Downieville & the Lost Sierra Mountain Bike Trail Conditions
Downieville is a legendary descent town in the Lost Sierra north of Truckee. The Downieville Downhill drops thousands of feet off the Sierra Buttes to the Yuba River, and the surrounding Lakes Basin and Mills Peak trails climb high into granite country. It is a summer and early- fall season once the high country melts out.
81 featured mountain bike trailselevation 2,316–8,192 ft
Is it muddy in Downieville & the Lost Sierra right now?
Right now about 81 of 81 featured Downieville & the Lost Sierra trails are riding well. Conditions change daily with rain and snowmelt, so the list below shows the live read for each trail, and the chart shows which day ahead is your best bet.
Best time of year to ride Downieville & the Lost Sierra
Typical riding conditions by month, blending heat and trail conditions from 10 years of local climate data — so you can plan a trip for the right window.
The best time to ride Downieville & the Lost Sierra is May through October, when daytime highs sit in the 65–86°F range and the dirt is typically dry. The high country is usually snowbound January through April and November through December. Planning a trip? Those are your safest bets — and for this week, the live forecast below shows exactly which days are riding well (right now 81 of 81 featured trails are good to go).
PrimeSnowbound
Bar height = our ride-friendliness score for a typical year; colour = the main limiting factor; the number under each month is the average daytime high. Based on 2014–2023 climate normals (ERA5); this year's live conditions are below.
Best Downieville & the Lost Sierra mountain bike trails to ride right now
What are the best mountain bike trails to ride near Downieville & the Lost Sierra right now?
Today the trails riding best near Downieville & the Lost Sierra are Columbo OHV Trl., 10E02-E20 and Big Boulder Trail. The full list below is sorted by today's real conditions, best first, and refreshes every morning, so the top of the list is always your best bet right now. See live conditions →
When will the mountain bike trails in Downieville & the Lost Sierra dry out?
It depends on recent rain and each trail's soil. The 10-day outlook on this page shows how many Downieville & the Lost Sierra trails are expected to be riding well each day, with rain markers, so you can pick the right day instead of guessing. See the 10-day outlook →
Is it too muddy to ride in Downieville & the Lost Sierra after rain?
Right now 0 of 81 featured Downieville & the Lost Sierra trails are reading soft or too muddy to ride. Downieville & the Lost Sierra is mostly loam soil, which drains at a moderate pace, so after a storm some trails firm up within a day while others stay greasy. Riding wet, soft dirt damages trails and leaves ruts, so check the live mud reading on each trail before you head out. Check the live mud reading →
How many mountain bike trails are in Downieville & the Lost Sierra?
Downieville & the Lost Sierra has 81 featured mountain bike trails tracked here for conditions, with more searchable on the live map.
How high are the Downieville & the Lost Sierra trails?
Downieville & the Lost Sierra trails run from about 2,316–8,192 ft. Higher trails hold snow later into spring and dry out later than the lower ones, so conditions can vary a lot across the same area on the same day.
When is the best time to ride mountain bikes in Downieville & the Lost Sierra?
The best time to ride Downieville & the Lost Sierra is May through October, when daytime highs are in the 65–86°F range and the trails are typically dry. The high country is usually snowbound January through April and November through December. This is based on 10 years of local climate data; check the live conditions on this page for how the trails are actually riding today.
What months can you mountain bike in Downieville & the Lost Sierra?
The main riding season in Downieville & the Lost Sierra is roughly May through October; the high trails are usually snowbound January through April and November through December and melt out through spring. This page tracks snow coverage and melt-out daily so you can time the high country.