![]() The River of Skulls trail winds through riparian forest along the lower Calaveras River. The tallest trees bear the spring nests of Swainson's hawks. Riverside willows, blackberries, and wild grapes give way to an oak-studded savannah, areas favored by black-tailed deer, Nutthall's woodpeckers, and western bluebirds. River otters, beavers, and muskrats swim in cattail-lined sloughs, passing green herons and wood ducks. Long-billed curlews and other shorebirds forage in pastures and wetlands. A trail passes a young, restored riparian forest, then moves to reconstructed marshes that attract wintering tundra swans, sandhill cranes, and scores of ducks. Parking after Salt Springs Reservoir, along the road.California's largest stand of valley oak riparian forest borders the largest undammed river. With 23C road tires, you may feel a bit beat up afterward. If you can set yourself up with 28C (1 1/8″) or wider tires, you’ll be fine. It’s a lovely ride with varied terrain, great scenery, and very little traffic, but the pavement is very rough. The Salt Spring loop is as well known as any bike ride in the foothills partly or maybe mostly due to its use for the Copperopolis Road Race in the early spring. There is very little traffic and beautiful views of Sierras. The hill climbs out are challenging but, the ride back is much easier. South Hogan Road, Hogan Dam Reservoirīelow the Hogan Dam and across Calaveras River is a six-mile out and back rolling quiet rural road. Gwin Mine Road, PalomaĪ three-mile downhill ride to Middle Bar Road and a hilly bike ride back. This is my go-to bike road to teach grandchildren to ride a bike. Turn around at Escalon Belotta Road Berkesey Lane, Rancho CalaverasĪbsolutely the best two-mile road to learn how to ride a bike. Parking is along fence lines just off Highway 26. My wife and I used this road to practice and prepare for bike tours in Europe and Asia. My favorite ten-mile flat road and with expansive views of Sierras. Parking at Wrinkle Cove Sheldon Road, West of Valley Springs Light traffic, watch for deer during fall and summer. The road is mostly flat with several short rolling hills. Wrinkle Cove to Lime Creek, Valley Springsįive miles out and back to practice road bike riding skills. Acorn Campground to Observation Point is a must family ride. There’s intermittent to no shade so hike or bike either in the early mornings. The wide trail provides easy access to the Wrinkle Cove area, Fiddleneck area, Acorn Campground, and Oak Knoll Campground, and eventually ends at the Coyote Point Trail just north of Coyote Point. From there it travels above the water on crushed gravel and a number of interconnecting sections of road. Hogan Dam Cameron Trail, New Hogan LakeĪ multi-use trail starts at a small parking area north of the park headquarters. The routes start at Hogan Dam and wind around the Tri-Dam Lakes. See The three route options are available on this website, 25, 45, and 75. Ride, Explore, and Dine in Valley Springs Great Bike Rides to Support Arts EducationĮach spring Valley Springs holds an arts education fundraiser for Calaveras County K-12 public schools. Below are suggestions for great bike rides in and around Valley Springs, in the Sierras. We will periodically repost information from our bicycle tourism website. ![]() Visit for more on CalBike’s project to connect you with great bicycle tourism opportunities. California’s Central Valley and Sierras have great bike rides that will give you a welcome break from daily life. While travel options are restricted by the pandemic, there’s one way to get away, experience California, and stay COVID-safe: bicycle tourism. If you’re experiencing cabin fever right now, you’re not alone.
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