4.6
(40)
521
riders
22
rides
Mountain biking around South San Francisco offers routes through coastal hills and areas overlooking the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. The terrain features varied elevations, with trails winding through open spaces and some forested sections. This region provides a mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents, characteristic of the Bay Area's diverse landscape. Natural features include the San Andreas Lake and the San Francisco Bay shoreline.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.8
(14)
156
riders
24.3km
02:34
730m
730m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.8
(4)
109
riders
17.4km
01:57
560m
560m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
27
riders
10.9km
01:06
390m
390m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
22
riders
5.65km
00:32
140m
140m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(2)
9
riders
25.0km
02:18
660m
660m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
You can still see evidence of what used to be the Cold War-era radar targeting system of Nike anti-aircraft missiles; the missiles themselves were based on nearby Milagra Ridge.
0
0
This isn't the sort of road you'd take a vehicle on, nowadays - but it's great for nontechnical mountain biking, and this high point gives you nice views over the surrounding hills.
0
0
Nike Missile Sites were Cold War-era anti-aircraft missile sites in the United States, designed to defend against potential Soviet air attacks. This site was in place to San Francisco.
0
0
From this spot on Old San Pedro Mountain Road, you get truly stunning, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding foothills and grasslands. This is a great spot to take in the view and catch your breath before continuing on your ride.
0
0
Small beach with lots of rolling waves. It is a popular spot for surfers and families with stunning coastline views.
0
0
Small beach with lots of rolling waves. It is a popular spot for surfers and families with stunning coastline views.
0
0
This is a great spot to stop and take in the 360-degree views of the sprawling landscapes of the coastal meadows and the Pacific Ocean. Slightly to the north, you can see Bolinas Pt. in the distance.
0
0
This junction offers fantastic panoramic views, including the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, the Marin Headlands, and Mount Diablo in the distance. The Farallon Islands can be seen on the western horizon on a clear sunny day.
0
0
There are over 20 mountain bike trails around South San Francisco, offering a variety of experiences. These include 5 easy routes, 13 moderate routes, and 3 difficult routes, catering to different skill levels.
Yes, South San Francisco offers several easy mountain bike trails. While specific names aren't listed as easy in the top routes, the region has 5 routes categorized as easy, providing gentler terrain for those new to mountain biking or looking for a relaxed ride.
Experienced riders looking for a challenge can explore routes like the Devil's Slide β Ace Trail loop from Pacifica, which is 24.3 km long with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Pacifica Pier β Devil's Slide loop from San Bruno, a longer 50 km route with over 1200 meters of ascent.
Absolutely. Many trails in the region offer stunning coastal and bay views. The Pacific to SF Bay Panorama loop from Pacifica is specifically known for its expansive vistas of both the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay.
The terrain around South San Francisco is diverse, featuring coastal hills, open spaces, and some forested sections. You can expect varied elevations with a mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents, characteristic of the Bay Area's landscape.
The mountain bike trails in South San Francisco are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, coastal paths, and panoramic bay views.
Yes, many of the popular mountain bike routes in South San Francisco are loops. Examples include the Devil's Slide β Ace Trail loop from Pacifica, the Pacific to SF Bay Panorama loop from Pacifica, and the Farallones Trail Lookout loop from Pacifica.
While mountain biking, you can explore several natural attractions. Highlights include San Andreas Lake, San Bruno Mountain State & County Park, and Gray Whale Cove State Beach. You might also find viewpoints like The Point offering scenic overlooks.
Yes, the Interpretive Center - Hayward Regional Shoreline Museum is a notable facility in the region. While not directly on the listed top mountain bike routes, it's an attraction in the broader area that could be combined with a ride or visited separately.
For a moderate ride, consider the Pacific to SF Bay Panorama loop from Pacifica, which is 19.5 km long, or the Farallones Trail Lookout loop from Pacifica, a shorter 10.9 km option. Another moderate choice is the Baquiano Trail β Sweeney Meadow Trail loop from Pacifica, spanning 21.1 km.
South San Francisco generally offers good mountain biking conditions year-round, thanks to its mild climate. However, the spring and fall months often provide the most pleasant temperatures and clearer skies, making them ideal for exploring the trails. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.