[Bent Wheel]

Coming to Sac this weekend, want to bring our bikes. Looking to ride Auburn. I'm not a climber, but I will pedal, walk, push, whatever it takes to get up the hill. My friend is a very strong climber, so she looks for those damn hills. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[murlsquirl]

Auburn State Recreation Area....beautiful views and awesome trails. Decent climb up and then a sweet ride down Culvert and Confluence.

 

[xtrwin]

Auburn State Recreation Area....beautiful views and awesome trails. Decent climb up and then a sweet ride down Culvert and Confluence.

Auburn would be fun. Here's an idea that will give you each want you like- if you don't mind splitting up for a bit:

Check out the link below. Park at the northern most point where the Forest Hill Divide Trail crosses forest hill road. Head counter-clockwise around the loop from there. When you get to the Forest Hill Connector trail, you take that south to Culvert to Confluence, and she keeps on the Forest Hill Loop, pedaling back up to the car.

Then she drives back down the road to meet you at the parking lot at the bottom when you enjoy a beer by the river. Best of both worlds--DH for you, climbing for her.

https://www.trailforks.com/routepopular/366069/

 

[Empty_Beer]

You might consider Hidden Falls Regional Park. Lots of trail and not any real grueling climbing, but one can get their elevation in.

Trailforks: https://www.trailforks.com/region/h...vitytype=1&z=12.9&lat=38.96505&lon=-121.18357

Official Map (posted at most trail junctions): https://www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentC...n-Falls-Regional-Park-Trail-System-PDF?bidId=

Only downside is you should decide soon, since they require a pre-reserved parking pass on weekends. Upside is it keeps the crowds down. You could also ride to the park, but you're parking quite a ways away.

Parking permit: https://secure.rec1.com/CA/placer-ca/catalog

Its a nice place to ride and see waterfalls and such. Nothing gnar but fun enough to do!

 

[villaphoto]

I'm in Auburn a few times a month and have been hitting Nevada City trails up near Scotts Flat the last few times I've been up. It's shaded, some decent flow and overall much cooler than being in the exposed sun of the canyon out in Auburn Recreation Area.

 

[somanygoodbikes]

How are you with the heat? It is going to be quite warm up there this weekend (upper 90s), unless you are riding dawn-patrol. I try not to go to Auburn if it's more than 80 out. Some of those climbs just take it out of me otherwise.

 

[Quercus agrifolia]

I think it would be sad to travel to Sac with bikes and not ride the ASRA trails (Foresthill Divide, Confluence, etc.). My vote is to ride Connector, both ways! My fave trail in the whole joint.

But yes, it will be hot this weekend...ride early!

Also, it costs $5 to park in most of the convenient locations.

 

[Bent Wheel]

Thanks everyone for the info. Sadly, I don't get to go this weekend, but I'll keep the info handy for when I do get down there. Keep the rubber side down. Everyone have a great weekend.

 

[ryanxj]

Auburn would be fun. Here's an idea that will give you each want you like- if you don't mind splitting up for a bit:

Check out the link below. Park at the northern most point where the Forest Hill Divide Trail crosses forest hill road. Head counter-clockwise around the loop from there. When you get to the Forest Hill Connector trail, you take that south to Culvert to Confluence, and she keeps on the Forest Hill Loop, pedaling back up to the car.

Then she drives back down the road to meet you at the parking lot at the bottom when you enjoy a beer by the river. Best of both worlds--DH for you, climbing for her.

https://www.trailforks.com/routepopular/366069/

This, mostly.

From Drivers Flat to the river, as described, I call BOA... Best Of Auburn. Its 12-15 miles or so, down-country. Only 1k of climbing, and lots of goodness. If you can do this as a shuttle it would be ideal based on what your stated desires. It would suck to split up though. The Confluence is always busy on the weekends- Id try and bribe someone for a shuttle to the top with the lady if ya could, then both of you ride down the car for beers by the water.