The best MTB trails around North Fair Oaks
4.5
(53)
497
riders
36
rides
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around North Fair Oaks, you know how quickly the sheer number of trails can feel overwhelming. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, reviewed, and curated the best mountain bike trails near North Fair Oaks, saving you the guesswork and pointing you straight to the good stuff.
Mountain biking around Northโฆ
Last updated: May 28, 2026
12
riders
28.7km
02:15
510m
510m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
76.4km
04:30
120m
120m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
51.4km
04:37
1,190m
1,190m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
10
riders
49.0km
04:46
980m
980m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
9
riders
59.2km
04:54
1,430m
1,430m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Tips from the Community
A nice pocket of multi-use, natural-surface trails. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.
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At the top of the John Brooks Trail, you're treated to peaceful views of the surrounding San Francisco Peninsula Watershed.
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Borel Hill is my favorite place to watch spring flowers. The western slope near ancient oaks (5-10min west of Borel Hill) are covered with orange California Poppies and purple flowers starting in April. Borel Hill itself peaks around mid May and has a wide variety of flowers. The show lasts only a few weeks until end of May. The peak time and flower intensity varies from year to year, so come several times between April and May. There is small summit NW of Borel Hill and a narrow dirt trail leads you to a rock within 2 min. The rock is big enough for 2-3 to sit on. On a sunny day, the rock is nice warm even if the air is cold. Good views on the ocean and the Bay.
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Here, the Steve's Creek Nature Trail and the Canyon Trail intersect. A lovely patch of grass surrounds the junction, making it an ideal spot for a break.
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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.
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The San Francisco Bay Trail is a flat, paved trail that runs along the border of the bay. It is a great place for a run because it is traffic free and has great views.
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Water Dog Lake, also known as the John Brooks Memorial Open Space, is located in Belmont, California. The park features a network of trails open for hiking and mountain biking, but dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
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This lake is actually an obstructed stream, once dammed up to provide water to nearby Belmont. Now it's a fantastic recreation site, with several loops of trails that are good for hiking, running and biking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around North Fair Oaks?
There are over 25 mountain bike trails around North Fair Oaks, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find 7 easy routes, 14 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in North Fair Oaks?
North Fair Oaks benefits from a sunny and warm microclimate, moderated by ocean and bay breezes, making it agreeable for outdoor pursuits for much of the year. This means you can enjoy mountain biking comfortably across many seasons.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are 7 easy mountain bike routes around North Fair Oaks. An excellent option for an easier ride is the Arastradero Lake โ Bowl Loop Jumps loop from California Avenue, which is 22.8 km long and rated easy.
Are there any loop mountain bike trails in the area?
Many of the trails around North Fair Oaks are loops. For example, the popular Top of John Brooks Trail loop from Belmont offers varied terrain over 20.5 km. Another moderate loop is the Chaparral Trail โ Top of John Brooks Trail loop from San Carlos, which is 11.4 km.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I expect to see on the trails?
The region is characterized by coastal mountain woodlands and diverse landscapes. Along your rides, you might encounter features like the San Francisco Bay Trail, Shoreline Lake, or the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. You can also find unique natural monuments like the Giant Eucalyptus Trees at Francisquito Creek Crossing.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in North Fair Oaks?
The mountain biking routes in North Fair Oaks are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, scenic beauty, and the well-maintained paths through coastal mountain woodlands.
Are there any longer, more challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, there are 5 difficult routes available. For a longer, moderate challenge, consider the San Francisco Bay Trail โ Shoreline Lake loop from Palo Alto, which spans 76.4 km. While not explicitly 'difficult' in rating, its length provides a significant endurance test.
Are there any specific trails that are known for their scenic views?
The region's proximity to coastal mountain woodlands means many trails offer scenic beauty. Routes like the Kings Mountain Road โ Kings Mountain Road loop from Woodside lead through forested areas, providing picturesque surroundings.
Are there any specific parks or preserves known for mountain biking in San Mateo County?
While North Fair Oaks itself is residential, its location provides access to several well-regarded mountain biking areas in San Mateo County. These include Laurelwood Park, El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, and Waterdog Lake Park, all known for their diverse trails.
What are some interesting points of interest or attractions near the mountain biking trails?
Beyond the trails, you can explore various attractions. Consider visiting the Pulgas Water Temple, a unique architectural landmark, or the Oracle Lagoon for a peaceful waterside view.
Are there any trails that are particularly good for exploring local hills?
Many routes wind through the local hills, offering moderate climbs and descents. The Chaparral Trail โ Top of John Brooks Trail loop from San Carlos is a good example, winding through local hills with moderate climbs.
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