Woodsplitter to Happy Face: A California 89 Bike Guide

Start with the place

Woodsplitter and Happy Face sit in the Sawtooth and Bald Mountain trail zone outside Truckee. The area is reached from the Sawtooth trailhead near Thelin Drive and the 06 Fire Road, with several short routes stacked close together.

This location is built for progression. Happy Face gives riders a signed uphill route, while Woodsplitter adds a short, feature-heavy descent, so it is a good place to ride within your limits and build skill over time.

Before you roll

• Area: Truckee / Sawtooth.
• Level: Moderate.
• Distance: 5.8 mi.
• Ride style: Short loop with climbing, rock rolls, jumps, and flow.
• Start: Sawtooth trailhead off Thelin Drive and the 06 Fire Road.
• Best for: Riders who want a compact skills loop.

How the ride feels

Woodsplitter to Happy Face is playful, but it is not a place to switch your brain off. The loop has climbing, features, and flow packed into a short Truckee ride.

Go slow the first lap, learn the turns, and build from there. This is a good place to progress, not to prove something.

Finding your way

Enter Timber Cruise from Sawtooth. Find the Happy Face Uphill sign and climb with a steady pace.

Stay right at the Woodsplitter sign and ride the features within your limit. At the bottom, take two rights to climb the dirt road back toward Bald Mountain, then enjoy the final flow down.

Keep dogs away from jumps and landings if you bring one.

Who this ride is for

Pick this ride when intermediate riders who want to practice rock rolls or small jumps.

Newer riders can skip features and build skill over time. Stronger riders can use it as a compact skills lap when time is tight.

Keep it local

Use the California 89 Bike Card to keep the route clear and the progression smart.

Stop by California 89 before or after for layers, hats, and trail goods made for Truckee rides that turn into full days outside.