MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Paradise Royale Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (56)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …North Coast
  4. Paradise Royale Trail System
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“Superb mountain-bike optimized backcountry experience on the Lost Coast. ”

Leslie Kehmeier
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

11.6

Miles

18.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,530' 771 m

High

1,258' 383 m

Low

2,229' 679 m

Up

2,228' 679 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The Paradise Royale Loop is an amazing way to experience the Lost Coast of Northern California. The trails have been designed and built for a mountain bike optimized experience.

This scenic area is located near the 2850' high Queen Peak, north of Shelter Cove. The entire trail system includes over 25 miles of mountain bike optimized trails with that provide a range of unique and diverse experiences.

The Paradise Royale Loop is best ridden in the clockwise direction to take advantage of the long descent on the east side of the loop. It can be ridden together with the Pacific Rim trail from Shelter Cove Road for the complete Lost Coast experience.

Need to Know

Directions to the trailhead and parking: From US101, take the Redway/Garberville exit, then head west towards Shelter Cove/King Range NCA. Go 20 miles, pass the BLM office on the left, then further on up the hill, turn right onto a dirt road (King Peak Road). Go 2 miles to the trailhead and parking.

Description

The Paradise Royale Loop is best ridden clockwise to take advantage of a long, flowy descent on the east side of the loop.

From Tolkan Campground, ride north hugging the contours on a gradual rolling descent to Bear Creek. Cross the bridge and then settle into a demanding climb (nicknamed Fools Paradise). This portion of the ride reveals the rugged Lost Coast landscape as it travels through big, dense forest with extremely steep side slopes, exposure and very narrow trail.

Your reward after such a challenging section of trail is an exciting, flowy descent. For many, it's the highlight of the loop with a descent that seems to go on for eternity!

As the descent begins to level out, you'll pass an intersection that connects to the Pacific Rim trail. Continue straight to finish the downhill and cross another bridge over Bear Creek . From there, pedal up a moderate climb out of the valley. The route parallels the road as it turns north for the final stretch to Tolkan Campground.

History & Background

Beginning in 2005, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) partnered with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) as well as mountain biking advocates and clubs, to create an environmentally sustainable, challenging mountain bike trail system in the Paradise Ridge area of the King Range National Conservation Area.

Contacts

Local Club: Redwood Coast Mountain Bike Association

Land Manager: BLM California - King Range National Conservation Area

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 56 votes

#1

in Paradise Royale Trail System

#254

Overall
  4.6 from 56 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Paradise Royale Trail…

#30

in California

#254

Overall
123 Views Last Month
43,133 Since Jan 6, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
2%
33%
14%
51%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Cruising through madrone trees on the Paradise Royale Loop.
Aug 5, 2015 near Redway, CA
Take a detour on the Tolkan Bike Park jumps near the campground along the Paradise Royale trail.
Aug 5, 2015 near Redway, CA
Tolkan Terrain Park
Mar 29, 2022 near Redway, CA
Starting the big climb up on the north end of the Paradise Royale Loop.
Aug 5, 2015 near Redway, CA
Check out this pool of freshwater hosting numerous California Newts near the 3/4 mark of the Paradise Royale Loop.
Mar 12, 2017 near Redway, CA
Big trees and steep slopes are part of what make the Paradise Royale trails an amazing experience.
Mar 2, 2015 near Redway, CA

7 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 74 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 30, 2021
Joseph Rodriguez
Mar 29, 2021
Joe Bryant
Very slow going trail, due to lots of leaves on top of loose scree fields. But nice, remote feel. Lots of short steep climbs, but nothing impossible. 14mi
Jan 16, 2021
Steve Baum
Little wet & muddy in spots but great overall! A couple of downhill switchbacks almost got us. 12.6mi
Oct 18, 2020
Sarah Cleveland
INCREDIBLE 12.3mi — 2h 26m
May 24, 2020
Samuel Crossley
w/Brian
May 24, 2020
Thomas Young
Awesome trail. Downhill was amazing 14mi — 2h 08m
Oct 20, 2019
David Nims
Camped at Tolkan and basically had the campground and trail to ourselves. Great riding conditions - trail was tacky from rain, sunny but not hot 11.9mi — 2h 13m
Oct 13, 2019
Chris F
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started