Level: Expert
Length: 5 mi (8 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: -
Total: 18 riders
Mountain Biking Big Boulder Trail
#144 of 1,000 mountain bike trails in California
#1,988 in the world
This is a great alternative to the classic route if you want to do something new. Big Boulder has some very fast, narrow singletrack through dark woods and occasional big exposure. A couple batches of tight switchbacks will surprise you on your first run, so be ready. The tread is occasionally rutted and very soft/dry late in the season. High speed, technical challenges abound. The climb up the OHV is brutal, but you'll be glad you did!
First added by John Fisch on Sep 6, 2009. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
This is best done as an alternative route ont he Downieville Downhill. After completing Sunrise, instead of heading down Butcher Ranch, follow the dirt road a few miles to a OHV trail on the left--there will be signage for Big Boulder. Plummet down the OHV (funner than it sounds--some good air opportunities along the way). After crossing the stream, head left and begin the brutal OHV climb. Near the top of the climb, take the left fork and go to the very cool lookout, then double back and take the right fork for some more OHV that then turns into singletrack and the Big Boulder proper. After 5 miles of singletrack, Big Boulder ramps into Third Divide where you can complete the rest of the Downieville Downhill for a killer ride. Some route finding is necessary, so stop in town and get both a map and directions from someone who knows.
Definitely a kick ass trail to include on any ride in the Downieville area. Great flow.
| ThankIMBA didn't miss the mark on this one - wow. The Big Boulder Trail itself isn't super long, but so sweet while it lasts and with big scenery/views. It's also a great way to escape the crowds doing the "classic" route. If you get shuttled (which I highly recommend unless you relish many hours of climbing steep asphalt) the climb on the OHV roads isn't that bad - it's all rideable. From the bottom, you can link Second or Third Divide.
| Thank