4.0
(2)
283
riders
28
rides
Touring cycling around Auburn Lake Trails offers routes through the Sierra foothills of El Dorado County, California. The region features diverse terrain, including paved surfaces, country roads with small farms, and views of Folsom Lake and the American River Canyon. Cyclists encounter varying elevation gains, from gentle slopes to challenging climbs, characteristic of the western Sierra Nevada. The area provides access to extensive trail systems within the Auburn State Recreation Area.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
54
riders
22.1km
02:12
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
12.5km
01:08
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
42
riders
38.6km
03:59
890m
890m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
29
riders
26.7km
02:44
640m
650m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
4.49km
00:29
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The Fuel Break Trail near Foresthill is a short connector fire road providing access to the Culvert trail. This route passes through scenic oak meadows and woodlands and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area once you reach the ridgeline.
0
0
Middle Fork of the American River is a popular spot for rafting, with many trails around it. Be careful swimming in some spots as the current is strong.
0
0
Foresthill Divide Loop, in the Auburn State Recreation Area, is a multi-use trail for hiking and biking. You'll encounter diverse landscapes, including pine and oak woodlands, as well as panoramic views of the American River Canyon.
1
0
The Fuel Break Trail near Foresthill offers a relatively short and easy hike. It leads through oak meadows, woodlands and once you reach the ridgeline, it offers nice views of the surrounding area.
0
0
The Foresthill Bridge, spanning 2,428 feet over the North Fork American River, holds the title of the tallest bridge in California. Does it look familiar? Movie buffs might recognize it from Xander Cage's parachute jump in "XXX" and John Travolta's 1996 blockbuster "Phenomenon."
0
0
Old Auburn Foresthill Road has a fraction of the car traffic as Foresthill Road does so it's a more mellow road to ride. It winds through the woods and usually has a good shoulder to stay on. If taking this road from east to west, it is a nice smooth downhill ride, and the opposite way is a climb up to Foresthill Road.
0
0
Beautiful trail that parallels the river. Keep an eye out for a short spur trail to Clark's Hole for a swim in the river. Be sure to bring plenty of water and avoid the hottest part of the day in summer because it can be sweltering.
1
0
It is a reservoir located in the gorges of the North Fork American River Canyon.
0
0
There are over 30 touring cycling routes around Auburn Lake Trails, offering diverse experiences for various skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars.
The routes in Auburn Lake Trails traverse the Sierra foothills, featuring a mix of paved surfaces and country roads that wind past small farms and ranches. You'll encounter varying elevation gains, from moderate climbs to more challenging ascents, characteristic of the western Sierra Nevada. Many routes offer views of Folsom Lake, the Sacramento Valley, and the American River Canyon.
Yes, Auburn Lake Trails offers several moderate routes suitable for those seeking a less strenuous ride. For example, the Clementine Trail to Lake Clementine is a moderate 7.8-mile path that provides scenic views without excessive difficulty. There are 3 easy and 11 moderate routes in total.
Absolutely. The region is known for its challenging routes with significant elevation gains. The Foresthill Divide Loop — Auburn State Recreation Area is a difficult 13.8-mile route with over 1,600 feet of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Old Auburn Foresthill Road loop from Stony Hill, which covers 14.6 miles with over 2,200 feet of climbing. In total, there are 18 difficult routes available.
Yes, several routes offer a loop experience. A popular option is the Foresthill Divide Loop Trail – Foresthill Bridge loop from Cool, a substantial 23.9-mile ride through the Sierra foothills. Another moderate loop is the Foresthill Bridge loop from Cool, which is 7.9 miles long.
The area around Auburn Lake Trails is rich in natural beauty and historical significance. Along your rides, you might encounter breathtaking views from the American River Canyon Overlook Park or cross the impressive Foresthill Bridge. The Clementine Trail itself offers stunning vistas of Lake Clementine. The region is also part of California's Gold Country, with historical sites like Sutter's Mill nearby.
The Sierra foothills generally offer pleasant cycling conditions during spring and fall, when temperatures are milder. Summer can be warm, especially in the lower elevations, so early morning rides are recommended. Winter can bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but many paved routes remain accessible.
Many touring cycling routes in the Auburn Lake Trails area utilize trailheads within the Auburn State Recreation Area. These areas typically offer designated parking facilities. For specific parking information related to a particular route, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot or the official California State Parks website for the Auburn State Recreation Area: ca.gov.
The komoot community rates touring cycling in Auburn Lake Trails very highly, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 400 cyclists. Reviewers frequently praise the diverse terrain, from scenic country roads to challenging climbs, and the stunning views of Folsom Lake, the American River Canyon, and the Sierra foothills.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in the Auburn Lake Trails area provide spectacular views of these natural landmarks. The region's position in the Sierra foothills means that routes often feature panoramic vistas of Folsom Lake, the rugged American River Canyon, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape.
The touring cycling experience in Auburn Lake Trails is defined by its location in the Sierra foothills, offering a blend of rolling hills, forested sections, and open country. Key natural features include the American River Canyon, with its dramatic gorges and river access, and the serene Lake Clementine, providing picturesque waterside views.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.