The best MTB trails in San Bruno Mountain State Park

The Pacifica Pier – Devil's Slide loop from Milagra Ridge offers a truly dynamic mountain biking experience, blending smooth paved paths with challenging climbs and potentially rugged dirt sections. You'll ride along the dramatic Devil's Slide Trail, enjoying breathtaking ocean views from its cliffside perch, before ascending Milagra Ridge for panoramic vistas of the Pacifica coastline. This route delivers a constant change of scenery, from coastal cliffs to scrub-covered ridgelines, providing a sense of adventure and isolation despite its proximity to urban areas.

This moderate 20.6-mile (33.1 km) mountain biking route involves 2021 feet (616 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete. While the Devil's Slide section is easy, the overall loop requires good fitness due to its varied terrain and connecting segments. Parking is available at trailheads for both Devil's Slide and Milagra Ridge; consider starting early on weekends to secure a spot and enjoy the views before any potential afternoon fog rolls in.

Beyond the stunning views, this loop is rich in history and ecology. The Devil's Slide Trail is a repurposed section of the famously treacherous Highway 1, now a safe haven for whale and bird watching. Milagra Ridge, a former Nike Missile site, has been restored into a critical habitat for endangered butterflies, offering a unique blend of military history and ecological significance. This ride is a fantastic way to experience Pacifica's unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

The Coast View Trail – Golden Gate Bridge loop from Castro offers an incredibly diverse and challenging mountain biking experience, taking you from urban San Francisco to the dramatic coastal bluffs and open ridges of Mount Tamalpais. You'll encounter largely singletrack terrain on the Coast View Trail, which is known for its stunning panoramic ocean views and beautiful coastal hillsides, making it a classic XC singletrack. Be prepared for sections with surface erosion, deep ruts, and rocks, especially on descents where you'll need constant braking and high alertness.

This extensive route, covering 48.8 miles (78.6 km) with 4431 feet (1351 metres) of elevation gain, is a difficult ride that typically takes around 5 hours and 53 minutes. Connecting these distinct areas means you should anticipate significant road riding sections to link the different geographical zones. The Coast View Trail is a popular multi-use trail, so be aware of hikers, particularly during peak times like weekends. An early start is highly recommended to complete this demanding loop.

While the Coast View Trail is a highly regarded "must-do" for mountain bikers in the Mount Tamalpais area, its integration into a loop from Castro across the Golden Gate Bridge creates a unique, very extensive adventure. This combination showcases some of the best mountain biking and scenic viewpoints the region has to offer, including glimpses of the San Francisco Bay and potentially redwood forests. It's a ride for those with good fitness and advanced riding skills, promising a memorable journey through iconic Northern California landscapes.