The best MTB trails in King Mountain Open Space Preserve

The Old Railroad Grade and Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Loop offers a quintessential Mount Tamalpais mountain biking experience, blending historical charm with spectacular scenery. You'll traverse wide fire roads and more technical sections, passing through cool redwood canyons, sunny chaparral, and exposed ridges. The journey provides ever-changing vistas, from the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, making the sustained climbing feel incredibly rewarding.

This moderate 14.9-mile (24.0 km) loop involves a significant 2457 feet (749 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. The West Blithedale Avenue Trailhead is a convenient starting point. While the Old Railroad Grade offers a manageable gradient, the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo section includes steeper pitches and some rocky, rooted terrain, so come prepared for a solid workout.

Mount Tamalpais is widely recognized as the birthplace of mountain biking, making this loop a ride through history. The Old Railroad Grade follows the path of the historic "Crookedest Railroad in the World," and you can even stop at the West Point Inn, a historic establishment from 1904. The diverse terrain and consistent views solidify its status as a classic Marin County ride.

The Corte Madera–Larkspur Path – Bay View Trail loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, transitioning from flat, wide paths along Corte Madera Creek to more varied terrain with climbs and descents on the Bay View Trail. You'll be treated to scenic bay views, glimpses of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, and the impressive backdrop of Mount Tamalpais, making it a rewarding ride for those who appreciate diverse landscapes.

This moderate 26.5-mile (42.6 km) loop involves 1903 feet (580 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 3 hours and 8 minutes. Starting from Larkspur, the route is easily accessible, including via the Larkspur Ferry. While the Corte Madera Pathway is generally smooth, be ready for some challenging sections on the Bay View Trail, which can include switchbacks and slightly rocky singletrack.

This loop is a popular choice among local mountain bikers, known for connecting communities and offering a blend of urban areas, natural marshlands, and bay overlooks. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like herons and egrets along the creek, adding to the natural appeal of this well-used Bay Area trail.

The Old Railroad Grade and Gravity Car Loop offers a unique mountain biking experience, tracing the path of the historic "Crookedest Railroad in the World" up Mount Tamalpais. You'll start amidst shaded redwood groves and fern-lined creeks, gradually climbing through oak woodlands to more exposed chaparral, all while enjoying increasingly expansive views of the Bay Area. The trail's consistent 6% grade on a wide fire road makes the 8.1-mile (13.0 km) ascent of 1059 feet (323 metres) aerobically challenging but not overly technical, leading to the stunning East Peak. Expect a moderate ride that takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes, perfect for those seeking a rewarding climb with incredible scenery.

To make the most of your visit, plan to start your ride from the East Peak Visitor Center, which offers facilities and serves as a natural hub for the area. While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable to secure a spot and enjoy the trail before it gets busy. This route is best enjoyed on clear days when the panoramic vistas from the summit are at their most spectacular, allowing you to see San Francisco and even the Sierra Nevada.

This loop is steeped in history, following the route of the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway that operated until 1930. You'll encounter engineering marvels like the Double Bowknot, where the old railway gained elevation, and the historic West Point Inn, a welcome stop with world-class views. At the East Peak Visitor Center, you can see a replica of a gravity car, which once whisked passengers down the mountain. This blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a good workout makes it one of the popular trails routes in the Marin County area.