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Lake Alpine Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (7)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. Bear Valley
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“An amazing and well-maintained series of trails around Lake Alpine that make for a scenic ride. ”

Michael Town
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5.3

Miles

8.6

KM

95%

Singletrack

7,804' 2,379 m

High

7,301' 2,225 m

Low

531' 162 m

Up

515' 157 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Generally open once the snow melts. Call Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company for current conditions (209) 753-2834.

Overview

This is a stunningly scenic ride with some of the funnest singletrack in the area. In general, the trails have very low traffic with beautiful views of Bear Valley from the Osborn Crest Trail and Lake Alpine from the South Emigrant Trail.

Start at the intersection of the Bear Valley to Alpine Lake Trail just southeast of the Silvertip Campground, which is a popular home base for mountain bike adventures for those that like to camp.

Description

Even though this is listed as an easy ride aerobically, it demands solid technical skills. You must be willing to walk your bike through sections that you cannot ride without sliding. Highlights include views of Lake Alpine, and the Carson Wilderness Area. Overall, this is a fun, technically challenging singletrack route that is great for beginners and advanced riders alike.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Stanislaus National Forest Office

Shared By:

Michael Town
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 7 votes

#1

in Bear Valley

#2212

Overall
  4.3 from 7 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bear Valley

#266

in California

#2,212

Overall
16 Views Last Month
5,546 Since Apr 18, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

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
S/E shoreline of Lake Alpine, Bear Valley, Ca
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
Typical singletrack for this ride.
Oct 16, 2016 near South L…, CA
Next storm brewing.
Oct 16, 2016 near South L…, CA
Spring flowers dot the trail.
Aug 18, 2021 near Pioneer, CA

4 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Aug 16, 2019
Kam Lawson
nice trail few downed trees on the back of alpine but ways around. very cool even during summer. 5.3mi
Nov 3, 2018
Craig Schreiver
Sep 22, 2018
Marcelo F
Getting really dusty and sandy 5.3mi
Aug 25, 2018
Joe Morse
Trails in good condition. A few logs down, but mostly clear, and loose dirt. A bit smoky up here from the fires, but beautiful.
Sep 23, 2017
Valerie McIntosh
Jul 23, 2017
Joonas Lehtinen
Oct 15, 2016
Phil Jachowski
Bear Valley to Lake Alpine loop and back. Cool and a little windy being between storms made for a great ride! Can't beat the scenery! 11.1mi — 1h 44m

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