San Francisco Bay Trail to Treasure Island
San Francisco Bay Trail to Treasure Island
4.5
(9636)
10,549
riders
01:52
36.6km
180m
Road cycling
If you're looking for best road cycling routes in the Bay Area with unparalleled views, the San Francisco Bay Trail to Treasure Island delivers. This 22.7-mile (36.6 km) route, rated easy overall, offers a unique journey across the Bay Bridge East Span path, providing intimate views of the water and the San Francisco skyline. While much of the ride is a gentle incline, be prepared for the notoriously steep Macalla Road climb on Yerba Buena Island, a segment with grades up to 24% that will challenge even the strongest cyclists before you reach the panoramic vistas of Treasure Island.
Accessing this route from the East Bay via the Bay Bridge East Span path is straightforward and open daily. However, if you're starting from San Francisco, you'll need to plan for public transport; the Muni 25 bus and the Treasure Island Ferry both accommodate bikes, offering a convenient way to reach Yerba Buena Island. Consider starting early to make the most of the views and to tackle the challenging ascent before it gets too busy.
Treasure Island itself is an artificial island with a rich history, created for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. Beyond the challenging climb, the island offers the easy 1.7-mile Perimeter Trail, perfect for a relaxed spin with stunning viewpoints of the bay and Angel Island. This route combines iconic Bay Area landmarks with a significant physical challenge, making it a memorable ride for those seeking both scenery and a workout.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
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3.46Β km
Highlight β’ Cycleway
Tip by
4.61Β km
Highlight β’ Bridge
Tip by
6.20Β km
Highlight β’ Structure
Tip by
7.23Β km
Highlight (Segment) β’ Cycleway
Tip by
13.9Β km
Highlight β’ Viewpoint
Tip by
15.9Β km
Highlight (Segment) β’ Trail
Tip by
19.5Β km
Highlight β’ Monument
Tip by
32.0Β km
Highlight β’ Cycleway
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36.6Β km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
25.4Β km
7.64Β km
3.31Β km
188Β m
< 100Β m
Surfaces
20.5Β km
15.4Β km
675Β m
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Elevation
Highest point (70Β m)
Lowest point (0Β m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 16 July
24Β°C
12Β°C
0Β %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0Β km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
The segment of the Bay Trail across the East Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge has a gentle 2% grade, making it relatively easy. However, the connection from Yerba Buena Island down to Treasure Island, particularly via Macalla Road, is very steep, with grades of 17-20% and switchbacks. This section is generally recommended for advanced riders or those with utterly confident brakes. The uphill direction on Macalla Road has a protected bikeway, but the downhill portion currently shares lanes with cars.
The provided data does not specify dedicated parking areas for this particular trail segment. However, given its connection to the broader San Francisco Bay Trail system, you might find parking options in Emeryville or Oakland near the starting points of the Bay Bridge trail access. Consider public transport as an alternative.
The provided information does not explicitly state the dog policy for this specific segment of the Bay Trail. Generally, many parts of the San Francisco Bay Trail are dog-friendly, but leash laws are typically enforced. It's always best to check local regulations for Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge path before bringing your dog.
No, there is no mention of permits or entrance fees required to access or ride this section of the San Francisco Bay Trail to Treasure Island. It is part of a public trail system.
The trail is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the San Francisco Bay Area generally experiences mild weather year-round. Spring and fall often offer the most pleasant conditions with less fog and moderate temperatures. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, especially for wind, which can be a factor on the Bay Bridge.
Riders are treated to breathtaking views of both the East Bay and San Francisco from the Bay Bridge. Notable highlights include the Emeryville Bayfront Bridge, the Alexander Zuckermann Bicycle Pedestrian Path, and an observation pier built from the old bridge's foundations. Once on Treasure Island, you'll find Treasure Island - San Francisco Skyline Vista Point and the Perimeter Trail of Treasure Island, offering excellent views of San Francisco and the bay. You can also spot the WW II US 5-inch Gun Turret of SF Winery.
Yes, once on Treasure Island, you can enjoy the Perimeter Trail of Treasure Island, which winds along the western and northern sides of the island, offering nice views and creating a potential loop or extended ride around the island itself.
While the gentle 2% grade on the Bay Bridge path is suitable for many, the steep descent and ascent on Macalla Road to and from Treasure Island (17-20% grades) are challenging and not recommended for beginners or young children. Future plans for a less steep, two-way protected cycle track on Treasure Island Road will eventually make the trip significantly easier and potentially more family-friendly.
Yes, this route is an integral part of the larger San Francisco Bay Trail system. Along the way, it utilizes sections of the San Francisco Bay Trail, Alexander Zuckermann Bay Bridge Trail, Alexander Zuckermann Bike Path, Perimeter Path, Emeryville Greenway, and Doyle Street, among others. It provides a direct bicycle connection from the East Bay to Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island.
The trail segment across the Bay Bridge and down to Treasure Island is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. There is also a 15 mph speed limit on this section.
The connection from Yerba Buena Island down to Treasure Island via Macalla Road is notably steep, with grades reaching 17-20%. This section includes switchbacks for the ascent. While the uphill direction has a protected bikeway, the downhill portion currently shares lanes with cars. For a less challenging experience in the future, watch for the completion of the planned less steep, two-way protected cycle track on Treasure Island Road.
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