The best gravel rides around Shasta Lake

The Shasta Lake region offers a diverse gravel biking experience, primarily featuring extensive forest roads and trails within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. You'll encounter a mix of gravel and paved sections, with landscapes ranging from the shores of California's largest reservoir to surrounding mountains. Some routes, like the Great Shasta Rail Trail, offer hard-packed cinder surfaces, while others provide more challenging climbs and varied terrain.

While many routes around Shasta Lake are moderate to difficult, the region does offer options suitable for families. The Great Shasta Rail Trail, though not directly listed in the guide, is known for its gentle grade and hard-packed cinder surface, making it ideal for family outings. For a moderate loop, consider the Mary Lake – Salt Creek Trail loop from Pilgrim Congregational Church, which is 8.5 miles long.

The area around Shasta Lake is rich with natural and man-made wonders. You can explore the Historic Downtown Redding, or visit the Oak Savannah Arboretum. Other significant attractions in the broader region include the impressive Shasta Dam, the fascinating Lake Shasta Caverns, and the majestic Mount Shasta providing a dramatic backdrop. You might also encounter picturesque waterfalls like Waters Gulch Falls or Potem Falls.

Our guide features several gravel bike routes around Shasta Lake, with a total of 8 tours currently available. These routes range from moderate to difficult, offering diverse experiences for different skill levels.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the Shasta Lake area are loops. For example, you can ride the Mary Lake – Salt Creek Trail loop from Pilgrim Congregational Church, or the longer Lorenz Hotel – Salt Creek Trail loop from Redding. Another popular option is the Lorenz Hotel – Historic Downtown Redding loop from Redding, which takes you through urban and natural landscapes.

Shasta Lake offers gravel biking opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable temperatures for riding. Summers can be hot, but early mornings or higher elevation routes can still be enjoyable. Winters might bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but many forest roads remain accessible.

The gravel bike routes around Shasta Lake vary in length and elevation. For instance, the Mary Lake – Salt Creek Trail loop is about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) with around 610 feet (186 m) of elevation gain. Longer routes like the Lorenz Hotel – Salt Creek Trail loop cover about 16.5 miles (26.5 km) with approximately 1,270 feet (388 m) of ascent, offering a good workout.

While specific gravel routes in this guide don't directly pass by waterfalls, the Shasta Lake region is home to several picturesque waterfalls such as Waters Gulch Falls, Bear Canyon Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Potem Falls. Some of these are only accessible by boat or short hikes, but they make for excellent side trips to complement your gravel biking adventure.

Yes, several routes connect to or pass through Redding. The Lorenz Hotel – Salt Creek Trail loop from Redding is a 16.5-mile route that starts and ends in Redding. Another option is the Lorenz Hotel – Historic Downtown Redding loop from Redding, which takes you through the city's historic areas.

Over 20 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain around Shasta Lake. Riders often praise the extensive network of forest roads, the diverse landscapes, and the stunning views of California's largest reservoir and surrounding mountains. The area is appreciated for offering options suitable for various ability levels, from moderate to difficult.

Yes, you can encounter interesting bridges and reservoirs. For example, the Ribbon Bridge – Historic Downtown Redding loop from Redding features the Ribbon Bridge. Additionally, the region is home to the Sundial Bridge and the Redding Railroad Trestle Bridge, as well as the Keswick Reservoir, which are all notable highlights in the area.

Gravel biking around Shasta Lake offers a range of difficulty levels. Our guide includes routes classified as moderate and difficult. For instance, 6 of the 8 routes are moderate, while 2 are considered difficult. This means you can find options for a relaxed ride or a more challenging adventure, depending on your experience and fitness level.