Downieville

Shuttle to Packer Saddle, ride 15 miles to town.

A tiny Gold Rush town where the Downie and North Yuba rivers meet, home to one of the West’s best-known descents. Shuttle vans haul riders to Packer Saddle at 7,100 ft for the Downieville Downhill, about 15 miles of fast, rocky singletrack back to town at 2,800 ft. It suits strong intermediate and advanced riders who like long, technical days that end with a river swim.

At a glance

Downieville Downhill

~15 miles, 7,100 to 2,800 ft

Shuttles

Two companies to Packer Saddle

Classic route

Sunrise, Butcher Ranch, Third and First Divide

Other shuttled rides

Chimney Rock, Mt. Elwell, Big Boulder

Good for

Intermediate, Advanced, Expert

What’s here

• Shuttles
• Downhill
• Enduro
• Cross-country
• E-bikes allowed
• Bike rentals
• Races and festivals

Rentals, guides and shops

• Downieville Outfitters

  The longest-running shuttle service in town, plus mountain bike and e-bike rentals and Sabrina’s café and tap room. Book by phone or email.

• Big Boulder Adventures

  Weekend shuttles to Packer Saddle, booked online. E-bikes welcome.

• NorCal Flow Expeditions

  Guided mountain bike tours with pickup, including Downieville days.

• Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

  Nonprofit that builds and maintains the local trails and runs the Downieville Classic.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• RaceJul 31–Aug 1, 2027

  Downieville Classic

  Cross-country race to the Sierra Crest and back, a downhill race on the 15-mile course, a river jump and a town festival. It sells out, so register early.

Where to stay

• cabinSierra Shangri-La

  Cabins with kitchens, fireplaces and decks over the North Yuba River, plus lodge rooms.

  5 min drive
• innDownieville River Inn & Resort

  Family-run rooms and cottages on the North Yuba, some with full kitchens, plus a pool.

  In town
• innCarriage House Inn

  Cozy riverfront inn in the historic downtown.

  In town

Nearby

• Boomtown Backyard · In town

  Riverfront beer garden and music spot with sausages and craft beer, open April to October.

• St. Charles Place · In town

  Historic bar in an 1853 building with a back deck over the Downie River.

• Cold Rush Café · In town

  Coffee, a quick deli and seasonal ice cream flavors.

• Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout · 40 min drive

  A steep 5.2-mile round-trip hike, finishing on stairs, to a lookout above 8,500 ft.

• River swimming · In town

  Boulder-lined pools in the North Yuba, in town and at the campgrounds along Highway 49.

Getting there

• Reno-Tahoe International (RNO) · about 1 hr 50 min drive
• Sacramento · about 2.5 hr
• San Francisco · about 4 hr

Directions in Google Maps