The best cycling routes in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve
4.6
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6,901
riders
151
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Touring cycling in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve offers diverse routes across 170 acres of woodlands and grasslands. The preserve features varied terrain, from nearly flat sections to moderately steep climbs, suitable for different cycling intensities. Cyclists encounter diverse woodlands, including coast live oak, California bay, redwood, and Douglas fir trees, alongside rolling grasslands. Ridge-line views provide expansive panoramas of the San Francisco Bay Area and Mount Tamalpais.
Best touring cycling routes in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve
- The mostβ¦
Last updated: May 7, 2026
5.0
(2)
22
riders
18.4km
01:19
150m
150m
Cycle 11.4 miles (18.4 km) to Tennessee Beach via Sausalito-Mill Valley Trail, a moderate route with ocean views in Marin Headlands.
5.0
(2)
21
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
45
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
11.2km
00:40
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
28.6km
02:25
740m
740m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
An absolute must-see for cycling enthusiasts! This museum in Fairfax tells the story of nearly 200 years of cycling history, from 19th-century velocipedes to modern racing bikes. It's also home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, featuring unique specimens and stories about the pioneers of mountain biking. The collection is impressive and authenticβno replicas, but real bicycles that showcase the evolution of technology and design. An inspiring place where you can truly feel the passion for cycling.
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The Pantoll Campground is a First-come/first-serve site in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Each site has a barbeque grill, a fire ring, and a picnic table. You need to pay for the site at the Ranger Station as you enter the park.
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The eponymous name of this hill mostly refers to the climb to this point from the beach about 1300 feet (400 meters) up. Deer Park Fire Road is actually reasonably gradual, following the ridgeline. Still, it is a good place for a rest, take in the views to the Pacific, and refill the water bottles at the water fountain, and read info panels about the recent history.
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At the end of the gradual Tennessee Valley Road, the last mile or so unpaved but smooth gravel, awaits the natural sandy wide beach cove. The steep coastal trails climbing on either side are hiking only.
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The Larkspur Ferry Terminal has several ferries that take you to downtown San Francisco. The ferries are usually every hour, but make sure to check the schedule for any change before you go.
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The Pantoll Campground is a First-come/first-serve site in Mt. Tamalpais State Park. Each site has a barbeque grill, a fire ring, and a picnic table. You need to pay for the site at the Ranger Station as you enter the park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?
There are over 140 touring cycling routes in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?
The preserve features diverse terrain, from relatively flat sections to moderately steep climbs. You'll encounter multi-use fire roads and narrower single-track paths winding through grasslands, bay/oak woodlands, and stands of redwood and Douglas fir. Some segments may be unpaved, requiring good fitness.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy routes. For a relatively flat experience, consider the Corte Madera - Larkspur Path loop from Corte Madera, which is 11.2 miles (18 km) long and features flat sections along the waterfront. This route is rated easy and takes about 40 minutes.
Where can I find the best scenic viewpoints along the cycling routes?
Many routes offer breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Bay Area, including the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, and Mount Diablo. Ridge-line trails like the Escalon Fire Road provide consistent vistas. You can also find great views from the Middle Summit / Escalon Fire Road and the Camino Alto Road itself.
Are there any challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Yes, for a more challenging ride with significant elevation changes, try the Corte Madera Pathway β Phoenix Lake loop from Mill Valley. This 16.1-mile (25.8 km) route is rated difficult and involves substantial climbing, taking about 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete.
Can I connect to other preserves or extend my ride from Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?
Absolutely. Camino Alto Open Space Preserve connects to adjacent preserves like Blithedale Summit Preserve and Horse Hill Open Space Preserve. This allows cyclists to extend their routes into the wider Marin Hills and even towards Mount Tamalpais, creating longer and more varied rides.
Are there any loop routes for touring cyclists in the preserve?
Yes, several loop routes are available. A popular option is the Sausalito Waterfront β Sausalito β Mill Valley Path loop from Corte Madera, which is 14.6 miles (23.5 km) long and offers bay views. Another is the Corte Madera - Larkspur Path β Camino Alto summit viewpoint loop from Corte Madera, covering 14.7 miles (23.7 km).
What are the parking options for touring cyclists visiting Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?
Ample street parking is generally available at various trailheads, such as along Escalon Drive. This makes the preserve easily accessible for those arriving by car.
What should I know about facilities like restrooms or water when planning a ride?
There are no restrooms or water facilities directly within Camino Alto Open Space Preserve. It's essential to plan ahead and bring sufficient water and any other necessities for your ride.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about cycling in Camino Alto Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse woodlands, rolling grasslands, and the expansive ridge-line views of the Bay Area and Mount Tamalpais.
Are there any specific trails or roads that are particularly good for touring cycling?
Fire roads like Escalon Fire Road, Middle Summit Fire Road, and Lower Summit Fire Road are popular choices for touring cyclists. These often provide relatively level routes along ridges with consistent views. The Camino Alto Road itself is also a key cycling route.
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