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Sonoma County

Petaluma

The best MTB trails around Petaluma

By Fede from komoot

ยท

Updated May 31, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Petaluma, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. It's tough to tell which trails are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's exactly why we're here: our komoot community has ridden, reviewed, and mapped these routes, so we can cut through the noise and give you a curated shortlist of the best mountain bike trails Petaluma has to offer.

Mountain biking around Petaluma means embracing a landscape of rolling hills, expansive wetlands, and shady oak woodlands. You'll find everything from gentle rides along the river to more demanding ascents that reward you with panoramic views. The terrain here offers a fantastic mix, whether you're looking for a relaxed spin or a challenging climb.

For a solid ride with incredible ridge-top views, we'd start with the North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail, a moderate 8.8 miles (14.2 km) that truly earns its place. If you're looking for something a bit easier and accessible from downtown, the Petaluma โ€“ Cattail Pond loop from Petaluma Downtown is a fantastic 10.7 miles (17.3 km) through wetlands and along the river. Dive in and discover why more than 20 mountain bikers have already explored Petaluma's diverse trails with komoot.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail
  2. 2

    Mountain and Sonoma Ridge Trail Loop
  3. 3

    Petaluma โ€“ Steamer Landing Park loop from Petaluma Downtown

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail

14.2ย km

490ย m

Moderate

Mountain and Sonoma Ridge Trail Loop

18.0ย km

720ย m

Moderate

Petaluma โ€“ Steamer Landing Park loop from Petaluma Downtown

17.3ย km

270ย m

Easy

North Sonoma Mountain Trail โ€“ Summit of Sonoma Mountain loop from Creekside Picnic Area

15.1ย km

510ย m

Hard

Tomales โ€“ Miller Park and Boat Launch loop from Helen Putnam County Park

72.0ย km

890ย m

Moderate

1.

North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail

14.2km

01:39

490m

480m

The North Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail offers a moderate mountain biking experience, transitioning through varied ecosystems from towering redwoods and a footbridge over Matanzas Creek to open fields and shaded oak and bay laurel forests. This 8.8-mile (14.2 km) route, with 1593 feet (485 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 38 minutes, provides a scenic ride, though mountain bikes are limited to the first 2 miles of the Ridge Trail.

Planning your visit means keeping the 2-mile bike restriction firmly in mind; beyond this point, the trail is for hikers and equestrians only. The accessible segment is rated

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2.

Mountain and Sonoma Ridge Trail Loop

18.0km

02:15

720m

720m

The Mountain and Sonoma Ridge Trail Loop offers a diverse mountain biking experience, guiding you through a captivating mix of redwood groves, oak woodlands, and open grasslands. You'll encounter

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3.

Petaluma โ€“ Steamer Landing Park loop from Petaluma Downtown

17.3km

01:23

270m

270m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips from the Community

brucehamilton8758
September 10, 2025, North Sonoma Mountain Trail

Nice trails without many rocks.

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brucehamilton8758
September 10, 2025, London Lake

Most people overlook this gem.

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Reaching up to an elevation of roughly 2,300 feet, Sonoma Mountain is no wimpy hill. It's a tough hike to the top, regardless of which route you use to get there, but the endless views are more than rewarding. There is a bench and a shade tree near the summit for good measure.

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Steamer Landing Park is a 10-acre park on the on McNear Peninsula. There are several miles of trails in the park, benches and picnic tables to take in the great views, and restrooms.

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The tiny hamlet that remains of Tomales has a couple of pizzeria and American restaurants, and a General Store for resupply

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Small museum with historic exhibits in the restored school gymnasium that was the only building surviving the devastating fire that destroyed the school. The nearby historic church is renovated

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Small rest area with partially shaded picnic tables, restroom, and short trails to the wide river for fishing and swimming

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Small bayside park with trails and some paved road, a pier and boat launch, and good access to a calm pebble beach

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Petaluma?

There are currently 5 mountain bike trails listed around Petaluma in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.

What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Petaluma?

Petaluma's mountain bike trails feature diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, expansive wetlands, and oak woodlands. You'll find a mix of grassy hillsides, shaded forests, and routes that follow river systems, providing varied terrain from gentle paths to more challenging ascents.

Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Petaluma?

Yes, Petaluma offers trails suitable for beginners. For instance, the Petaluma โ€“ Cattail Pond loop from Petaluma Downtown is rated as easy and leads through wetlands. Helen Putnam Regional Park is also known for its beginner-friendly, mostly gentle trails, perfect for building confidence.

Are there any challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?

Yes, for more experienced riders seeking a challenge, the North Sonoma Mountain Trail โ€“ Summit of Sonoma Mountain loop from Creekside Picnic Area is rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation changes and technical sections.

What natural features or landmarks can I see along the mountain bike trails?

Many trails offer scenic views of the Petaluma Valley and Sonoma County. You might encounter wetlands, oak woodlands, and riverbanks. For example, the Petaluma โ€“ Cattail Pond loop from Petaluma Downtown passes by Cattail Pond. Ridge-top trails in areas like Helen Putnam Regional Park provide panoramic vistas.

Are there any loop mountain bike trails in Petaluma?

Yes, several trails are designed as loops. The Mountain and Sonoma Ridge Trail Loop and the Petaluma โ€“ Cattail Pond loop from Petaluma Downtown are both popular loop options.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Petaluma?

The mountain bike routes in Petaluma are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 4 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to wetlands, and the variety of trails suitable for different ability levels.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Petaluma?

Sonoma County, including Petaluma, is known for its excellent weather year-round, making it a premier cycling destination. While specific seasonal conditions can vary, generally mild temperatures allow for mountain biking in most seasons. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Are there any family-friendly mountain bike options in Petaluma?

Yes, parks like Helen Putnam Regional Park are particularly suitable for families, offering mostly gentle trails. Shollenberger Park also features flat, family-friendly trails near tidal salt marshes and freshwater marshes, perfect for easy biking.

Where can I find parking for mountain bike trails in Petaluma?

Regional parks like Helen Putnam Regional Park and Tolay Lake Regional Park typically offer designated parking areas for visitors. For trails starting from downtown, such as the Petaluma โ€“ Cattail Pond loop, public parking in the city center would be available.

Can I bring my dog on the mountain bike trails in Petaluma?

Many regional parks in Sonoma County, including Helen Putnam Regional Park and Tolay Lake Regional Park, generally allow dogs on trails, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's always best to check the specific park regulations before your visit to confirm their pet policy.

Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the mountain bike trails?

Petaluma's downtown area is easily accessible and offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. For trails starting closer to the city, like the Petaluma โ€“ Cattail Pond loop from Petaluma Downtown, you'll find plenty of options. For trails further afield, planning ahead for refreshments is advisable.

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