4.7
(36)
406
riders
49
rides
Touring cycling around Novato offers diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, marshlands, and scenic bay views. The region features significant open spaces and preserves, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. These areas are characterized by a mix of flat paths and routes with notable elevation gains. Novato's geography supports a range of touring cycling experiences.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
9
riders
18.3km
01:15
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
18.9km
01:26
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
25.7km
01:41
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.99km
00:32
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
66
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Created by the construction of Seeger Dam on the Nicasio Creek in 1961, this shallow reservoir covers 845 acres and is part of the Marin Municipal Water District
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This is a small park with a 10-acre pond and some trails along the shore. There are usually quite a few birds around, you might even spot a large pelican from time to time.
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The Dixie Schoohouse dates back to 1864, it has been in continuous use since its construction, making it the oldest in Marin County. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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Usually some vendors at this intersection for some fresh fruit! Views of Black Mountain are beautiful.
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This path is a nice paved multi-use route lined with trees and shrubbery. It is part of the SMART Pathway system and divides into multiple segments for easy cycling access across downtown and the valley. This portion runs parallel to the commuter rail line south of downtown Novato for 0.9 miles and passes by Slade Park before ending on Rowland Way.
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Miwok Park is a beautiful 22-acre area with a creek running through bay laurels and redwoods. It is named for local Indigenous people and serves as the home to the Museum of the American Indian. A replica of a traditional Miwok home is located outside of the museum, along with a garden containing plants that were important to the Miwok. There are two bocce courts, a playground, a picnic area, and an expansive grassy lawn, making it a nice place to stop and stretch your legs.
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Atherton Avenue connects downtown Novato to Highway 37 and is a popular shortcut road for cars and bicycles. It has a nice wide bike lane, offering a safe, direct passage without worrying about heavy traffic and a longer route on Highway 101.
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This is a nice small neighborhood park with an open space lawn area next to a lovely playground surrounded by paved pathways perfect for cycling. There are benches, picnic tables and a drinking fountain with a water bottle filler.
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Novato offers a diverse network of over 40 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 17 easy, 13 moderate, and 10 difficult options, ensuring there's a ride for everyone.
Yes, Novato has 17 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a relaxed ride is the Scottsdale Pond and SMART Pathway Loop, which is nearly 9 km long and features minimal elevation gain. The Bay Trail in Hamilton Field is also known for being kid-friendly, flat, and accessible.
Novato's touring cycling routes showcase a rich variety of landscapes, including rolling hills, expansive marshlands, and scenic bay views. You'll encounter diverse natural habitats, open spaces, and preserves, offering a dynamic backdrop for your rides.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Novato are designed as loops. For example, the San Francisco Bay Trail Loop offers diverse scenery, while the Rush Creek and Bahia Trail Loop takes you through marsh and oak landscapes. Another popular choice is the Old Town Novato & Rush Creek Preserve loop, which combines urban areas with scenic wetlands.
Novato is surrounded by beautiful natural areas. You can visit Stafford Lake Park for picnicking and fishing, or explore the wetlands of Rush Creek Preserve for birdwatching. Other highlights include the Nicasio Reservoir and the unique Pygmy (dwarf) sargent cypress forest.
The touring cycling routes in Novato are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from flat paths to challenging climbs, and the beautiful scenery encompassing rolling hills, marshlands, and bay views.
Yes, Novato offers 10 difficult touring cycling routes for experienced riders. A significant challenge is the Point ReyesβPetaluma Bridge β Cross-Marin Trailhead loop from Novato Hamilton, which covers over 83 km and includes substantial elevation gains, leading into the picturesque hills of West Marin County.
Novato generally offers a pleasant climate for cycling. While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the diverse landscapes are enjoyable year-round. For detailed weather information and seasonal tips, you might consult resources like Visit Novato's biking section.
Yes, Novato has a supportive cycling environment. You can find bike rental services and bike shops, such as Bicycle BrΓΌstop, which caters to the local cycling community. This makes it convenient for visitors to access equipment and support for their touring cycling adventures.
While specific public transport access points for all routes are not detailed, Novato is part of Marin County, which has some public transport options. For routes like the Scottsdale Pond and SMART Pathway Loop, which utilizes the SMART Pathway, public transport connections might be available. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for specific trailheads.
Yes, Novato offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Olompali State Historic Park, covering 700 acres, features hiking trails and insights into Native American sites and early California ranches. While not directly on a touring cycling route listed, its proximity makes it an interesting stop for those exploring the area.
For a broader overview of outdoor activities in Novato, including hiking and other recreational opportunities, you can visit the official Visit Novato website. This resource provides additional context on the region's diverse offerings.


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