A demanding paved circuit connects the Lakes Basin, Bassetts, Yuba Pass, and the return toward Graeagle. Alpine scenery rewards the work, while climbing and a long day require an experienced road group.

Distance: About 44 mi; ~52 from Graeagle

Effort: Hard · full mountain day

Climbing/descending: About 4,400 ft by shorter alignment

Allow: 4–7 hr

From the Lodge: 10–15 min to a Graeagle start

Bike: Road or gravel bike with sound brakes

Plan: Match the map to your actual start. The route joins Gold Lake Highway, Highway 49, and Highway 89; a Graeagle start adds mileage beyond the shorter base-of-highway loop.

Host tip: Make time for a mountain stop rather than treating every mile as a training interval.

Before you ride: Seasonal closure, traffic, narrow shoulders, rough pavement, and weather affect the ride. Check all roads before starting.

Details for your plan

Area

Graeagle & Sierra Buttes

Type of outing

Road cycling

The idea

Three summits. One very good mountain day.