The rocky, brush-covered hillsides surrounding the tiny mining town of Austin have become a playground for mountain bikers of all levels. Community members established most of the trails with the help of the U.S. Forest Service to create a series of trails for all skill levels.

A bike trail guide is available here.

Type: Mountain biking

Trailheads: Located throughout Austin

Getting there: Austin is 172 miles east of Carson City and Reno on U.S. 50. Castle Loop Trail

Distance: 4.5 miles round trip

Difficulty: Beginner

Elevation Gain: 400'

Cahill Canyon Run

Distance:11.5 miles round trip

Difficulty: Intermediate

Elevation Gain: 1,600'

Pony Express Loop

Distance: 10 miles round trip

Difficulty: Intermediate

Elevation Gain: 1,000'

Bob Scott Slide

Distance: 8.5 miles

Difficulty: Advanced

Elevation Gain:1,000' Gold Venture Loop

Distance: 27.5 miles

Difficulty: Advanced

Elevation Gain:4,500'

Crest Cut-Off

Distance: 24 miles

Difficulty: All levels

Elevation Gain:5,000'

Pony Canyon

Distance: 1 mile, downhill only

Difficulty: Advanced

Elevation Loss: 2,500'