The Sierra Nevada has many jewels and the Historic town of Downieville is one of them.   It is a very small enclave, with a population of less then 400 people, most of which are summer vacationers.  Mountain biking is the summer sport here, and you'll find two bike shops in this gold-rush-era town.  This should give you an idea of how important mountain biking has become in this little enclave of northern California.

Downieville is hidden in a remote canyon at the confluence of the Downie River and the North Fork of the Yuba River, at an altitude of about 2,900 feet. This Historical Gold Rush Era town is surrounded by steep hills, rivers, and streams and make it an ideal spot for mountain biking. Summer months, from June to October are best for riding.  There are many trails which are highly recommended by local biking enthusiasts.

The Downieville Downhill

The area's most popular option is taking a shuttle from Downieville to Packer Saddle, then riding back along this spectacular route.  This screaming downhill begins at 7,150 feet, and you ride back down to town on a beautiful singletrack, following many streams along the way. If you are strong and up to the challenge...you can make this a loop ride.  The trail has some very technical sections, and competent intermediate riders should be able to handle it, if you don't mind walking your bike once in awhile.

There are several variations to this trail, all of which run parallel to one another. You may begin with either Butcher Ranch Trail, Pauley Creek Trail, or Big Boulder Trail. When you've reached the end of your selected route, you will then take the Second Divide or the Third Divide Trails to the dirt Lavezzola Road. You'll take that road to First Divide Trail, which takes you back to Downieville.

Chimney Rock/Empire Creek Trails

From the trailhead at the junction of Saddleback Road and Cal Ida Road, the trail climbs moderately for one mile, reaching Chimney Rock at an elevation of 6,700 feet. Chimney Rock is a huge volcanic rock, 12 feet in diameter at its base, rising straight up for approximately 25 feet. At this point, with the splendid 360-degree vista, there is no need to try to climb to the top of the rock for a better view.

The trail continues eastward, descending under a lightly forested canopy. It then starts to climb again around Needle Point and Rattlesnake Peak until it reaches the end of the Empire Creek Trail. Make a sharp right and get ready for some steep terrain as you descend the 2.5 miles into lovely Empire Creek Canyon. When you hit a dirt road, Empire Creek Road, make a left. You'll then meet up with Lavezzola Road. Follow that to the First Divide Trail, which will take you back to town.

Of course, if you are ready to race...then there is the DOWNIEVILLE CLASSIC MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE and FESTIVAL.  http://www.downievilleclassic.com/

Downieville, CA