Mountain Biking
Miles of private trails, built by Jaret Brantley.
The short answer
Mountain Biking at Mariposa Highlands starts outside your Airstream in Coulterville, CA, on miles of private trails open for both hiking and mountain biking, with steep climbs and wide foothill views. Our trails are free for guests and were built by Jaret Brantley (@jaretbrantley), an ex-pro wakeboarder and one of the trail builders for Redding Trail Alliance (@redding_trail_alliance). Bring your own bike; e-bikes are welcome. Ride all year round, except when it's raining or has just rained. For extensive trail riding and more expert trails, the Exchequer Mountain Bike Park at Lake McClure's Barrett Cove is a separate place nearby, with its own rules and Lake McClure's day-use fee. In summer, ride in the morning or evening and carry plenty of water.
- On the land
- Miles of private trails, free for guests
- Trails built by
- Jaret Brantley (@jaretbrantley)
- Bikes
- Bring your own bike and helmet; e-bikes welcome
- Expert riding nearby
- Exchequer Mountain Bike Park, Barrett Cove, Lake McClure (a separate place, with Lake McClure's day-use fee)
- Bike park hours
- Dawn to dusk; daily waiver
- Best season
- All year round, except in or right after rain
Where to ride
- From your door
Our private trails
Mariposa HighlandsMiles of trails through oak woodland and pasture, open for both hiking and mountain biking, with long climbs and big views. Our trails were built by Jaret Brantley (@jaretbrantley), an ex-pro wakeboarder and one of the trail builders for Redding Trail Alliance (@redding_trail_alliance). Free for guests. Share the trail with hikers, and close every gate.
- Expert riding
Exchequer Mountain Bike Park
Barrett Cove, Lake McClureThe Exchequer Mountain Bike Park is a separate place from Mariposa Highlands and our trails on Penon Blanco Road. For extensive trail riding and more expert trails, drive to this trail network above Lake McClure, reached through the Barrett Cove Recreation Area. It is open dawn to dusk, Lake McClure's day-use fee applies, and riders sign a daily waiver. Trail maps are on Trailforks.
- Adventure
The Merced River Trail
BLM Merced River area, near BriceburgThe old Yosemite Valley Railroad grade along the Merced River on public BLM land. BLM calls it primitive, with rockslides, washouts, fallen trees and rough creek crossings, so check conditions first.
- After the ride
Insider tips from the family
- 01
Ride mornings or evenings in summer
Foothill afternoons can be very hot from June to September, so ride in the morning or the evening. Summer is still a great time to ride.
- 02
Share the trail
Our trails are open to hikers too. Take blind corners with care and give walkers room.
- 03
Sign the park waiver
The Exchequer Mountain Bike Park asks every rider to sign a daily waiver. Check the Lake McClure site before you go.
- 04
Check BLM conditions
The Merced River Trail can be blocked by rockslides, washouts, or high creek water, especially after storms. Check with BLM before you ride.
- 05
Watch for rattlesnakes
Snakes sun on trails in warm weather. Look ahead, and give any snake plenty of room.
- 06
Keep an eye out for cattle
Cattle generally won't be on the trails, but keep an eye out, give the herd space, and close every gate behind you.
Getting there
Mariposa Highlands is on Penon Blanco Road in Coulterville, CA, in the Sierra foothills between Lake McClure and Lake Don Pedro. We share the exact address after you book.
Our trails start at the Airstreams. Ask us at check-in for the trail map.
The Exchequer Mountain Bike Park is a separate place, reached through Lake McClure's Barrett Cove Recreation Area. The BLM Merced River Trail starts near Briceburg off Hwy 140.
The roads are paved asphalt all the way to us.
Good to know
- Helmets are a must. Cell service can be patchy.
- No smoking on the trails; seasonal fire restrictions apply.
- E-bikes are welcome on our trails.
- We do not offer guided rides or bike rentals, so bring your own bike.
Questions guests ask us
Can you mountain bike at Mariposa Highlands?
Yes. Guests can ride miles of private trails from their Airstream, open for both hiking and mountain biking. Our trails were built by Jaret Brantley (@jaretbrantley), an ex-pro wakeboarder and one of the trail builders for Redding Trail Alliance (@redding_trail_alliance). Bring your own bike.
Who built the trails at Mariposa Highlands?
Our trails were built by Jaret Brantley (@jaretbrantley), an ex-pro wakeboarder and one of the trail builders for Redding Trail Alliance (@redding_trail_alliance).
Is there a mountain bike park near Coulterville?
Yes. For extensive trail riding and more expert trails, the Exchequer Mountain Bike Park at Lake McClure's Barrett Cove is nearby. It is a separate place from Mariposa Highlands: open dawn to dusk, Lake McClure's day-use fee applies, and riders sign a daily waiver. Our own trails are free for guests.
Is the Merced River Trail easy?
Not always. BLM describes it as primitive, with rockslides, washouts, fallen trees and rough creek crossings. Check conditions with BLM before you go.
When is the best time to ride?
All year round, except when it's raining or has just rained. Summer is great too: ride in the morning or the evening to avoid the heat.
Are e-bikes allowed on your trails?
Yes. E-bikes are welcome on our trails. Bring your own bike and helmet.
Do you rent bikes?
Not at this time. Please bring your own bike and helmet.
