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Groveland Trail Heads

🚴 Your Insider Guide to the Groveland Grind: Where to Eat, Stay & Play

  • Groveland Grind Committee
  • May 1
  • 5 min read

Updated: May 7




The Groveland Grind is just around the corner, and whether you're a seasoned gravel grinder, XC mountain biker, or brand new to the dirt, this community-powered ride is the perfect mix of adventure and heart. With epic Sierra scenery, a friendly crowd, and routes that range from fun to downright fierce, it's the can't-miss event of early summer in Groveland, California.


You’ll receive the race logistics through your reservation, but here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the Grind weekend—straight from our sponsors and the local nonprofit crew that advocates for mountain biking access in our region.


Hold on! 👉 You haven’t signed up for the Grind yet? First, register now at grovelandtrailheads.org/grovelandgrind


Group ride getting ready for the Grind!
Group ride getting ready for the Grind!

🏕 Where to Stay

Staying at the Finish Line

The race takes place at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort, just outside the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park. Discounted tent and RV sites are available for race participants, so you can sleep close to the action and wake up ready to ride.


Staying Close to the Race

If you’d rather stay at a resort with restaurants, shopping and onsite activities then we have three unique options very close to race:  Rush Creek Lodge, Firefall Ranch and Evergreen Lodge all have amazing accommodations surrounded by the beauty of Stanislaus National Forest.


Staying in Groveland

If you’d rather stay in town, try the Yosemite Basecamp – Their rooms are designed with the adventurer in mind.  The Basecamp is right in the heart of downtown Groveland with an information desk, on-site outfitter, walkable to food, coffee, and gear. 



🚲 Where to Rent a Bike or Grab Gear

Need a ride or some last-minute gear? These local businesses can help:

  • Sonora Cyclery – A full-service, quality bike shop in Sonora offering a wide range of bikes, including mountain, gravel, hybrid, and electric bikes, plus expert service.

  • Echo Adventure Cooperative – This worker owned cooperative offers hardtail mountain bike rentals, camping kits, crash pads for bouldering, fly fishing gear and more. What you cant rent, you can buy at the Yosemite Basecamp!

  • Trail Less Traveled Bike and Gear– In addition to RC Cars, handmade crafts, and Yosemite souvenirs this hobby store in downtown Groveland offers ebike rentals, bike sales and bike accessories in downtown Groveland. 



☕ What to Eat & Drink

Fuel up before and after your ride at these local favorites:


Pre-Ride Fuel:

  • Mountain Sage Coffee – Coffee, smoothies, and baked goods

  • Miner's Mart – Sandwiches and snacks to-go for your ride day

  • Mar-Val Market - Its a grocery store that has everything including Dust Bowl Brewery Beer and Galo Wine for your post ride celebration!

  • The Grove Creamery - Ice cream... not an official sponsor, but like, its really good ice cream!?!

  • Firefall Coffee – Great espresso and quick bites


Post-Ride Recovery

We highly recommend getting your grub on with the Sonora Taqueria at the Groveland Grind, but these are some of our favorites eats in and around town!

  • Lucky Buck Cafe - HUGE menu including vegan and vegetarian, friendly service and great prices.

  • Around the Horn Brewing Co. – Locally brewed beer and food

  • Iron Door Saloon – The oldest saloon in California

  • Two Guys Pizza - Best Pizza in Groveland!



💵 Need an ATM in Groveland?

Cash is still king in the Sierra! You can find ATMs at:



🌄 Gateway to Yosemite with No Park Reservation Needed

Sticking around after the race? Great news: no reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park until June 15th 2025. That means you can easily add a day in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Grove, or Glacier Point without worrying about timed-entry logistics.



🌲 Bonus Adventures

Whether you're extending your trip or just looking for a cool-down adventure:

  • Ferretti Trails is Groveland Trail Head's magnum opus with approximately 8.5 miles of trails, with a mix of mtb and multi-use paths. The terrain varies, offering both gentle rides and more technical sections, catering to a wide range of biking preferences. The trails are situated at elevations ranging from about 2,918 to 3,306 feet, providing riders with scenic views and a pleasant climate for year-round riding.

    • Tap 5: A 1.3 mile beginner friendly mtn bike optimized trail loop with optional trail features like jumps, berms, drops and rollers. These features have go-arounds, making the trail fun for the entire family and for all skill levels of riders. Mtn bikes have right of way and Tap 5 connects to the Gumball mtn bike trail loop.

    • The Ridge Trail Loop: Approximately 3.7 miles of multi-use trail that meanders through forested areas, offering elevation changes of about 502 feet. It's suitable for equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers, with right-of-way etiquette observed.

    • Out and Back Trail: A 2-mile multi-use trail with an elevation change of around 156 feet, providing a more relaxed ride through the natural surroundings. It's suitable for equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers, with right-of-way etiquette observed.

    • Gumball: A 1.5 mile directional trail loop optimized for mtn bikes. The descending section is mtn bike only with a lot of engaging optional trail features. Combining Tap 5 and Gumball mtn bike trail loops gives riders a good warm up climb then a 1.4 mile super sweet, feature rich descent that riders will want to do over and over again.

  • Pre Course Ride: We’ll send out the beta for this year’s route ahead of time if you wanna get a jump start! 

  • Horseback Riding: Check out the stables at Firefall Ranch

  • Rest your legs and test your luck with a little dice time:

    • Chicken Ranch Casino – Just down the hill in Jamestown, Chicken Ranch offers gaming, dining, and a brand-new resort experience. Whether you’re celebrating a podium finish or just need to unwind after the ride, it’s a great stop for post-race entertainment.

    • Big Oak Flat Casino & Resort – Located right on the 120 corridor near the park entrance, Big Oak Flat Casino is another amazing supporter of local recreation and an awesome family friendly destination in the Sierra foothills.



🤓 Need More Info About the Area?

Whether you’re looking for trail maps, adventure ideas, or insider tips, check out these local resources:


💪 Let’s Ride

The Groveland Grind is one of our favorite weekends of the year, and we’re thrilled to share our town, our sponsors and our trails with you. Thanks for riding with respect and helping us grow mountain biking in the Sierra.


See you at the starting line!— Groveland Trail Heads


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