MARIN HEADLANDS (MARINCELLO, BOBCAT, AND MIWOK TRAILS)
Location: Mill Valley
Parking: The suggested parking is at the Tennessee Valley parking lot, located on Tennessee Valley Road.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Route: Loop
Several scenic biking trails await just north of San Francisco. Marin County boasts some of the most spectacular trails and landscapes in the Bay Area. There are enjoyment and excitement for all cyclists, regardless of your skill level.
Relatively accessible, the Marincello, Bobcat, and Miwok Trails have magnificent views—sans the struggle. These easy, short pathways provide a smooth ride. As you bike onward, marvel at the jaw-dropping views and headlands encompassing bare hillsides. The entire route consists of only two elevated climbs, which makes it a great option for beginners.
The journey begins on the Marincello Trail. This path was originally designed to be the main thoroughfare for a residential development, but when the project ultimately failed, the wide, rocky road was left partially unfinished. Once you’ve biked the section of the Marincello Trail, you’ll reach the Bobcat Trail, which is known for its vibrant wildflowers and vista points. The route skirts around Gerbode Valley, providing one of the smoothest mountain biking trails in the Bay Area, and eventually connects to the Miwok and Old Springs Trails. The latter offers a bike-legal singletrack that will bring you to the lush and well-shaded forests of Marin.
MOUNT TAMALPAIS (VIA DEER PARK ROAD AND COAST VIEW TRAIL)
Location: Mill Valley
Parking: Parking at the watershed is prohibited (only people with disabilities and the required placards/license plates for their vehicle can park here). However, you can park in the street off of Deer Park Road.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11.5 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Route: Loop
Mount Tamalpais offers another fun and rewarding bike trail that follows the Deer Park Fire Road and the Coast View Trail. This route features an exciting loop with partially paved roads, fire routes, and singletracks leading up to Mount Tamalpais. The first challenge is the steep climb up Deer Park Fire Road, which has an average elevation grade of 12 percent, making it a great whole-body workout. As you descend along the Coast View Trail, slow down to enjoy the most scenic part of the ride. This singletrack offers observation points on a mesmerizing coastal hillside overlooking the calm ocean.
If you’re craving a quick dip in the ocean after cycling for several miles, you’re in luck. This amazing trail takes you to Muir Beach (via Highway 1, one of the best cycling routes in California). Slow down (or just make a pit stop) to admire the clear blue waters, watch the waves, and feel the breeze. If you take this trail in the fall, you might be able to spot thousands of monarch butterflies as they migrate to the California coast. But no matter when you explore the trail, we know that you’ll be pretty hungry after a ride like this, so make sure to stop by the nearby Pelican Inn for a delicious meal.
ANGEL ISLAND PERIMETER LOOP
Location: Tiburon
Parking: Park in one of the Point Tiburon parking lots (for a fee), then board the ferry to Angel Island.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 3 hours
Route: Loop
Angel Island is pure bliss for tourists, hikers, and bikers alike. Enjoy the tranquility of the quiet island, which features sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline. Due to the fame and splendid vistas found on Angel Island, this loop is pretty heavily trafficked. To not feel rushed on your joyride, you may need a minimum of three hours to complete the journey (for a smoother ride, you can take Perimeter Road—it’s paved and borders the island along the coast).
Rich in ethereal nature, this charming island is lush with oak, hazelnut, gooseberry, and pine—especially on the route to the peak of Mount Livermore—and is dotted with vibrant wildflowers. As you bike down the south slope, picturesque views of Point Blunt will appear. You’ll also take in vistas of the Tiburon Peninsula, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and the Berkeley Hills. (You might even spot the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge.)
PARADISE LOOP
Location: Sausalito
Parking: The suggested parking lot is Blackie's Meadow, near the intersection of Tiburon Boulevard (Route 131) with Trestle Glen Boulevard. You can also park near San Francisco’s Chrissy Field and bike across the Golden Gate Bridge into the town of Sausalito.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 38 miles
Time: 3–4 hours
Route: Loop
Paradise Loop is one of the top-notch mountain biking trails San Francisco has to offer. Cyclists just love “doing Paradise” to savor the splendor of the city. There aren’t any difficult climbing areas, just several mild ups and downs. The quiet route offers spectacular views of iconic S.F. landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Not to mention, you'll be starstruck by the dizzying array of multi-million dollar homes situated along the Tiburon Peninsula.
The route starts on the Tiburon Historical Trail, following the old railroad tracks along the shore. As you pedal on, you’ll discover gorgeous views of Sausalito, looming Mount Tam, and Richardson Bay.
CHINA CAMP STATE PARK LOOP
Location: San Rafael
Parking: The parking fee is $5 at China Camp State Park. You can park at the campground area or at Buckeye Point.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 11 miles
Time: 3 hours
Route: Loop
The China Camp mountain biking loop is an excellent option if you’re not an advanced cyclist or haven’t hit the tracks in a while; it features singletrack for beginners or family rides. At the start of the ride, you’ll climb upward at a moderate range. Don’t let that steep hill scare you though—the rest of the route is a flat ride along the hillside. The loop consists mostly of singletrack with just a few fire roads.
You’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas showcasing the northern part of Marin County. Along the way, visit the renowned China Camp Village, which preserved the last remnants of several Chinese fishing villages scattered around the Bay Area. If it’s your first time here, check out the small village museum to discover the region’s rich culture and history.
Although this loop trail is shared with hikers and may be heavily trafficked, it’s definitely worth the ride (especially if you enjoy a post-workout treat at the popular Sol Food in downtown San Rafael).
EAST BAY MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL