The best cycling routes in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve
4.5
(416)
6,498
riders
150
rides
Touring cycling in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve features diverse terrain with rolling hills and open grasslands, offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Skyline and Mount Tamalpais. The preserve includes a mix of single-track paths and fire roads, providing varied surfaces for cycling experiences. It also offers connectivity to a network of trails, including the Sausalito-Mill Valley bike path, extending into areas like Marin Headlands. This landscape provides a range of touring cycling routes for different skill levels.
Bestโฆ
Last updated: July 4, 2026
116
riders
31.4km
03:00
750m
750m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
97
riders
47.2km
03:52
1,320m
1,320m
This difficult 29.3-mile touring cycling loop in Mount Tamalpais State Park offers challenging climbs and panoramic views of the Bay Area.
Sign up for free
5.0
(2)
23
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.
4.0
(1)
87
riders
36.5km
03:02
800m
800m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
67
riders
42.5km
03:51
950m
950m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
Mount Tam East Peak offers some of the most majestic views north of the bay. From this vantage point, you can see all of Marin, along with Point Reyes to the north and Oakland and San Francisco to the south. The stunning panoramic vistas make the journey well worth the effort. There are restrooms and picnic tables, ideal for a snack or lunch while you capture some incredible photos.
0
0
Often busy on weekends, this is a great spot to take moment before/after summiting Mt Tam. There are spigots to fill up water and bathrooms that are open during park hours. The parking lot is very close for those that drive up. There is access to MANY trails for those on foot/bike.
0
0
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.
1
0
Now open for more than a hundred years, this inn welcomes visitors high on the flanks of Mount Tamalpais. The guestrooms mostly face east, but the grounds include great vantages to the west over the Bay. There's also a restaurant, and this has been voted one of the most romantic spots in the Bay Area several times over.
0
0
This historic hotel with a long history, was built in 1912 by a Swiss-German immigrant couple who were homesick for their native Alps. It is perched on the ridge between the Mount Tamalpais peaks, high above Mill Valley, and boasts excellent views of Marin. It is a favorite spot to stay as a mountain getaway for outdoor enthusiasts in the Bay area, so much so that even celebrities like Goldie Hawn, the Grateful Dead and Jack London have stayed here.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?
There are over 140 touring cycling routes available in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve, catering to various skill levels. This includes more than 35 easy routes, over 60 moderate routes, and nearly 50 difficult routes.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is enjoyable year-round, but spring is particularly beautiful with wildflowers like lupine and Douglas iris in bloom. Winter brings seasonal springs on the south slope. The weather is generally mild, making it suitable for cycling most months.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. A great option is the Sausalito โ Mill Valley Path โ Bothin Marsh Preserve loop from Alta, which is an easy 8.4-mile (13.6 km) path with minimal elevation gain, connecting to the Sausalito-Mill Valley bike path.
Can I bring my dog on the touring cycling trails in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, dogs are permitted on trails in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve, but they must be kept on-leash. This applies to both cyclists and hikers sharing the trails.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see while cycling in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?
You'll encounter rolling hills, expansive open spaces, and mature oak trees. During spring, wildflowers are abundant. A unique feature is the herd of horses grazing on the hill, contributing to a classic 'Old California' ranch vibe. You might also spot raptors like American kestrels and red-tailed hawks overhead.
Are there any routes with significant elevation gain for a challenging touring cycling experience?
Yes, for a challenging ride with significant elevation gain, consider the West Point Inn โ Mount Tamalpais East Peak loop from Alta. This difficult 19.8-mile (31.9 km) route ascends towards Mount Tamalpais, offering a substantial climb.
Where can I find panoramic views along the touring cycling routes?
Many points within the preserve offer panoramic views. From various vantage points, you can enjoy stunning vistas of the San Francisco skyline, Richardson Bay, and Mount Tamalpais. The Stinson Beach Overlook & Mount Tamalpais loop via Panoramic Highway is particularly known for its extensive views.
What are the parking options for touring cyclists visiting Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is accessible from Highway 101. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, Lomita Drive serves as an entry point to the Horse Hill Fire Road, suggesting access points and potentially street parking or small lots in the vicinity of Corte Madera and Mill Valley.
How can I access Horse Hill Open Space Preserve using public transport?
The preserve is accessible from nearby towns like Corte Madera and Mill Valley. Marin Transit bus routes serve these areas, providing potential access points to the preserve. You would need to check specific bus schedules and stops for the closest access.
Are there any cafes or restaurants near Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?
Yes, being located between Corte Madera and Mill Valley, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs available in these nearby towns where you can refuel before or after your ride.
What do other touring cyclists say about their experience in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 440 reviews. Touring cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, panoramic views of the Bay Area, and the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels.
Are there any moderate touring cycling routes that offer a good balance of challenge and scenery?
For a moderate challenge, consider the Tennessee Beach via Sausalito-Mill Valley Trail. This 11.4-mile (18.4 km) route offers a balanced experience with varied landscapes and moderate elevation changes.
Most popular routes in Horse Hill Open Space Preserve
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
