The best traffic-free bike rides in Old Saint Hilary'S Open Space Preserve

There are over 10 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists looking to explore the region's unique landscapes.

The preserve features a mix of fire roads and multi-use trails. You'll encounter rolling grasslands, especially in the northern section, with unique serpentine soil. Expect varied terrain with both descents and ascents, providing a good workout and diverse riding experience. Trails like Heathcliff Fire Road offer wide dirt paths.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve are considered challenging, with significant elevation gains. For example, the climb from the Fishbits Trailhead can ascend over 400 feet. Routes such as the Sausalito — Mill Valley Path – Tennessee Valley Trailhead loop offer demanding rides with rewarding views.

Gravel bikers can enjoy expansive vistas of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands, particularly from trails like Heathcliff Fire Road. The ridgetop grassland areas provide 360-degree views of the Tiburon peninsula. In spring, the hillsides are blanketed with wildflowers, especially along Vistazo Fire Road and in the John Thomas Howell Wildflower Preserve.

Spring is particularly beautiful due to the spectacular wildflower displays across the hillsides. However, the preserve benefits from bay breezes even on warmer days, making it pleasant for riding throughout much of the year. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, dogs are welcome in Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve. They must be leashed on trails and kept under voice control on fire roads, which are commonly used for gravel biking.

The preserve's namesake, the historic Old St. Hilary's Church, built in 1888, is a designated historical landmark. It's surrounded by the John Thomas Howell Wildflower Preserve, which is especially vibrant in spring. This offers a cultural point of interest right within the preserve.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.55 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area, the diverse terrain, and the sense of escape offered by the traffic-free fire roads.

Yes, there are several longer loop options for gravel bikers. For instance, the Bothin Marsh Preserve – Pantoll Road loop from Tamalpais-Homestead Valley covers nearly 50 km, offering an extensive ride through varied landscapes.

The preserve is connected to the Tiburon Uplands, expanding the area available for exploration. Many routes, like the Alpine Dam – Fish Gulch trail junction loop from Alta, traverse broader areas of Marin County, linking various natural features and offering diverse riding experiences beyond the immediate preserve boundaries.

Absolutely. Routes such as the Phoenix Lake – Fish Gulch trail junction loop from Mill Valley feature over 1100 meters of elevation gain, providing a substantial challenge for experienced riders seeking demanding climbs and descents.