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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

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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

Lake Alpine Loop

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

South L…, CA
Favorite Granite play area on the lower part of the trail
Intermediate

AT&T Trail

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

Pioneer, CA
Favorite Lake View
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

Bear Valley Biking

  • 58 Miles 93 Kilometers of Trail
  • 3 Recommended Routes
  • 1 Easy Trail Easy Trails
  • 14 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 9 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

1.0 mi 1.6 km #1Osborn Crest Trail
Intermediate/Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate/Difficult
Pioneer, CA
3.3 mi 5.3 km #2Bear Valley to Alpine Lake Trail
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA 12 
1.7 mi 2.7 km #3Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail: Bear Trap to Corral Hollow
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
2.1 mi 3.4 km #4North Lake Alpine Trail
Intermediate
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Intermediate
South Lake Tahoe, CA
2.2 mi 3.6 km #5Corral Hollow OHV Trail
Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Difficult
Pioneer, CA
1.7 mi 2.8 km #6Koala Access
Intermediate/Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate/Difficult
Pioneer, CA
3.7 mi 5.9 km #7Forest Route 7N35
Difficult
Pioneer, CA
Difficult
Pioneer, CA
1.8 mi 3.0 km #8Forest Route 7N11A
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
Intermediate
Pioneer, CA
1.4 mi 2.3 km #9Bee Gulch Trail
Difficult
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Difficult
South Lake Tahoe, CA
1.8 mi 2.9 km #10FS Road 7N12A
Difficult
Pioneer, CA
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