Sunrise Trail

The Downieville Classic (Shuttle Ride) is an epic mountain biking descent through the Sierra Nevada, offering a diverse and challenging experience. You'll start high in rocky alpine landscapes, transition into dense pine forests with loamy dirt, and eventually ride alongside the rushing Lavezzola Creek. The trail features everything from flowy singletrack on the Sunrise Trail to the rugged rock gardens and creek crossings of the Butcher Ranch Trail, providing a visual treat through multiple ecosystems.

This 15.3-mile (24.7 km) route, with a net elevation gain of 315 feet (96 metres) over approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes, is rated easy due to its shuttle accessibility, but the technical demands are significant. It's explicitly not recommended for beginner riders, requiring good fitness and advanced skills. Plan your visit from late spring to fall, as snow can affect higher elevations earlier in the season, and always confirm shuttle availability and trail conditions.

This trail is the centerpiece of the annual Downieville Classic race, an event that helped establish Downieville as a premier mountain biking destination. The route itself often follows historic Gold Rush-era paths, adding a layer of history to your ride. It's widely considered a must-ride for serious mountain bikers, offering one of the longest and most demanding downhill experiences in the nation.