For those that are “gravel curious” or want a “mixed dirt salad”, Nevada County is the hidden gem of gravel riding tours. Due to its mining past, the foothills and mountains surrounding Truckee, Nevada City, and Grass Valley are filled with prime gravel roads, smooth singletrack, and fire roads begging to be explored. Here’s just a small appetizer of what you’ll find here.
What To Expect
On the western side of the county, you’ll find most rides in any direction from town will average ascents of 1,500-2,000 feet of climbing per 10 miles. In addition, nearly 60% of the gravel roads which means wherever you start, you’ll pedal through some of the least ridden places in the foothills of the Sierra. While on the eastern side surrounding Truckee, the gravel riding tours are a patchwork of fire roads, smooth singletrack, and double-track where you could spend an entire lifetime creating loops.
Least Ridden Means Be Prepared
Before venturing into the great unknown, be aware that gravel riding in Nevada County comes with risks you should be aware of. As we mentioned above, any gravel riding tour in the county can get quite remote. It’s up to you to be prepared. This means having a first aid kid, equipment to fix your bike, and traveling with plenty of extra water and food. Like any wilderness adventure, it’s a good idea to let someone know of your plans and when you expect to return.
Where To Start
If it’s your first-time visiting Nevada County, stop by one of the local shops such as Pacos in Truckee or YouBet in Nevada City to get more beta. Or better yet, sign up for one of the iconic gravel races that happen during the year. For more rides around the Truckee area, check out their article Truckee’s Endless Gravel Rides. And if you’re good at navigation and want to explore the backroads of Nevada County, here’s a few options:
Short Tour From Nevada City
Distance: 5.6 miles round trip / 456’ Climbing
Strava
Medium/Long Tour From Nevada City
Distance: 29.96 miles round-trip / 4,040’ Climbing
Strava
Truckee-Tahoe City Gravel Grinder
Distance: 18.5 miles one-way or 36.6 mile loop / 2,600’ Climbing
Trailforks | MTB Project
Long Tour From Grass Valley
Distance: 46 miles round-trip / 5,300’ Climbing
Strava
Epic Tour Of Western Nevada County
Distance: 70 miles round-trip / 10,207’ Climbing
Strava
