Portola, California, a small town of just 2,000 residents, is on the brink of a thrilling transformation. The Beckwourth Peak Trail—a 14-mile lollipop loop designed specifically for riders—will soon stretch straight from downtown, turning this quiet locale into a fresh mountain biking destination in Northern California. Slated for completion in 2026, this trail promises to connect riders directly from the heart of the town at Portola City Park to the volcanic heights of Beckwourth Peak itself.

The trail was a long time in the making. Proposed in 2009 and still navigating the final stages of construction after four years of groundwork, the path is a labor of love crafted by Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship (SBTS), a respected name in NorCal trail building. While most of the route is already open for out-and-back rides, the full loop remains a milestone just over the horizon.

Starting at 4,885 feet in downtown Portola, riders will ascend steadily to 6,425 feet—gaining 1,540 feet across a thoughtfully engineered route. Cleverly designed to keep trail grades mostly under 10%, with only brief stretches hitting 15%, this ride strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility. The route earns a solid intermediate (blue) rating, providing smooth singletrack lines alongside pockets of technical rock features that test skill without overwhelming.

Midway, a natural volcanic arch punctuates the ride, framing the landscape like a gateway. Passing under this distinct feature offers a rare mix of geology and riding fun. The trail’s volcanic origins shape the terrain—rock fields and scree demand attention, and upcoming construction will add dry-stack stone retaining walls across ravines, pushing both the trail builders and riders to engage directly with the peak's rugged personality.

Importantly, this trail supports non-motorized use only—no e-bikes—preserving the quiet and the integrity of this new outdoor gem. The direct connection to downtown Portola is a game changer. With an existing pump track in the city park serving as a hub, the trail is poised to attract riders and outdoor lovers who want to start their adventure steps from their lodging or campground.

The impact on the town is expected to be significant. Portola’s gravel roads have long served locals and visitors, but the lack of singletrack has left a gap for mountain biking. Now, this trail offers an accessible escape into nature’s raw beauty, crowned by vistas that stretch over the valley floor to the jagged Sierra Nevada peaks beyond.

Enthusiasm ripples through the community and beyond, with social media posts on the trail capturing growing excitement. Funding remains a hurdle, especially for the last crucial mile, but grants and donations—including support from the Shimano Trail Born Fund—push the project forward.

For riders seeking a genuinely fresh Northern California mountain biking experience, Beckwourth Peak Trail is shaping up to be a ride that is practical, scenic, and full of discovery.The trail challenges the rider to match its natural contours, rewarding persistence with panoramic views and technical yet manageable terrain. Adventure is on the horizon for Portola, and soon it will be on the map.