by Maryann Tobin

 

Imagine the feel of a fresh breeze gliding across your face as you ride through the legendary trails that inspired the sport of mountain biking. The exhilaration is topped only by the breathtaking views from the storied biking trails that wind through a landscape so lush, only the sublime hand of nature could have created it. While this may sound like a dream, it’s not. It’s an adventure that awaits visitors to Marin County’s inspiring mountain biking trails.

 

Mount Tamalpais is a great place to start your Marin mountain biking adventure. Here, there is something for everyone, from beginner trails to advanced-level paths that are sure to challenge your spirit of adventure. For many mountain bike riders, intermediate trails like Hoo-Koo-E-Koo, Shaver Grade and Rock Springs-Lagunitas Fire Road offer a satisfying blend of rolling roads through forests and meadows with stunning views overlooking San Francisco Bay.

 

Angel Island has a nine-mile bike trail that loops around the island and includes paved as well as off-road paths. Along the way, you’ll have an opportunity to take in a bit of American history as you ride past an old Civil War cannon that is actually fired daily. As you glide through this loop of a treasured natural landscape, you can take in some of the most enchanting views of the Golden Gate Bridge and skyline of San Francisco. 

 

China Camp State Park bike trails wind through more than 1,500 acres of historic Chinese American fishing villages, as well as salt marshes that are part of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. If you bring your camera along, you’ll find an abundance of wildlife ready to pose for your lens. You may even be able to snap a photo of some riders on four legs since some of China Camp’s trails are also popular for horseback riding.

 

Stafford Lake Bike Park: Marin is both home to countless devoted cyclists and a destination for cyclists from around the Bay Area who are looking to experience great cycling conditions and the beautiful backdrop that is Marin County. Now, with Stafford Lake Bike Park, cyclists have a dedicated destination in Novato’s beautiful Stafford Lake Park, where riders of all ages and skill levels can ride custom-built bike trails, and enjoy 17 acres of exciting bike riding experiences.

 

Camp Tamarancho: The Marin Council and Boy Scouts of America operate Camp Tamarancho in the hills above Fairfax. This loop is very popular with mountain bikers and is located in the heart of the birthplace of mountain biking. This loop is considered by many to be the best singletrack riding in the Bay Area and is not recommended for beginners. It features rock gardens, tight switchbacks, groves of redwood trees, and is the first flow trail built in the Bay Area.

To understand why Marin is considered the birthplace of Mountain Biking, visit The Marin Museum of Bicycling in Fairfax and be prepared to be Awed! 

Whether you bring your own gear or choose a rental, there are dozens of spots that will make your Marin County bicycling experience special. Great views, fresh air, and trails that will take you back in time all add up to an adventure of a lifetime that you won’t want to miss.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.