USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026
E-Bikes on Eldorado National Forest Trails
In Eldorado National Forest, USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 82 trail segments (351 mi), Class 2 on 82, and Class 3 on 82. Conventional (non-motorized) mountain bikes are designated on 95 segments. On Forest Service land an e-bike is a motor vehicle, so it is allowed only where designated.
E-bike access by class
Where a trail is open to conventional bikes, check the e-bike columns separately — a non-motorized mountain bike being allowed does not by itself mean an e-bike is.
| E-bike class | Definition | Trail segments with access | Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 designated | Pedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle. | 82 | 351 mi |
| Class 2 designated | Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling). | 82 | 351 mi |
| Class 3 designated | Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle. | 82 | 351 mi |
Trail-by-trail (largest bike trails)
Conventional-bike and Class 1 e-bike status with season windows, per USFS designation.
| Trail | Miles | Bike | Class 1 e-bike | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pony Express | 37.9 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Rock Creek Loop | 28.41 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Caldor Loop | 22.11 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Rubicon | 20.38 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Plummer Ridge Loop | 20.33 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Carson Emigrant N.R.T. | 17.68 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Gold Rush | 16.77 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Big Mtn. Loop | 14.06 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Slate Canyon | 11.98 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Crosier Run | 11.21 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Hunters | 9.79 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Silver Lake - Horse Canyon | 8.21 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Thunder Mountain Loop | 8.14 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Al Brass | 7.16 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Fleming Meadow Loop | 7.07 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Strawberry 4wd Trail | 6.74 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Union Valley Bike Trail | 6.65 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Pipi Grade | 6.63 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Mace Mill Loop | 6.14 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Nevada Point | 5.63 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Barrett Lake Jeep Trail | 5.51 | Allowed | — | |
| Elkins Gold | 5.1 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Darling Ridge Loop | 5.04 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Lyons | 5.02 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Deer Valley 4wd Trail | 4.99 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Bald Mountain | 4.43 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Caples Creek | 4.34 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Martin | 4.2 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Ballarat | 4.19 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Long Canyon 4wd Trail | 3.94 | Allowed | — | |
| Hales Crossing | 3.83 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Long Valley | 3.8 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Hellhole 4wd Trail | 3.73 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Big X Atv | 3.69 | Allowed | — | |
| Buck Pasture | 3.68 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Ridge Run | 3.5 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
| Ellicott | 3.31 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| North Shanty 4wd Trail | 3.16 | Allowed | — | |
| Ice House Bike Trail | 3.13 | Allowed | Restricted | Year-round |
| Flume | 2.99 | Allowed | Allowed | Year-round |
Frequently asked questions
- Are e-bikes allowed in Eldorado National Forest?
- On National Forest System land, e-bikes are legally motor vehicles. Under U.S. Forest Service policy (36 CFR 212; FSM 7700), an e-bike of any class may be ridden only on routes that are designated for motor-vehicle use or specifically designated for e-bike use — not on every trail where a conventional (non-motorized) mountain bike is allowed. In Eldorado National Forest, Class 1 access is recorded on 82 trail segments; Class 2 and 3 on 82 and 82 respectively.
- Does an e-bike count as a mountain bike on Eldorado National Forest trails?
- No. Under USFS policy an e-bike of any class is a motor vehicle, even Class 1 pedal-assist. A trail being open to conventional bikes does not by itself permit e-bikes — the trail must carry an e-bike or motorized designation.
- When are bikes open in Eldorado National Forest?
- Most bike-designated trails in Eldorado National Forest carry a Year-round season window in the USFS data; higher-elevation trails open later as snow clears. Always confirm current conditions with the ranger district.
See also: Eldorado National Forest trail data profile · E-bikes across California
E-bike rules in other California forests
Where to stay near Eldorado National Forest
Planning an e-bike or mountain-bike trip to Eldorado National Forest in California? Compare cabins, lodges, and campgrounds near the forest.
Top-rated places to stay near Eldorado National Forest
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Riding Eldorado National Forest?
Trail-access and e-bike rule updates by email.