The best cycling routes around Auburn
4.0
(2)
287
riders
27
rides
If you've ever tried planning touring cycling around Auburn, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many trails and roads winding through the Sierra Nevada foothills, it's tough to know which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed countless routes here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best touring cycling routes Auburn CA has to offer, saving you the guesswork.
Touring cycling around Auburn is all about embracing the diverse landscape of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the dramatic American River Canyon. You'll find everything from quiet roads winding through farms and ranches to scenic canal paths and more strenuous climbs towards the higher elevations. The region offers a fantastic mix of rolling hills and stunning viewpoints, with routes ranging from easy spins to challenging, all-day adventures.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the Railhead Park to Rattlesnake Bar loop, a moderate 18.4 miles (29.6 km) ride that delivers fantastic American River Canyon views for a reasonable effort. For a taste of history and charm, the Downtown Auburn loop is a top favourite, covering 11.1 miles (17.9 km) through the historic areas. With more than 390 touring cyclists having explored Auburn with komoot, you're in good company. Dive in and find your next favourite ride!
Last updated: May 10, 2026
1
riders
29.6km
01:58
430m
430m
The Railhead Park to Rattlesnake Bar loop offers a scenic touring cycling adventure through the diverse landscapes of the Sierra Nevada Foothills. You'll navigate rolling oak woodlands and chaparral, with the terrain shifting between open stretches and shaded sections. Expect impressive vistas of the American River Canyon and Folsom Lake, especially as you descend towards the water, providing a constant visual reward for your effort.
This moderate 18.4-mile (29.6 km) loop, with its 1403 feet (428 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete. Railhead Park provides a convenient starting point with parking and restrooms, and you'll find another restroom facility at the Rattlesnake Bar boat launch area. As a no-traffic route, it offers a peaceful and safe cycling environment, making it ideal for those who prefer an uninterrupted ride.
Situated within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, this trail is highly regarded for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The varied terrain, featuring significant inclines and descents, ensures a good workout while allowing you to soak in the expansive views from points like the American River Canyon Vista on Maidu Drive. It's a great option for touring cyclists looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience in the Auburn area.
17.9km
01:10
260m
250m
This Downtown Auburn loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, weaving through the city's historic core and into the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills. You'll pedal past charming 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets, with highlights like the Gold Miner Statue and the Bernhard Museum. The route transitions from urban exploration to quiet roads, providing diverse scenery and a good feel for the region's blend of history and natural beauty.
Expect a moderate ride covering 11.1 miles (17.9 km) with an elevation gain of 838 feet (255 metres), typically completed in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The route is generally accessible, and while specific parking isn't detailed, downtown Auburn provides various options. It's a great choice for cyclists looking for a manageable ride with cultural stops, especially if you appreciate exploring historic areas by bike.
What makes this route stand out is its rich historical context; a portion of the loop, the Auburn Quail Trail, features QR codes at 12 landmark locations, offering personal stories and historical information. This adds an engaging layer to your ride, allowing you to delve deeper into Auburn's past as you cycle. It's a fantastic way to combine exercise with a dose of local heritage.
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8.09km
00:48
120m
120m
The Shirland Canal, Pioneer Express and Cardiac Bypass Loop offers a dynamic touring bicycle experience, blending shady gravel paths along the Shirland Canal with more varied singletrack and fireroad sections of the Pioneer Express and Cardiac Bypass trails. You'll pedal through oak woodlands, enjoy views of the American River Canyon and Folsom Lake, and encounter both flat stretches and some engaging climbs and descents, making for a constantly changing backdrop.
This 5.0-mile (8.1 km) loop, with 408 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes around 47 minutes to complete. Access is convenient from Railhead Park, which offers parking. However, due to the mixed terrain, including some rocky sections and singletrack, and potential bike prohibitions on certain parts of the Pioneer Express Trail, a hybrid or mountain bike is often a more suitable choice than a traditional touring bike.
This route stands out for its clever combination of three distinct trails, offering a taste of the region's diverse natural beauty. It's a multi-use path, so you'll share the way with hikers and potentially horseback riders, especially on the Pioneer Express sections. The varied views, from the canal to the canyon and Folsom Lake, make it a rewarding short ride for those seeking a varied Cardiac Bypass Loop cycling route.
3.0
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32
riders
48.6km
04:38
1,140m
1,140m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
63.2km
04:11
970m
970m
Embark on a challenging touring cycling adventure with the Colfax Cemetery โ Colfax loop from Auburn-Conheim, a route that plunges you into the scenic, hilly landscape of Placer County. You'll pedal through dense green forests, encounter significant elevation changes, and be rewarded with sweeping views of the North Fork American River and potentially Folsom Lake. The historic Colfax Cemetery provides a unique, reflective stop along the way, nestled under beautiful trees with expansive vistas.
This difficult 39.3-mile (63.2 km) loop, featuring 3185 feet (971 metres) of elevation gain, is best tackled by experienced cyclists with good fitness, taking approximately 4 hours and 11 minutes. The Robert F. Conheim Auburn Train Station offers a practical starting point. Given the demanding nature of the ride, ensure you carry plenty of water and plan for good weather, as the terrain requires sustained effort.
This region, known as the "Endurance Capital of the World," is steeped in gold rush history and offers a prime destination for those seeking a rigorous cycling experience. The route showcases the diverse beauty of the area, from its waterways to its historic sites, making it a notable option among the best touring cycling routes near Auburn for those ready for a substantial challenge.
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Tips from the Community
Great perspective for a long view south into the American River Canyon from the western ridge. Pioneer Express trail connects nearby to Shirland Canal Trail to stay on the contour, and also continues parallel to the south and north.
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The trails behind the museum and the large parking area along Fairgate Road are good running and practice areas, outside of event periods.
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Railhead Park is a good starting point for hikes into the American River trail system. There are restrooms, soccer fields, a small pond, picnic areas, and a playground. Endurance events sometimes start and end here as well.
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The Bernhard Museum Complex was originally constructed in 1851 as a hotel. Today, the grounds offer a variety of attractions, including 19th-century wagons in the carriage barn and a fully furnished Victorian-era farmhouse. Visitors can enjoy tours and explore the site's history as an 1850s Gold Rush-era inn. The complex also features a restored 1874 winery and an 1881 wine processing building. Group tours can be scheduled by calling 530-889-6500, admission is free. Check out the old European style wine cellars accessible from the road.
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Auburn's downtown preserved some of its 19th century Western town architecture and flair. After its initial boom during the gold mining period it maintained its seat of courts and benefits from its location at the Sierra Nevada foothills as one of the gateways to a pass across the mountain range. Established in 1849, Auburn that has shops, monuments, museum, restaurants, and more all within walking distance, and hosts several well-known outdoor events.
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Colfax sits at an elevation of 2,400 feet between the grasslands of Central California and the mountains of Tahoe. The town is known for its railroad history and outdoor recreation.
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Foresthill Divide Loop, in the Auburn State Recreation Area, is a multi-use trail for hiking and biking. You'll encounter diverse landscapes, including pine and oak woodlands, as well as panoramic views of the American River Canyon.
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Auburnโs Gold Rush Museum tells the story of the roots this town was founded on. The museum has recently been updated and is open ThursdayโSunday from 10:30 a.m.โ4:00 p.m. The museum is free to get into, but if you're just passing by, it's in a historic area and has a huge statue of a gold miner outside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling around Auburn?
Auburn offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find everything from rolling hills and quiet roads in the Sierra Nevada foothills to more strenuous climbs towards areas like Colfax. The American River Canyon provides stunning backdrops with significant elevation changes, while routes around Folsom Lake offer moderate road rides. Additionally, there are unique gravel grinding opportunities on hard-packed clay canal paths.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Auburn?
Yes, Auburn has options for less experienced riders and families. Routes like the Shirland Canal, Pioneer Express and Cardiac Bypass Loop are rated as easy and offer a pleasant experience through canal paths and forested areas. The region also features less hilly options, particularly in areas like Loomis Basin, making them suitable for a more relaxed pace.
What are some challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders in Auburn?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Auburn delivers. Routes like the Foresthill Bridge โ Clementine Trail loop from Auburn-Conheim and the Yankee Jims Bridge โ Old Town Auburn loop from Auburn-Conheim are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and longer distances. These routes often include the more strenuous climbs found in the American River Canyon and towards the Sierra Nevada foothills.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Auburn?
There are over 30 touring cycling routes available in Auburn, catering to various skill levels. These include 4 easy routes, 13 moderate routes, and 16 difficult routes, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.
What natural landmarks or points of interest can I see while cycling in Auburn?
Many touring cycling routes in Auburn offer access to significant natural features and landmarks. You can expect views of the American River Canyon, including the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Notable points of interest include the Foresthill Bridge, California's highest bridge, and the scenic Folsom Lake. Some routes also pass by the North Fork Dam.
Are there any waterfalls accessible by touring bike in the Auburn area?
Yes, the Auburn area is home to Hidden Falls, a beautiful waterfall that can be accessed via routes that pass through Hidden Falls Regional Park. This offers a scenic stop for touring cyclists.
Can I find routes that include canal paths for a different cycling experience?
Absolutely. Auburn features an extensive system of irrigation canal paths, often with hard-packed clay surfaces, which provide unique gravel grinding opportunities. The Shirland Canal, Pioneer Express and Cardiac Bypass Loop is an example of a route that incorporates these distinctive paths, paralleling agricultural areas.
Is parking available near the touring cycling routes in Auburn?
Yes, parking is generally available. Railhead Park is a convenient starting point for many routes, offering amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, and provides access to the American River trail system. Other trailheads and parks throughout the area also offer parking facilities.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Auburn?
The best time for touring cycling in Auburn is typically during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and comfortable. Summers can be quite hot, especially in the canyons, while winters can bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are dogs allowed on touring cycling routes in Auburn?
Many trails in the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) and other regional parks are dog-friendly, usually requiring dogs to be on a leash. However, specific rules can vary by trail and park. It's always best to check the regulations for the specific route you plan to ride, for example, on the California State Parks website: California State Parks.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Auburn?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Auburn are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the popular Railhead Park to Rattlesnake Bar loop and the Downtown Auburn loop, allowing you to explore without retracing your steps.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about touring cycling in Auburn?
The touring cycling experience in Auburn is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse terrain, from the challenging climbs in the American River Canyon to the scenic views around Folsom Lake, and the unique experience of riding along canal paths. The variety of routes catering to all ability levels is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.
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