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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
California
Calaveras County

Dorrington

The best road cycling routes around Dorrington

5.0

(1)

35

riders

5

rides

Road cycling routes around Dorrington are situated within California's central High Sierra Nevada Mountains, characterized by a mid-montane forest environment and towering groves of giant sequoia trees. The terrain features consistent climbs and rolling sections typical of mountain roads, with the North Fork Stanislaus River winding through the landscape. The region's elevation and natural features, including the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway, offer varied road cycling experiences.

Best road cycling routes around Dorrington

  • The most popular road cycling route is Spicer…

Last updated: August 21, 2026

5.0

(1)

13

riders

#1.

Spicer Reservoir Rd / SnoPark – Bear Valley Bear loop from Calaveras Big Trees State Park Visitor Center

72.4km

03:42

1,210m

1,210m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Popular around Dorrington

Hiking around Dorrington

Tips from the Community

Traveler
July 11, 2025, Visitors Center Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Accessible free for bikers, good visitor center with info about history and nature trails, restrooms, drinking water fountains, snack sales. Safe place to leave bikes to explore the walking-only trails.

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Calaveras has two groves of giant sequoia trees, standing out of the conifer forest like the giants they are.

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This river isn't for the faint of heart, but it sometimes draws whitewater enthusiasts eager to whoop it up on five miles of class IV rapids.

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Tall wooden carved bear sculpture carved from massive tree stumps greets visitors at the entrance of Bear Valley.

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Fly-in Lake seems now mostly a meadow-wetland that often dries out except for the center of the creek. It's still a nice clearance and sometimes offers opportunities to observe wildlife.

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The Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway is one of only seven nationally designated byways in California and 151 in the nation. It juts up from the heart of the Sierra Nevada with Lake Tahoe and goes on for a 61-mile stretch on Highways 4 and 89, in between the towns of Arnold in Calaveras County and Markleeville in Alpine County. A glorious wilderness drive of glacially carved valleys, granite outcroppings, basalt columns, ancient volcanic peaks and deep rivers. It is simply a stunning ride on a bicycle.

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Scenic campground within a mature conifer forest of red fir and lodgepole pine with scattered quaking aspen. Sites are large, private and shady. Natural granitic rock outcrops are scattered throughout. The campground is located adjacent to Highway 4; some traffic noise may be apparent in individual sites close to the highway. Campground is closed for the season. Bear boxes are available at campground sites. Operational Hours: Campground is open about June-Nov. No Reservations: Big Meadow is a first-come, first-served campground. Fees $19.00 per night. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/stanislaus/recarea/?recid=14841

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Delightful road to the reservoir. In winter usually only ploughed to the SnoPark area

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Dorrington?

There are 5 road cycling routes around Dorrington listed on komoot, offering a variety of distances and challenges for cyclists.

What is the typical difficulty level for road cycling routes in the Dorrington area?

The road cycling routes around Dorrington are generally suited for experienced riders. There are 4 moderate routes and 1 difficult route, with no easy options currently listed. Expect varied terrain with consistent climbs and rolling sections, typical of the Sierra Nevada mountain roads.

Are there any long-distance or challenging road cycling routes near Dorrington?

Yes, for a significant challenge, consider the Spicer Reservoir Rd / SnoPark – Bear Valley Bear loop from Calaveras Big Trees State Park Visitor Center. This difficult route covers over 72 km with more than 1200 meters of elevation gain, offering a demanding ride through the High Sierra.

What kind of scenery can I expect on road cycling routes around Dorrington?

The routes offer stunning natural landscapes characteristic of the High Sierra Nevada. You'll cycle through mid-montane forests, past the North Fork Stanislaus River, and near iconic giant sequoia groves. The region is known for its picturesque and demanding mountain roads, including sections of the famous Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway.

Are there any circular road cycling routes in Dorrington?

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the North Fork Stanislaus River loop from White Pines and the North Fork Stanislaus River – Calaveras Big Trees State Park loop from Dorrington are both excellent circular options.

What attractions or points of interest can I see along the road cycling routes?

Many routes pass by or near significant natural attractions. You can explore the ancient giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, including the famous Big Stump - Discovery Tree (Dancefloor). The North Fork Stanislaus River is also a prominent feature along several routes, offering scenic views.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in Dorrington?

The best time for road cycling in Dorrington is typically from late spring through early fall. The region is part of the High Sierra Nevada, and higher elevations, like the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway, can be snow-covered in winter, making cycling challenging or impossible. Always check local weather and road conditions before planning your ride.

Are there any shorter or moderate road cycling routes suitable for a half-day ride?

Absolutely. The Arnold – Fly-In Acres Reservoir loop from White Pines is a moderate 22 km route, and the Fly-In Acres Reservoir – Arnold loop from Arnold is a similar 21.5 km moderate option, both ideal for a half-day excursion.

What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Dorrington?

The road cycling routes in Dorrington are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the stunning Sierra Nevada scenery, the challenging climbs, and the overall experience of cycling through this beautiful mountain environment.

Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Dorrington?

Many routes start from established points like the Visitors Center Calaveras Big Trees State Park or towns such as White Pines and Arnold, which typically offer parking facilities. It's advisable to check the specific starting point of your chosen route for detailed parking information.

Are there any routes that pass through or near towns with amenities like cafes?

While the routes primarily focus on natural landscapes, starting or ending in towns like Arnold or White Pines, as seen in routes like the Arnold – Fly-In Acres Reservoir loop from White Pines, means you'll have access to local amenities, including cafes and shops, before or after your ride.

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