Featured Ride: Annadel State Park + Oat Hill Mine, California

Annadel State Park

This 16-mile “big loop” hits the highlights of Annadel State Park just east of Santa Rosa, California. The big loop features technical singletrack up the black diamond-rated Cobblestone trail and a fast, fun descent—with opportunities to catch air—along the swooping North and South Burma Trail.

Side loops provide options for lengthening or shortening this route while a few short fire road sections will provide for rest breaks. For those who love chunk, work your way back to Cobblestone for a more technical descent.

Oat Hill Mine

When you’re done, throw the bike in the car and drive into the hills northeast of Santa Rosa to the small town of Calistoga to ride the Oat Hill Mine Trail, 9-16 miles (out and back). Oat Hill Mine Road rises steadily above Calistoga and takes you through some great scenery and challenging terrain.

The first few miles of the climb are pretty gradual and well graded. Near the top you’ll find unrelenting chunk that will work you over hard. You can turn around once you get to the top (around 4.5 miles in) and head back down, or continue on and explore even more toward Aetna Springs.

Photos courtesy of MTB Project