line. Six miles east of McCloud, access the trail at Esperanza Road and ride over rolling terrain 12.6 miles to Bartle, a former bustling community. Heading further east, the mountain biker makes a left turn and begins an uphill climb to Hambone, 13.3 miles. Winter storms washed out trail sections between Clark Creek Road and Highway 89 near Bartle. Planned for opening in 2017, the trail remains closed indefinitely, pending culvert replacement and trail repairs. Sections are extremely hazardous. On the southern end, the trail is open north of Burney to Lake Britton Bridge, featured in the 1986 movie “Stand By Me.” Trail access is about 2.1 miles from the intersection of Black Ranch Road and Highway 299. When riding off road on Forest Service property and GSRT, prepare for wilderness conditions. Carry extra food and water and pack out all trash. Food and water is available in local communities. Near GSRT, Bartle Café hours are seasonal.
Wide tired bicycles are recommended for GSRT
Our Favorite Rides
More Coming Soon!
Difficulty Rating System
Easiest
Intermediate
Challenging
Great Shasta Rail Trail- Black Ranch Rd. to "Stand by Me" Bridge