Lake County Mountain Biking

February 18, 2020

Spring Means Mountain Biking Season in Lake County

Gear up for green hills, wildflowers, and epic views on your Lake County mountain bike adventure. Spring means clear skies and mellow temps, and it’s a great time to get out and ride. Road bikers know the calf burning climbs of Wine Country, but we’re a mountain biking mecca too. Check out this guide to our favorite trails.Main Street BicyclesIf you find a few bumps in the road on your Northern California bike trip, swing by Main Street Bicycles in Lakeport for last-minute gear needs and on-the-go repair. Don’t forget to chat up the knowledgeable staff about route recommendations and current trail conditions while you’re there. Lake County is home to several zones for mountain biking and more trails are being added every day. Here’s a  breakdown of the most established and easy to access areas.

Mountain bike on Boggs Mountain
Boggs Mountain

Boggs Mountain

Steep public lands with ongoing restoration and trail improvements

A local favorite, Boggs Mountain is part of an ongoing restoration project. CalFire crews are monitoring wildlife and planting trees, and community volunteers are building new trails on the park’s rugged slopes. Currently, Gail’s Trail is open from the parking lot to the campground. While not yet open for overnight visitors, it’s a steep out and back with an opportunity for a picnic lunch. Big things are in the works for Boggs with reboots of other favorites like the Crew, Barry’s, Scout, and Mac’s trails. Boggs Mountain is multi-use public land, so keep an eye out for hikers, dogs, and equestrians.

Highland Springs Recreation Area
Highland Springs Recreation Area

Highland Springs

Year-round gravel road and seasonal single track access near Kelseyville

A network of trails surrounds Highland Spring Reservoir just outside of Kelseyville. With plenty of intermediate routes and easy access from Lakeport and Clear Lake, it’s one of the county’s most approachable mountain biking areas. To prevent erosion, most trails are closed to bikes and horses during the rainy season and open up when the local community group gives the all-clear. Bikes are permitted year-round on the broad gravel Old Toll Road.

Six Sigma Ranch bikes
Six Sigma Ranch

Six Sigma Ranch

Low traffic intermediate trails at a picturesque Lower Lake winery

When the local high school mountain bike team wanted to build a course at Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, it was a no brainer. The teens put in a little sweat equity, and now have a place to compete and practice. Winery visitors win big too with a chance to explore the property on a bike before celebrating with a post-ride toast. Six Sigma’s trails are only open to wine club members and those who’ve purchased a pass, so chances are, you’ll have the place entirely to yourself. After all that shredding, you’ve certainly earned a drink. Cheers!