Advanced gravel riders looking for extra mileage should start in Sausalito. A great option for both gravel grinders and mountain bikers, the 7-mile trail climbs more than 2,000 feet and offers access to a wide variety of trails including the Mount Tamalpais Loop-not to mention views of rolling green hills, the Pacific coastline and the Bay on the distant horizon. This doubletrack fire road built along an old railroad grade is one of the easiest ways to approach the summit of Marin County’s 2,572-foot Mount Tamalpais. (Photo Credit: MTB Project contributor Bob Gardner) Old Railroad Gradeĭowntown San Francisco as seen from the Mount Tram Loop. Just be wary of other cyclists, runners and walkers as well as the unexpected fog and unpredictable weather that can drift in. The views are so rewarding, though, you’ll want to test yourself against the climb again and again. The loop itself is just under 8 miles from Golden Gate Vista Point, but expect plenty of elevation gain as you navigate the hilly headlands. The loop can be adjusted to include a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge or a start just after to avoid extra mileage and uphill pedaling. Named for its migratory raptor population, Hawk Hill was once home to a World War II-era fortification. This road loop in the Marin Headlands is the region’s top choice for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay and San Francisco. The singletrack snakes through the trees and sharp turns can approach quickly. From the peak, you can either descend the technical East Ridge Trail or the easier North Ridge. Starting on Stanyan Street, this multiuse loop gains just over 1,000 feet in 3.3 miles. The 61-acre reserve is blanketed with ferns, English ivy, blackberry bushes and eucalyptus trees through which you can catch glimpses of the charismatic city surrounding it. It may be hard to believe, but there is mountain biking in the heart of San Francisco. It’s easy to see why Mount Sutro is an urban oasis. Either way, there There are plenty of coffee shops and bakeries to keep you fueled. Or, if you’re up for it, follow the multiuse trail through Mill Valley and hop on the ferry in Tiburon for a 17-mile ride. If you grab the ferry back to San Francisco in Sausalito, you’ll only have 8.2 miles in the saddle. From there, it’s 1.7 miles across to the Marin Headlands. Starting at Fisherman’s Wharf, head west toward San Francisco’s Maritime Museum and Crissy Field before ascending to the bridge. Sure, the bridge offers unparalleled views, but be sure to budget extra time to explore the quaint bayside towns of Sausalito and Tiburon north of the span. Riding over the Golden Gate Bridge should be on every cyclist’s bucket list. Miles: 8.2 (with Sausalito ferry) /17.1 (with Tiburon Ferry) From there, make your way west at your own pace through the greenspace’s 1,017 acres of lakes, meadows, museums and gardens to the historic Dutch Windmill on the Pacific coast or the Park Chalet Coastal Beer Garden for a post-ride pint. The route snakes through the Lower Haight District to join up with another bike path at Panhandle park that will lead you into Golden Gate Park. Starting in the Mission District at the intersection of Market and Duboce Street, simply follow the green bike signs tagged with the number 30. If you don’t mind riding with traffic, the gentle, zig-zagging bike route known as The Wiggle is a great way to take in the city, as it avoids San Francisco’s famously steep grades. (Photo Credit: Michael Fraley under CC BY 2.0) Hop off the saddle and keep an eye out for hang gliders and whales passing along the horizon from atop the region’s famous bluffs. It’s about a 5-mile ride on along the highway to Lake Merced and Fort Funston to the south. Start amid the cypress trees of Lands End park and the Sutro Baths-an old bathhouse that burned down in the 1960s-and take the road downhill past craggy views of San Francisco’s historic Cliff House restaurant for a flat cruise along Ocean Beach. Here are a few favorites to get you started.īeachcombers will appreciate a pedal along the Great Highway, the stretch of blacktop separating the city’s western edge from the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re looking to ride road, dirt or gravel, the City by the Bay has rides for every skill level, from flat, beginner-friendly jaunts to advanced hill climbs. The hills may be daunting, but don’t worry. From ocean-side cruises to tough hill climbs to urban singletrack, these are some of our favorite bike rides in the City by the Bay.ĭespite being the second-densest major city in the United States, San Francisco Bay Area has an abundance of outdoor activities, especially if you prefer to adventure on two wheels.