Biking in Marin County, CA Marin County, an enchanting region nestled in the north of the San Francisco bay area, is famous for its mesmerizing scenic beauty. Its eastern parts bustle with the inhabitants of Sausalito, Tiburon, Corte Madera and San Rafael. The county’s interiors are adorned by lush agricultural land, acting as a refreshing sight after the concrete jungle that most cities offer today.  If you are a nature and adventure lover, a thrilling Marin County biking expedition is just the thing for you. Against the backdrop of verdant hills, redwood forests and breathtaking beaches, the county is home to some of the world’s most challenging biking trails. Passionate mountain bikers come from around the globe to experience a rush of adrenaline while speeding along the county’s curvaceous routes. Traveling across the rugged land, bikers brave all odds to feel like the legendary mountain-biker Joe Breeze. 

Marin County: The Mecca of Biking Mountain biking originated as a sport along the hillside routes of Marin County's Mount Tamalpais. These routes offer an incredible mix of terrains that can only be championed by the experts. So, if you are a dabbler, consider biking trails meant for beginners. You can try some easy routes to learn the nuances of mountain biking. Such routes are also suited for family biking.  At Marin County, there is something in store for everyone – from the novice biker to those who are experts. If you prefer cross country rides, dotted with challenging climbs, opt for the county’s numerous uphill routes. For downhill biking addicts, there is a series of freefall and slanted routes, ranging from sane to insane. Free-riders can treat themselves with a variety of tracks, such as the forest routes, bike parks, steep slope tracks and gentle beach-side routes. 

Popular Biking Trails

To quote John F. Kennedy, “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” If you too are a biking enthusiast, here are some spellbinding biking trails you just cannot afford to miss. Samuel P. Taylor Park: If you have high stamina and wish to test it, get ready for the ultimate challenge - biking through a 7.4-mile ridge trail. The trail begins at the Papermill Creek located inside the cool picnic area of Samuel P. Taylor Park. It begins with a comfortable ride under the shade of dense trees. The trail ends at Barnabe Peak. The trail climbs 1,320 feet in only three miles. Don’t be surprised by when sudden steeps appear, as this is what makes the trail exciting for adventure lovers. Although you needn’t be an expert at the technicalities of biking, you will need all the muscle power you can muster to pedal through the route. While riding uphill, look towards the east. The spectacular mountain you’ll see is Mount Diablo. In the northern direction is Mount St. Helena, while on the western side, you will pass by the Tomales Bay. Nature lovers consider this biking trail exciting because it is among the very few tracks that offer them the pleasure of riding through thick redwood forests, followed by an excursion in open grassland hills. China Camp State Park: Located 30 miles north of San Francisco, this all-season biking trail has an average elevation of 670 feet. On your trip through the shades of oak trees, you will come across a dazzling shoreline. The scenic park trail is very popular among bikers, hikers and equestrians. While cruising along the single-track route, don’t forget to keep an eye open for oncoming traffic. In case you’re not keen on a high-rise trail, this route should be your first choice. Its lowest point is located at 80 feet and the highest at 750 feet. In the first half of your journey, you will climb 80 to 200 feet. During the second half, you will climb 500 feet in two miles. During your exciting trip, you will come across a bumpy terrain of short ups and downs. While biking through the park trails, you needn’t worry about getting lost. All trails are located at a distance of only one mile from one another and the major road. In case you face any problem, you simply need to call out to the rangers who stay on duty all year round.  

Cross Marin Trail: Families out for a little bicycle adventure can opt for the Cross Marin Trail. It runs through the Samuel P. Taylor Park, shores of the beautiful Marshall Beach, finally ending at the Tomales Bay State Park. Most of the route is shaded, so your biking experience will be extremely relaxing. The route has several sunny picnic spots, where you can stop for a quick brunch. 

 Point Reyes National Seashore: If you wish to enjoy a peaceful off-road biking expedition, head for the trails alongside the Point Reyes National Seashore. This trail lets you be yourself and travel at your own pace. A long ride through the curvy routes will surely charge you up. You also have an option to ride through paved trails. Still, before you push that pedal, do remember to collect a map from the visitors’ centre and make sure that your selected trail permits bikes.  Marshall beach, Abbott’s Lagoon, Bull Point, Sunset Beach, Estero, Drakes Head, Muddy Hollow and Bear Valley are some of the popular trails officially open for biking.   

Pine Mountain Loop: For a remote 14 miles biking trip, you can begin your expedition with the Bolinas Road in Fairfax and discover the adventurous Pine Mountain Loop. From the top of the ridge, you can get a marvelous view of Bolinas Ridge, Tomales Bay, and Mount Tamalpais. During your journey, you will glide across the serene Kent Lake en-route a riparian habitat. Angle Island State Park: Those keen on biking through a historical site can ride down the Perimeter Road and Upper Fire Road of Angle Island. This discrete island remains a popular tourist destination for summer weekends. However, most tourists prefer to stick to the picnic spots and restaurants. Only the adventurous lot attempts to indulge in a biking expedition.  To access Angle Island, get on a public ferry. You can also hire a private boat. Public ferries operate from San Francisco, Vallejo and Tiburon. During the summer months, special boat services commence from Oakland/ Alameda. If you are in a hurry, board a ferry from Tiburon. From here, you can reach Angel Island in only 15 minutes. Once you get down at Ayala Cove, hop onto your bike and head for Perimeter Road.  At 1.2 miles from the Ayala Cove picnic ground, you will see a dirt trail leading towards Camp Reynolds, also known as the western garrison. Although exploring the ruins on the remote island can be very exciting, the forest can be dangerous for the unsuspecting traveler. Stay away from the poisonous oaks and do not go alone in the forest. While you are riding on the Upper Fire road, watch out for steep drops. If you face any issues, seek assistance from the rangers on duty.  

Mount Tamalpais:  For some serious mountain biking, ride from the town of Ross across the Alpine Lake reservoir and cruise upwards to the Ridgecrest Road. A challenge that bikers love to take on is to complete the 22-mile mountain loop in one go. For the less adventurous biker, cycling downhill to the Mill Valley on Panoramic highway is a great option.  Mountain Tam, as it is popularly called, offers more than 50 miles of trails spanning across the dense redwood and madron forests. While cruising downhill, you can view the stunning sights of the ocean gushing with full force. In case you want a less challenging trail, try the smaller ten-mile Bay View-Shoreline trail meandering through wild oak.  

For a biking addict, nothing beats the charm of residing in Marine County. A place which is flanked by one of the world’s best biking trails. If you are looking for your personal abode at Marin County, consult Nicole Burton. With her extensive experience in real estate, she will ensure that you get the best deal in this biking paradise.

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