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Bear Valley

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Overview

Bear Valley is located on Highway 4 between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite—about three hours east of San Francisco, California. It is around one hour from Angels Camp, California. This hidden jewel of the Sierras has something for everyone.

Visiting Tips

Dependent on snow conditions, trails open usually around the end of June and the season runs until the snow falls.

Camping & Lodging

There are cabins to rent at Lake Alpine in the summer that serve as an excellent home base for your mountain bike adventures.

Call for Reservations: 209-753-6350.

Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles

Bike Shop-Bear Valley Adventure Company. Pick up an official trail map here because cell service can be spotty at best as you get out on the trails. (209) 753-2834

Food & Drink

The Bear Valley General Store carries ice, food, groceries, snacks, fresh-brewed coffee, fishing supplies, beer and wine. Also located in the village is Sky High Pizza and Pub, Creekside Dining Room.

Other Activities

Bear Valley is surrounded by lakes, trails and wilderness areas that provide world-class recreational opportunities. Mountain and road biking, flat-water kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, disc golf, fishing, camping, hiking, rock climbing and bouldering, tennis, whitewater rafting, competitive sporting events, and annual festivals. Purchase a "Bear Valley Adventure Map" at the Bear Valley Adventure Co. for a complete description of rides and activities in the area.

Recommended Routes in Bear Valley - 3

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Recommended Routes

Favorite Nasty little hike-a-bike rock garden heading toward the dam on Lake Alpine. The view of the lake here makes it all worth it.
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

Lake Alpine Loop

5.3 mi 8.6 km 531' Up 161.74 m Up 515' Down 156.99 m Down

South L…, CA
Explore in 3D
Favorite Lake View
Difficult Difficult

Bear Trap Basin Loop

13.9 mi 22.4 km 2,229' Up 679.43 m Up 2,218' Down 675.93 m Down

Pioneer, CA
Explore in 3D
Favorite Granite play area on the lower part of the trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

AT&T Trail

1.2 mi 1.9 km 21' Up 6.37 m Up 217' Down 66.01 m Down

Pioneer, CA
Explore in 3D

Bear Valley Biking

  • 38 Miles 61 Kilometers of Trail
  • 3 Recommended Routes
  • 1 Easy Trail Easy Trails
  • 13 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 10 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
MTB Project is built by riders like you. Share what you know about this area!

Areas Within Bear Valley

Weather Averages


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Trails in Bear Valley - 21

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Trails

1.6 mi 2.5 km #1Cape Horn Trail
Difficult Difficult
Arnold, CA
Difficult Difficult
Arnold, CA
1.8 mi 3.0 km #2Powerline Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
1.8 mi 2.9 km #3The Rings
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Pioneer, CA
0.5 mi 0.8 km #4Granite Slab
Difficult Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Difficult Difficult
Pioneer, CA
3.3 mi 5.3 km #5Bear Valley to Alpine Lake Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
Pioneer, CA 12 
2.1 mi 3.4 km #6North Lake Alpine Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Intermediate Intermediate
South Lake Tahoe, CA
1.0 mi 1.6 km #7Osborn Crest Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Pioneer, CA
1.4 mi 2.3 km #8Bee Gulch Trail
Difficult Difficult
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Difficult Difficult
South Lake Tahoe, CA
2.2 mi 3.6 km #9Corral Hollow OHV Trail
Difficult Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Difficult Difficult
Pioneer, CA
3.7 mi 5.9 km #10Forest Route 7N35
Difficult Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Difficult Difficult
Pioneer, CA

Photos of Bear Valley - 14

MTB Project is built by riders like you. Add Your Photos

Local ripper Dylan Renn shows us the Cape Horn Trail and how to deal with a trail side chain issue.
Apr 18, 2016 near South L…, CA
Granite play area on the lower part of the trail
Apr 22, 2016 near Pioneer, CA
S/E shoreline of Lake Alpine, Bear Valley, Ca
Jul 27, 2016 near South L…, CA
Nasty little hike-a-bike rock garden heading toward the dam on Lake Alpine. The view of the lake here makes it all worth it.
Jul 27, 2016 near South L…, CA
Cross the creek here if you can instead of going to bridge.  Love the fall colors!!
Oct 16, 2016 near Pioneer, CA
Keep your eyes open for hikers with dogs, share the trail use your bike bell often and early.
Jun 6, 2018 near Pioneer, CA
Trail Marker Along Bear Valley to Lake Alpine Trail
Jun 20, 2018 near Pioneer, CA
Corral Meadows OHV trail
Aug 6, 2020 near Pioneer, CA
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