Best Mountain Biking Trails in the SF Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area is a great place for mountain biking, offering a variety of trails and terrain to suit all levels of riders. Some of the best mountain biking destinations in the Bay Area include:
Demo Forest (Soquel Demonstration State Forest): located near Santa Cruz, it offers a mix of technical singletrack trails with varying difficulty levels and flowing fire roads. With over 30 miles of trails through stunning redwood forests and scenic views, there's plenty of riding to be had here.
Skeggs Point / El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve: situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains (Skyline Ridge) near Woodside, this preserve features a mix of fire roads and singletrack trails winding through lush forested areas. It’s a popular destination for advanced mountain bikers. The trails here offer a challenging and technical riding experience, with steep descents, tight turns, and technical rock gardens. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/el-corte-de-madera-creek-trail--2
Mount Tamalpais: Marin County's Mount Tam State Park, located just north of San Francisco, offers a range of mountain biking trails, including the famous Old Railroad Grade Fire Road, which provides panoramic views of the Bay Area. It boasts a range of trails for all levels of riders, from easy scenic rides to challenging technical descents. The park's network of fire roads and singletrack trails provide plenty of options if you’re looking for a full-day adventure.
Marin Museum of Bicycling and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame
China Camp State Park: located in Marin County, it offers a network of trails winding through oak woodlands and along the shoreline of San Pablo Bay.
Joaquin Miller Park: located in Oakland, Joaquin Miller Park features a variety of trails suitable for mountain biking, including the popular Cinderella and Chaparral trails. https://www.trailforks.com/region/china-camp
Annadel State Park: situated in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, this park offers miles of trails meandering through oak woodlands, grassy meadows, and rocky terrain. It’s another popular mountain biking destination in the Bay Area. With over 35 miles of trails, Annadel offers a range of riding options, from easy fire roads to technical singletrack trails. https://www.trailforks.com/region/annadel-state-park
Water Dog Lake Park: located in Belmont, this park features a network of technical singletrack trails popular among mountain bikers in the Peninsula area.
Peninsula Mountain Park: This park in the East Bay is a popular destination for cross-country riders. The park offers a range of trails, from easy fire roads to challenging singletrack trails, with plenty of options for riders of all levels.
As for restrictions or fees, some parks and preserves may have entry fees or require permits for parking or trail access, and certain trails may have restrictions on biking during wet weather or specific times of the year to prevent erosion and protect sensitive habitats.
Check each location's regulations and trail conditions before heading out for a ride. Many parks have websites or visitor centers where you can find up-to-date information on trail access, fees, and regulations.
These are just a few great mountain biking destinations in the Bay Area. With such a variety of trails and terrain, it's easy to see why the Bay Area is one of the best places in the world for mountain biking! Ride on!
