USFS travel-management data · Updated June 2026
E-Bikes on Modoc National Forest Trails
In Modoc National Forest, USFS travel-management data records Class 1 e-bike access on 1 trail segments (5.9 mi), Class 2 on 1, and Class 3 on 1. Conventional (non-motorized) mountain bikes are designated on 2 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. | 1 | 5.9 mi |
| Class 2 designated | Throttle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling). | 1 | 5.9 mi |
| Class 3 designated | Pedal-assist up to 28 mph, no throttle. | 1 | 5.9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Tail Rim Trail | 19.29 | Allowed | Year-round | |
| Highgrade National Rec. Trail | 5.93 | Allowed | — | |
| Little Mount Hoffman Trail | 3.06 | Allowed | Year-round |
Frequently asked questions
- Are e-bikes allowed in Modoc 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 Modoc National Forest, Class 1 access is recorded on 1 trail segments; Class 2 and 3 on 1 and 1 respectively.
- Does an e-bike count as a mountain bike on Modoc 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 Modoc National Forest?
- Most bike-designated trails in Modoc 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: Modoc National Forest trail data profile · E-bikes across California
E-bike rules in other California forests
Where to stay near Modoc National Forest
Planning an e-bike or mountain-bike trip to Modoc National Forest in California? Compare cabins, lodges, and campgrounds near the forest.
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