Eldridge Grade Fire Road 🚵

The Phoenix Lake – Fish Gulch trail junction loop from Fairfax offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, weaving through varied terrain and stunning landscapes. You'll navigate everything from steep fire roads, like the challenging Fish Grade, to flowing singletrack on the Upper Fish Gulch Trail, all while enjoying views of the emerald-blue Phoenix Lake. This moderate 18.5-mile (29.8 km) route, with its 2092 feet (638 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 38 minutes, making it a rewarding ride for those with good fitness.

Starting from Fairfax, this loop requires preparation for its diverse conditions, including some sections that are steep enough to warrant pushing your bike. While specific parking information isn't detailed, arriving early is always a smart move to ensure a smooth start to your ride. Be ready for a mix of shaded paths and open stretches, and consider the time of day for optimal riding conditions.

This trail is strategically located within the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, making the Fish Gulch junction a central point for exploring further. It serves as a gateway to other lakes and the peaks of Mount Tamalpais State Park, offering immense views towards the San Francisco Bay. The Fish Grade Multi Trail is particularly notable for its steep, fun descent to Phoenix Lake, setting it apart from typical Marin County fire roads.

The Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road Trail – Bon Tempe Dam loop from Fairfax offers a truly diverse mountain biking experience, winding through shaded creek beds and opening up to expansive views of the San Francisco Bay. You'll navigate primarily dirt and gravel fire roads, with sections around Bon Tempe Lake and Alpine Lake providing serene waterside vistas, often framed by the iconic Mount Tamalpais. This difficult 25.9-mile (41.6 km) route, with its 3513 feet (1071 metres) of elevation gain, is a solid 4 hours and 4 minutes of riding for those with very good fitness.

Planning your ride means being ready for some significant climbs and rolling terrain. While mountain bikes are welcome on the fire roads, be mindful that some singletrack trails around Bon Tempe Lake are off-limits to bikes. There's typically a day-use fee for parking, so factor that into your visit. Spring is a fantastic time to go, as the area comes alive with wildflowers and offers excellent conditions for exploring the Mount Tamalpais Watershed.

This loop is more than just a ride; it's an immersion into a vital part of Marin County's natural landscape. The Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road itself is a key connector in a larger network, allowing you to link up with other popular trails for even longer adventures. Beyond the biking, the Bon Tempe Dam area is known for its abundant wildlife, including various bird species like ospreys, making it a great spot for nature observation while you're out on the trail.