Trione-Annadel State Park - Big Loop - Mountain Bike Trail

Are you planning to go on a biking trip? Consider Trione-Annadel State Park - Big Loop located at the north end of the Sonoma Mountains in Santa Rosa, California. This biking trail is about 26.9 km long, making it one of the longest biking trails in the region. It also has a 558 m elevation gain and 561 m elevation loss, allowing you to reap the maximum benefits of biking in a natural setting. 

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

Trione-Annadel State Park - Big Loop ends where it started, meaning you won't get lost even if it's your first time biking in the area. Typically, this trail starts at the main parking lot. When biking, ride up the Cobblestone Trail. The terrain in this section is quite difficult and requires excellent riding skills.

Once you reach the top of Cobblestone Trail, join the Rough Trail and follow it through the rocky fields with short trees until you reach Lake Ilsanjo.

After climbing the hill, turn right, take the branch that leads to the Canyon Trail, and then turn left to join Marsh Trail. Most parts of the Marsh Trail are shaded, making it quite comfortable.

After riding for a while, the trail curves to the right. Continue riding for about 4.8 km until it meets the fire road on the southern side of Ledson Marsh. Once you join the trail, turn right and take a 2 km loop around Pig Flat and Ridge Trail.

After rejoining Ridge Trail, turn right to continue riding on the fire road around the marsh and head straight to the restrooms. When you go past the restrooms, follow the singletrack up and turn to the left. This path leads you to a sunny area, and you'll also enjoy a beautiful view of the marsh to the left. Once you reach the T, turn right along South Burma Trail to continue enjoying the sweeping descents beneath the trees. For us, this was the highlight of the entire trip.

Keep riding straight, and you'll eventually get to a fire road. Turn right and continue until you reach the North Burma Trai and belt down. This area has a difficult terrain featuring a few rock gardens. Therefore, you have to ride carefully to avoid accidents. After a short distance, you'll meet Channel Trail. Take a left turn and follow the path back to the parking area where you started.

Additional Trail Features

Trione-Annadel State Park - Big Loop has several features that make it ideal for biking. One of the most important things is its big parking lot. This means you don't have to ride your bike all the way from your home. You can come with your car or RV and start biking from the trailhead. This feature also allows people who don't live nearby to access the trail easily.

There were several picnic tables placed in different spots, which allowed us to take breaks between rides. We rested here briefly, took some snacks to replenish our energy, and continued the journey.

This trail features several restrooms for waste disposal. Unfortunately, you're not allowed to bike with your dog.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

Trione-Annadel State Park - Big Loop offers diverse landscapes and beautiful views, making it a must-visit destination. Here are some of the things you're likely to see along the way.

•       Rock Outcroppings- This trail passes through different areas, with rock outcroppings offering unique scenery.
•       Streams- When riding on this trail, you'll cross several streams which are home to frogs, salamanders, and other water creatures.
•       Woodlands- Trione-Annadel State Park - Big Loop is surrounded by several trees that provide shade as you bike.
•       Meadowlands- This trail passes through meadow areas filled with wildflowers, especially during spring.

Recommendations/precautions

1. Carry enough drinking water to protect yourself from dehydration, especially when biking during summer.
2. Wear comfortable biking clothes to ensure you enjoy your trip.
3. Put on biking safety gear to protect yourself from injuries in case you fall off your bike accidentally.
4. Bring enough snacks to replenish your energy during your trip.
5. Pack your waste papers when you finish snacking to avoid littering the area.
6. Consider biking during spring since the environment is quite attractive during this period.