The San Francisco Bay Area offers some of the most diverse and spectacular mountain biking terrain in the United States.
The unique geography of the Bay Area—where foggy coastal mountains meet sunny inland valleys—creates microclimates that allow for year-round riding and vastly different trail experiences within short distances of each other.
So before you pack up your bike, take a look at the not to be missed routes…
Mount Tamalpais
Nestled in the heart of Marin County, Mount Tamalpais stands as the birthplace of modern mountain biking. In the 1970s, a group of cyclists known as the “Repack Riders” began bombing down the mountain’s fire roads on modified cruiser bikes, essentially inventing the sport as we know it today.
The mountain’s extensive network of trails includes the legendary Repack Road, where those early pioneers held timed downhill races that pushed their coaster brakes to smoking limits—hence the name “repack.”
Today, riders can experience this piece of cycling history while enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco skyline, and surrounding hills.
The Coastal Trail offers thrilling ridge riding with ocean vistas, while the flowy singletrack of Dias Ridge delivers a more technical experience through coastal scrub and grasslands.
China Camp State Park
Just north of San Francisco, China Camp State Park provides an accessible network of trails that wind through oak woodlands and along the shores of San Pablo Bay.
The park’s well-maintained singletrack is perfect for intermediate riders looking to improve their skills, with enough technical sections to keep things interesting without being overwhelming.
The Bayview Trail offers a classic China Camp experience with smooth climbs and fun, swooping descents. During spring, the hillsides burst with wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the ride.
The park’s historical background as a Chinese shrimp-fishing village in the 1800s adds cultural interest to the natural beauty, making it a favorite among local riders.
Skeggs Point
For those seeking more technical challenges, Skeggs Point (El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve) on the Peninsula delivers in spades. Known affectionately as “Skeggs” by locals, this densely forested area features steep terrain with root-strewn trails and challenging rock gardens.
The famous Giant Salamander Trail drops through towering redwoods with natural features that will test even experienced riders. Despite its technical nature, Skeggs also offers moderate options like the Methuselah and Timberview Trails, which wind through ancient redwoods and provide glimpses of the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
The preserve’s deep forest canopy makes it an excellent choice during hot summer months when shade is precious.
Joaquin Miller Park
In the East Bay, Joaquin Miller Park combines accessibility with technical riding just minutes from downtown Oakland. The park’s varied terrain includes redwood groves, eucalyptus forests, and open meadows.
The Cinderella Trail offers a demanding descent with switchbacks and rock features that challenge even seasoned riders, while the Sequoia-Bayview Trail provides a more moderate experience with stunning Bay views.
What makes Joaquin Miller particularly special is its proximity to urban areas, allowing riders to squeeze in after-work sessions without long drives.
The connected Redwood Regional Park extends the riding options with miles of additional trails through towering redwood forests.
Waterdog Lake Park
South of San Francisco, Waterdog Lake Park in Belmont represents the hidden gem category—a relatively small area packed with surprisingly technical trails.
Local riders have built features including log rides, drops, and bermed corners that make the most of the available terrain.
Trails like John Brooks and Finch create a playground for those looking to develop their technical skills without traveling far from the city.
The park’s compact nature means riders can string together multiple laps in a single session, making it perfect for weekday rides when time is limited.
Santa Cruz Mountains
For epic all-day adventures, few places can match the Santa Cruz Mountains. Demo Forest (Soquel Demonstration State Forest) stands as the crown jewel of South Bay riding, featuring the internationally renowned Flow Trail—a masterpiece of trail building with perfectly sculpted berms, rollers, and jumps that create a rollercoaster-like experience through the redwoods.
The challenging climb to reach the top rewards riders with nearly four miles of purposely built downhill flow. Nearby, the Saratoga Gap and Long Ridge preserves offer more traditional cross-country experiences with technical singletrack and rewarding viewpoints across Silicon Valley and the Pacific Ocean.
Annadel State Park
Annadel State Park in Sonoma County rounds out the Bay Area’s premier riding destinations with its unique volcanic terrain. The park’s rocky trails wind through meadows, oak woodlands, and around Lake Ilsanjo, providing a distinctly different riding experience from the redwood forests found elsewhere.
The Rough Go Trail lives up to its name with challenging rock gardens that test bike handling skills, while the North Burma Trail offers faster flow through beautiful oak savannas.
Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays, while fall colors transform the park into a golden showcase. The nearby town of Santa Rosa offers excellent post-ride refreshments at numerous craft breweries that have made the region famous among beer enthusiasts.
–
This climate diversity means that no matter the season, there’s almost always somewhere in the Bay Area with perfect riding conditions.
The technological innovation that characterises the Bay Area extends to its mountain biking scene as well. Many riders use trail apps to navigate the complex network of legal riding options and track their performances on popular segments.
Local bike companies like Santa Cruz, Ibis, and Specialized test their latest designs on these very trails, and it’s not uncommon to spot prototypes being put through their paces by development teams or professional riders who call the region home.
