Updated October 2026
E-Bikes on Modoc National Forest Trails
Mountain bike
22.4mi
designated on 2 segments
17% of mapped trail
E-bike
5.9miClass 1
designated on 1 segments
5% of mapped trail
Mountain bike
22.4mi
designated on 2 segments
17% of mapped trail
- Season on record
- Year-round
E-bike
5.9miClass 1
designated on 1 segments
- Class 15.9 mi
- Class 25.9 mi
- Class 35.9 mi
Treated as a motor vehicle: ridden only where designated.
- Class 2 segments
- 1
- Class 3 segments
- 1
Both lanes share one scale: the 129 mi of National Forest System trail mapped in Modoc National Forest, California. From USFS National Forest System Trails records, updated October 2026.
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 | Trail segments with access | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1designatedPedal-assist only, motor cuts out at 20 mph, no throttle. | 1 | 5.9 mi |
| Class 2designatedThrottle-assist up to 20 mph (can propel without pedaling). | 1 | 5.9 mi |
| Class 3designatedPedal-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Tail Rim TrailYear-round | 19.29 | Allowed | Not designated |
| Highgrade National Rec. Trail | 5.93 | Not designated | Allowed |
| Little Mount Hoffman TrailYear-round | 3.06 | Allowed | Not designated |
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.
Top-rated places to stay near Modoc National Forest
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Riding Modoc National Forest?
Trail-access and e-bike rule updates by email.