3 Mind-Clearing Marin Mountain Biking Trails
It’s pretty rare that a mountain biking trail exists in a location that isn’t picturesque, but sometimes you want a ride that guarantees all the good views and feels. I listed my top 3 head-clearing, perspective-giving trails in Marin to give you a starting point for peaceful rides with amazing views to calm an overactive brain. Each one offers variation, but I listed my go-to routes to get you started!
China Camp
Location: San Rafael, California
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Terrain: Single track
My Loop: Park on San Pedro Road outside the ranger station (day fee required). Start on Shoreline Trail and quickly turn up to the right to start the Bayview Trail assent. This is the only real assent this loop. At the top, take a left to continue on Bayview Trail where you will traverse the mountain. Turn left to drop down the Fire Ridge Trail. Take a right onto Oak Ridge Trail, which drops down to Shoreline Trail. Turn left on Shoreline Trail and traverse back to the start. This is where you’ll have to stop for hikers from time to time. A great little loop for a quick ride or for some repeats!
Old Railroad Grade
Location: Mill Valley, California
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Terrain: Fire road
My Loop: Park on West Blithedale near the trailhead (put West Blithedale and Lee Street into Maps). Start the Old Railroad Grade climb and stay to the left to wind around the canyon. You’ll get to a gate and paved road at one plateau. Continue on the paved road (Fern Canyon Road) until it dead ends back into the Old Railroad Grade Trail. Wind up Old Railroad Grade and take a right on Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Road. Ride down Hoo-Koo-E-Koo, which is traversing back the direction you came, but with open views. Take a right on Blithedale Ridge Road. Turn right on H-Line Fire Road to drop down and connect back up to Old Railroad Grade right near the start. Great workout with all the climbing, but a lot of opportunity to space out and enjoy the views.
Tennessee Valley
Location: Mill Valley, California
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Terrain: Fire road and some single track
My Figure Eight: Park at the main Tennessee Valley parking lot. Head out the Tennessee Valley Trail toward the beach with all the walkers. Turn right on Coastal Trail and start climbing. Turn right to stay on Coastal Trail until it connects with Fox Trail for a minute before heading up Coyote Ridge Trail. Turn right on Miwok Trail to drop back down to Tennessee Valley Road. Ride through the parking lot and take the Marincello Trail to head back up on the other side of the valley. Turn right on Miwok Trail and then right on Old Springs Trail. Old Springs Trail is a really fun single track down to the parking lot, but be careful of hikers!
Enjoy the rides and bring on the life clarity!
