California MTB Bucket List: All 4 IMBA Epic Rides

Plan your next California MTB getaway around the state's 4 IMBA Epic Rides.

Greg Heil

Images

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The Flume Trail. Photo: jcookfisher via Flickr Creative Commons

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Tunnel Creek portion of the Flume Trail. Photo: Rick Cooper via Flickr Creative Commons

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View of Lake Tahoe from the Flume Trail. Photo: jcookfisher via Flickr Creative Commons

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Lake Tahoe and the Flume Trail. Photo: bensondc via Flickr Creative Commons

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View from Gold Valley Rim

by Greg Heil

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Rider: Marcel Slootheer

by Greg Heil

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Rider: Marcel Slootheer

by Greg Heil

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Rider: Greg Heil

by Marcel Slootheer

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Rider: Greg Heil

by Marcel Slootheer

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Rider: Greg Heil

by Marcel Slootheer

Description

For years, IMBA’s list of “Epic” rides has inspired mountain bikers from around the world to pack their bags and travel to a far-flung locale to pedal a long, gnarly, challenging backcountry trail that was almost guaranteed to change your life. IMBA describes their epics as "immersive rides that are technically and physically challenging, beautiful to behold and worthy of celebration.” These trails are so worthy of celebration that many mountain bikers have set a lifelong goal of completing all of the rides on IMBA’s list of Epics.

That goal could prove challenging, as the list continues to change over time. New trails are added almost every year due to the crowd-sourced nomination process, and occasionally old trails are removed. But the trails that remain are always worthy of exploring!

While many states—or even countries—can only claim to have a single Epic ride, California is home to an impressive four designated Epics. But what else would you expect from the birthplace of mountain biking?! In this guidebook, we’ve rounded up all four Epics to create the perfect itinerary for your next California vacation!

Source:
IMBA.com

Adventures