The Best Electric Bike Trails in California

kyle

Owner at - EbikeWizard

I am excited to be able to help people get by with their ebike journey. Here at ebikewizard.com, I share my expertise and over a decade of experience riding, testing, and troubleshooting ebikes of all kinds.

If you have an electric mountain bike and you want to capitalize on it fully by using it for adventurous trail riding, you are lucky if you are in the United States. There is no shortage of stunning cityscapes and fascinating landscapes in the country, which can be regarded as a paradise for cyclists. If we narrow down our location scope, however, California is a state that has some of the best electric bike trails in the region. The sunny and warm climatic conditions of the Golden State are a bonus that makes practicing the sport of cycling a highly enjoyable endeavor.

To make sure that your two-wheel trip in California is memorable, you have many trail options where you can paddle or electrically power your rides. From trails that take you through breathtaking nature to awe-inspiring routes that run along the ocean, California is not modest in its trail offerings to electric cyclists. It is your call whether you want to go for an environment that you prefer over others or take turns to enjoy the provisions of them all.

Here are some of the best electric bike trails in California that are sure not to disappoint you.

Hammond Trail, McKinleyville

5.5 miles in length, the Hammond Trail runs along the coastline of Northern California. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from a number of points on the trail. Furthermore, the trail allows you to encounter some beautiful flocks of different bird species, and the marine wildlife you will get to see is aplenty. There is history, as well as adventure along the route that mountain bike owners or trail cyclists usually crave. The only problem that you are likely to encounter while cycling along the trail is that your phone’s battery would be too low to be able to capture the stills of all the things you would feel like capturing.

West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

The shortest trail on this list but generous in its offerings, West Cliff Drive, runs along the coast of Santa Cruz. You will get to see seat otters from up close regardless of the month you choose to take the trip and whales in migration during spring. The lighthouse at Streamer Lane is a major point of fascination on the trail, and so is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is one of the most classic seaside parks in California. If you are a fan of watching surfers battling huge waves, the trail is definitely for you and your mountain bike.

The Strand, Los Angeles

Make sure you have enough stamina and strength in-store if you plan to cycle through The Strand in one go, as it is one of the longest electric bike trails in the state. It spans from one beach to another and enables you to experience the true spirit of Los Angeles. Usually crowded on the weekends, the trail has several different-purpose shops and eateries along with it that you can use to regain your strength.

The neighborhoods you will ride across during your 22-mile endeavor are emblematic and full-of-life. The fusion of so many colors is welcomed by the eyes of the e-bike riders, and watching people playing volleyball on iconic beach courts is refreshing. The Strand is also referred to as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.

Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, Lassen County

Taking a brake (pun intended) from coasts, BJNRT (the abbreviation is not official) is a route that takes electric bike riders through a splendid pine forest. Three tunnels, 12 bridges, a train depot, and the Susan River Canyon add to the amazing experience the trail offers. Make sure your mountain bike is able to handle gravel and dirt, as that is what makes up most of the terrain of the trail. As an added tip, try to take it on in Autumn as the scenery is embellished with some great colors during the season. Also, it is a 25-mile trail that is not easy to return from before you reach its end, so do not forget to take water and snacks along with you.

MacKerricher State Park, Mendocino County

Surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in the whole of California, the trail follows the famous ‘Haul Road.’ Almost halfway through the 10-mile route is the rail bridge that is a great spot for seal-watching.

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, Monterey County

It is inarguably one of the best electric bike trails in the state, with its wonderful natural views. It takes you along several parks, fishing piers, marinas, and sandy beaches and offers whales and sea lion-watching. The trail’s popularity gives the e-bike riders a company of walkers, skaters, and other electric bike riders along the whole 18-mile route. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf are two of the most popular spots the trail entails.

Rincon Bike Trail, Ventura County

Connecting two towns, the Rincon Bike Trail is another one of the best electric bike trails in California. It starts at the parking lot of Rincon State Park and takes you along into the town of Ventura. Some highlights of the trail are dolphins, surf breaks, and the Highway (it has a wide, marked lane for bikes). Although the route is only slightly longer than 10 miles, so a mountain bike with carriage support is a good option for this trail as carrying some snacks, liquids, and essentials with you is a good idea due to the lack of availability of any shops along the path.

Joe Rodota Bike Trail, Santa Rosa

Connecting Sebastopol with Santa Rosa, the whole route is flat terrain, and any electric bike can easily handle its 8.5 miles length. The route being paved is a good thing as the surrounding beauty makes it hard for e-bike riders to focus on their riding. While following the trail, you will come across several different species of animals across its wetlands and an abandoned railway line. The route also takes you across three trestle bridges that offer breathtaking sightseeing.

Bayshore Bikeway, San Diego

The best time to take on Bayshore Bikeway in San Diego, which is one of the best electric bike trails in the city, is late afternoon as the trail makes the view of the sunset look unreal. The 17-mile route takes you along several naval bases and downtown San Diego which has spots that are rich in beauty.

American River Trail, Sacramento

By far the longest and one of the best electric bike trails on this list, the American River Trail in Sacramento is no less than a heaven on earth for electric bike riders. It makes the e-bike owners that choose to take it on pass through several swimming spots, parks, and extraordinarily beautiful lakes. You will come across several water fountains along the trail as well. Its total length is 32 miles which can be extended to 44 miles if you decide to ride around Lake Natoma.

Some of the best mountain bikes to take on these best electric bike trails are: