Ride the Ridge

Mountain bike or hike the Bolinas Ridge Trail in Point Reyes

Galloping green hills, grazing cattle, great vantages … Bolinas Ridge Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a challenging yet visually rewarding intermediate-level mountain bike ride (you can also hike this multi-use trail). Winter and spring are ideal for an adventure here: The landscape is lush, the air crisp for clear scenery, and seasonal features like wildflowers can pop early.

woman biking bolinas ridge trail point reyes

woman biking bolinas ridge trail point reyes

woman biking bolinas ridge trail point reyes

This is an 11-mile (one-way) out-and-back trail that starts at the northern trailhead at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and ends at Bolinas-Fairfax Road. Mountain bikers and hikers can turn around at any point and return the way they came (or map out a return route via connecting trails and roads). We recommend a 10-mile (round-trip) out-and-back mountain bike ride or hike up to a scenic picnic table beside a giant rocky outcropping.

woman mountain bike bolinas ridge trail point reyes

You’ll start with a steady climb up to the ridge, and your first bit of scenery is likely to be pure Cowlifornia: Cattle nosh on grasslands here (give them space and be respectful; they’ll return the favor). Take in the big views of the loping grasslands as you ride up a dirt trail vacillating between wide open with some rutted sections and singletrack through forest, including some redwoods.

woman mountain bike bolinas ridge trail point reyes

This trails flows, but there are some steeper grades as you make your way up and along the ridge (there’s no shame in walking your bike on these sections!). Keep going past the first picnic table you spy on the route, aiming for the second one higher on the ridge. It’ll clock you in at around 5 miles. The return trip is where you’ll find some flow on the downhill, with beautiful views of Marin’s Barnabe Peak and expansive Point Reyes—all the way out to Bodega Bay.

The Bolinas Ridge Trailhead is along Sir Francis Drake Blvd. There are pullouts for parking. Note: The entrance to the trail is a cattle trap L shape, so hikers can pass through, but bikers will have to hoist their bike over the fence. Mountain bikers should wear a helmet. The trail is 11 miles one way, so you can turn around at any point and retrace your route. Dog-friendly (dogs should be leashed as cattle are common).

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View