Downieville Bike Rental and Shuttle Services

Downieville Downhill Shuttle & Rentals

Downieville is home to the world-famous Downieville Downhill trail, as well as many other phenomenal trails. Downieville is situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering stunning natural scenery with dense forests, rocky terrain, and views of the Yuba River.

The Downieville Downhill is approximately 15 miles long and descends around 4,000 feet from its starting point at Packer Saddle (elevation 7,100 feet) down to Downieville (elevation 2,800 feet). The trail features a mix of technical sections with rocks, roots, drops, and challenging switchbacks. You'll encounter both fast, flowing sections and technical, rocky descents. Best of all, you're treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests as you descend back to the quaint old mining town of Downieville.

Downieville Bike Rental Options

Downieville Outfitters is the longest-running bike rental shop and mountain bike shuttle service in the Sierra Buttes. They have many bike rental options to ensure that your experience on the trails is an unforgettable one.

Santa Cruz Megatower | XS-XXL | 165mm | 29"

The Megatower’s big wheels, long travel, and tough carbon fiber chassis delivers the high-speed security traits of a downhill bike. Yet the relatively-steep seat tube angle and size-specific geo maintain the Mega’s mega pedaling ability—elevating its reputation as the perfect choice for big gravity rides and DH park laps.

Front travel: 170mm Rear travel: 165mm Wheel size: 29"

Santa Cruz Bronson | XS-XL | 150mm | MX

When you can only have one bike, and your mission is to ride that bike into oblivion then this is the one. From manicured bike parks to blown out loamy berms, alpine lines to backyard trails, the Bronson rises to any occasion and is as at home in the air as it is in the dirt. Flat out, flat landings and and fully flat tabletops.

Front travel: 160 Rear travel: 150 Wheel size: Mixed

Santa Cruz Bullit E-Bike | SM-XL | 170mm | MX

If you feel the pull of gravity-riding but want extra push to get to the top, the Bullit is for you. Specifically designed to be at home on the biggest-hitting terrain but with the added boost of an electric motor to drop you at the the drop-in of the wildest trails, the Bullit is the nearest thing to being a downhill bike and a chairlift.

Front travel: 170 Rear travel: 170 Wheel size: Mixed

Santa Cruz Heckler E-Bike | SM-XL | 150mm | MX, 29"

The full-power Heckler ebike is the definitive all-day capable, trail focused, gravity inclined ebike. Its torquey motor and huge 720 Wh battery allows riders to access previously unreachable trails, unlock less-used trails and cramming more into less time. Please note, the Small Heckler has a 27.5" wheel size only.

Duration

1 Day

Shuttle Options:

• Weekends: 7AM, 9AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM, (5PM - by appointment only)
• Weekdays: 10AM, 2 PM, 5PM

Location of Rental Pickup

310 Main Street

Downieville, CA 95636

Ages

There is no specific age limit, but this trail is best suited for competent, intermediate riders. Please note, we do not offer kids mountain bikes and have a limited availability of XS bikes.

What's Included

• Helmet
• Flat Pedals
• Repair Kit

Not Included

• Shuttles are offered to the top of Downieville Downhill for an additional cost. 
• Gratuity

What to Bring / Wear

• Rain jacket / windbreaker (it can be chilly at the top!)
• Appropriate riding clothing for the season
• Mountain bike shoes (flat pedal or SPD compatible)
• Snacks and water

FAQs

Is the Downieville Downhill appropriate for beginners?

The classic Downieville Downhill ride is considered a technically demanding trail suitable for intermediate to advanced riders due to its steep gradients, loose sections, and obstacles. However, there are three loops at the top of the Downhill for Cross-Country riders: Pauley Creek, Big Boulder or Lavazzola Creek. The 2nd Divide Trail is the Cross-Country ride as an alternative to the Downhillers 3rd Divide. Many riders link up a loop at the top with the 2nd Divide trail for a 3-5 hour ride.

Is there a minimum number of guests for the shuttle?

All shuttles have a 6-person minimum. If we haven't met minimum, we'll contact you to reschedule to a different time.

If I finish the ride and want to take a second shuttle on the same day, is that possible?

Absolutely! Additional shuttles on the same day are only $25/rider. We recommend booking your first shuttle at an earlier time, and then seeing how you feel when you're finished with the ride.

What are the trail options for the Downieville Downhill?

• Butcher Ranch Creek: This is the trail that first made Downieville famous. Taken from Packers Saddle it starts in a meadow high in the Sierras east of town. It drops like a stone through creeks and canyons over brutally demanding terrain. The first mile and a half descends about 1200 feet. In all the trail dives an astounding 4500 feet in 14+ miles with all the drop offs, rock gardens, and fast forest tracks to gladden the heart of any technical mountain biker. If you're only going to ride one trail, this is it!
• Pauley Creek: Pauley Creek Trail is the second great downhill ride in the Downieville collection. It shares all the technical joys of Butcher and Big Boulder trails in a setting of great beauty. Its more visual than other area trails because it starts in open country. Traveling to this trail allows you to get a larger picture of this part of the Sierras from ridge tops to meadowlands. Another advantage of using this trail is that it is more private. You’ll see fewer riders on this run.
• Big Boulder Trail: If dropping a stomach churning 1700 feet in 2+ miles on a narrow, rocky trail is your style, then consider this ride! Most of the Big Boulder Trail consists of rocky, unstable soil conditions. Much of it is extremely narrow, strewn with gnarly tree roots, off camber, and on a steep mountainside. Long climbs, beautiful vistas, and screamin’ downhill action make this a ride to remember.

Which bike should I rent?

If you're considering riding the Downieville Downhill, you already have mountain biking experience, and likely have a preference on wheel size and whether you want an analog or an e-bike! With that in mind, here are our recommendations:

• Megatower: Best analog bike for hard chargers who prioritize the downhill experience
• Bronson: Best analog bike for those who want more firm rear travel for easier pedaling. This is a pedaler's downhill, after all!
• Bullit eMTB: Great for the gravity of this rocky downhill ride, with a little extra assist for pedaling.
• Heckler eMTB: A great, nimble e-bike for smaller riders.

Can I bring my own pedals?

Yes, you can! We offer flat or SPD pedals for those who want to use ours.

Do you provide maps?

Maps are available for purchase at our shop. If you have TrailForks, it is accurate for the Downieville Downhill trail and a sufficient map for the ride.

How do I get back to the shop after my ride?

The Downieville Downhill ends right at our shop!