The best traffic-free bike rides around Susville

Komoot features a selection of three challenging no-traffic gravel bike trails around Susanville. These routes are designed for experienced riders looking for a demanding and car-free adventure through the region's diverse landscapes.

Susanville, often called a 'Gateway to Adventure,' is surrounded by over 2,700 square miles of public lands, offering extensive networks of gravel roads and dedicated trails. The region's diverse landscapes, from the rugged Susan River Canyon to the vast Lassen National Forest, provide ample opportunities for peaceful, car-free gravel biking experiences.

While the featured routes on komoot are rated as difficult, the region does offer more accessible options. The Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail is a 25-mile 'rail-to-trail' conversion with a smooth gravel treadway and a mellow grade, making it suitable for various skill levels, including beginners looking for a traffic-free ride.

Yes, many of the extensive forest service gravel roads and trails within areas like Susanville Ranch Park offer opportunities to create circular routes. While specific loop routes are not detailed in the current selection, the interconnected nature of the trail systems allows for custom loop planning, ensuring a varied and traffic-free experience.

The Susanville area is rich with scenic vistas. Riding through the Susan River Canyon on trails like the Bizz Johnson Trail offers views of the river and surrounding woodlands. Higher elevations in Susanville Ranch Park provide panoramic views of the pastoral foothills and meadows. Additionally, the vast network of forest service roads can lead to hidden viewpoints within Lassen National Forest.

Susanville experiences a four-season climate. Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for gravel biking, with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer can be warm, especially in the high desert, so early morning rides are recommended. Winter rides are possible, but some higher elevation trails may be snow-covered, requiring appropriate gear and caution.

Absolutely! The region is full of natural and historical attractions. You can explore the rugged beauty of the Susan River Canyon, or venture into the vast Lassen National Forest. For a unique experience, Lassen Volcanic National Park is about an hour away, featuring steaming fumaroles and alpine lakes. Closer to town, the historic Susanville railroad depot serves as a trailhead for the Bizz Johnson Trail, offering a glimpse into the area's past.

Many public lands and trails in the Susanville area, including the Bizz Johnson Trail and trails within Susanville Ranch Park, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out, and ensure your dog is on a leash and you carry waste bags to maintain trail etiquette.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of quiet, car-free gravel roads and trails, the stunning natural beauty of the Susan River Canyon and surrounding forests, and the sense of adventure found in exploring the diverse landscapes.

Parking is generally available at key trailheads. For instance, the historic Susanville railroad depot provides access to the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. Susanville Ranch Park also has designated parking areas for trail access. When exploring forest service roads, look for pull-offs or designated parking spots, always ensuring you do not block access or private property.

Susanville itself offers various cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores where you can refuel before or after your ride. While the trails themselves are often remote, you can easily access amenities in town, especially if starting or ending your ride near the Susanville depot or Susanville Ranch Park.