The best MTB trails around Occidental

There are over a dozen mountain bike trails documented around Occidental on komoot, offering a variety of routes for different skill levels.

The mountain bike trails around Occidental are primarily suited for experienced riders, with 10 routes rated as moderate and 3 as difficult. The terrain features significant elevation changes and challenging sections.

The trails around Occidental are generally geared towards moderate to advanced riders, with no routes specifically classified as easy. Beginners might find the elevation changes and technical sections challenging.

You can expect diverse terrain characterized by rolling hills, dense woodlands, and fire roads. The routes often feature significant elevation gains, providing both challenging ascents and rewarding descents through forested areas and open spaces.

While specific viewpoints are not always highlighted, many trails traverse open spaces and rolling hills, offering glimpses of the surrounding natural landscape. The varied terrain through dense woodlands and over elevated sections often provides scenic riding experiences.

The komoot community rates the mountain bike trails around Occidental highly, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the challenge of the elevation changes, and the experience of riding through dense woodlands and fire roads.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Occidental are designed as loops. For example, you can try the El Mariachi Cafe – Lower Old Barn Trail loop from Occidental or the Willow Creek Fire Road loop from Campsite 4, both offering varied terrain and scenic rides.

The longest mountain bike trail available is the Duncans Mills – Fort Ross loop from Little Black Mountain, which spans approximately 52.9 miles (85.1 km) and involves significant elevation gain, making it a challenging and extended ride.

Some routes, like the El Mariachi Cafe – Lower Old Barn Trail loop from Occidental, pass near local establishments. Occidental itself is a small town with a few cafes and shops where you can refuel before or after your ride.

For advanced riders seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Duncans Mills – Fort Ross loop from Little Black Mountain (52.9 miles with 1700m elevation gain) and the Duncan Mills – Duncan Mills Railroad Museum loop from Occidental (43.9 miles with 1200m elevation gain) offer demanding distances and elevation profiles.

Beyond the trails, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Joe Rodota Trail for a paved cycling experience, or visit the charming town of Sebastopol. The Salmon Creek Valley also offers scenic views.

While specific crowd levels vary, trails that venture further from popular starting points or are longer in duration, such as the Lower Old Barn Trail loop from Sugarloaf, might offer a more secluded experience compared to the most popular routes.