When We Like to Ride This

TBD.

Terrain & Riding

California’s northern Sierra region beckons as we prepare to ride above Butte Meadows. The city below, Chico, is famously known for its brewery, but it holds rich historical roots thanks to its founder, John Bidwell. Around the time of the Civil War, Bidwell helped extend the California Trail by directing settlers onto the Humboldt Wagon Road. Though times have changed, the elevation remains a constant challenge. It’s bound to be an exhilarating ride!

Our journey begins in Chico, located about an hour and a half north of Sacramento. John Bidwell settled in the area in 1841, becoming one of the early travelers along the California Trail. He formally founded Chico in 1860, and three years later, the Native Maidu people were forcibly relocated to Round Valley. Bidwell’s legacy endures through landmarks like his 1868 mansion and the land he donated to establish Chico State in 1887.

Bidwell also envisioned a toll road through the Sierra, connecting Chico to mining regions in Nevada and Idaho. The route saw towns like Butte Meadows spring up along the way, though the road’s activity waned after the construction of Highway 32 in the 1930s.

Today’s ride is organized by Maddie, alongside Evan from Amine Cycling and Tom, who mapped our route. This 37-mile loop, largely dirt, features steady climbs with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain.

We begin with a turn onto Scout Road, possibly named for the nearby Boy Scouts camp. This six-mile stretch is off-road, starting smooth and lined with open spaces, thanks to local logging activities. It’s a gentle start that allows us to catch some speed on early downhills.

However, the ride soon takes on a challenge as we join Highway 32. The downhill section here quickly transitions us back onto dirt, with less tread than we started with—a setup for high-speed thrills.

Our first major climb begins up Rattlesnake Creek. Despite its name, the only encounter we have is with the road itself, as the trail ascends at over six percent grade for three miles. The forested terrain offers occasional expansive views, inviting us to pause and take in the scenery.

The Rattlesnake Creek climb is classified as a Category 1 on Strava, covering eight miles with a mile-long descent in the middle. The gentle, rhythmic switchbacks help us maintain a steady pace as we climb into Mile High territory.

Following the climb, we enjoy a six-mile stretch of rolling terrain surrounded by a forested alley of trees. Occasional gaps offer views that stretch to Lassen Peak and its surrounding national park, prompting a quick break to appreciate the landscape.

The route then takes a twist onto the Colby Meadows Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile singletrack that breaks from the fire road. It’s a well-maintained but technical trail, with tight turns and bumps, adding to the thrill.

Colby Meadows Trail ends at a convenient spot to filter water from a creek, giving us a moment to regroup before tackling the final ten miles. This part of the ride is fast-paced, taking us along the scenic Humboldt Road. Passing historical structures like the Jonesville Hotel, built in the 1860s and now under renovation, reminds us of the rich history of this route.

The descent continues past Butte Creek, where a unique water stop offers a picturesque fill-up point. The ride concludes in Butte Meadows, a small community with remnants of its logging history, including the former site of the Diamond Match logging camp.

Reflecting on the journey, this ride checked all the boxes. With excellent roads and endless options for exploration, the Northeast Sierra region leaves us eager to return and discover more. This adventure was just the beginning.

The Start

Exact parking area unknown.

Lat / Long: 40.080398, -121.551142

Food & Water

• Unknown

Route Notes

1. We recommend a red blinky light with a rear looking radar detector for the paved sectors of this route. Something like a Garmin Varia or Trek Car Back.

Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!