The best traffic-free bike rides in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve
4.6
(25)
535
riders
35
rides
No traffic gravel bike trails in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve navigate a landscape characterized by towering redwood and Douglas fir forests, deep canyons, and significant creeks like Larkspur Creek. The preserve's trails ascend the northern slopes of Mount Tamalpais, offering connections to an extensive fire road network. This terrain provides varied elevation changes, from gradual former railroad grades to more challenging climbs, suitable for gravel biking.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve
- Theโฆ
Last updated: July 10, 2026
19
riders
24.9km
01:45
360m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
20.2km
01:32
460m
460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(6)
73
riders
47.4km
04:21
1,270m
1,270m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
28
riders
45.1km
03:18
770m
770m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
41
riders
36.3km
02:34
510m
510m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
Batterij Townsley is a place where nature and history meet. As you climb along the rugged cliffs of the Marin Headlands, the old coastal defense slowly emerges from the landscape. Once at the top, a panorama opens up that will leave you speechless: the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the endless horizon. The abandoned bunkers and tunnels give the place a mysterious atmosphere, as if time has stood still here. A perfect stop to enjoy, wander, and completely immerse yourself in the view.
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An absolute must-see for cycling enthusiasts! This museum in Fairfax tells the story of nearly 200 years of cycling history, from 19th-century velocipedes to modern racing bikes. It's also home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, featuring unique specimens and stories about the pioneers of mountain biking. The collection is impressive and authenticโno replicas, but real bicycles that showcase the evolution of technology and design. An inspiring place where you can truly feel the passion for cycling.
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Part of the coastal defenses along Coastal Trail, latest remnants here date from the WW II and early cold war era.
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At this point on Sky Oaks Road, there is a junction with Shaver Grade Road, which connects with a dense network of trails and dirt roads near Bald Hill in the Mount Tamalpais State Park. From here, you can continue on the paved Sky Oaks Road or go arond the gate on to the gravel Shaver Grade Road.
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This paved bike trail runs through the College of Marin Campus along the Corte Madera Creek. This is a great trail for students and commuters, as well as cyclists looking for a traffic-free shortcut through the area.
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Mount Tamalpais State Park is a majestic area in the heart of Marin County, with sweeping hillsides covered in fantastic redwood forest, open grasslands, sturdy chaparral, and wooded oaklands. The views from Mount Tampais boast breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay and City, the Marin County Hills, Mount Diablo, and the East Bay. You can even see the Farallon Islands, 25 miles out to sea. If you're lucky, you can catch an occasional glimpse of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, nearly 150 miles away. The Park is a haven for cyclists, hikers, wildlife watchers, or those who wish to find a beautiful spot for an afternoon picnic.
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This tidal sanctuary runs along the Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway and the Charles F. McGlashan Pathway. More than 400 species of migratory birds rest here after their long flights, and if you pass through in the early morning or late evening, the sunrises and sunsets reflect beautifully on the surface of this 106-acre marsh.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve?
There are 36 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike routes in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve. These range from moderate to difficult, offering a variety of challenges for gravel bikers.
What kind of landscapes can I expect on these gravel bike trails?
The trails wind through diverse landscapes, including towering redwood and Douglas fir forests, alongside Larkspur Creek, and offer panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Marin peninsula from higher elevations. You'll also encounter California bay, madrone, and tanoak trees, with wildflowers in spring and vibrant autumn colors from big-leaf maples.
Are there any notable natural features or attractions along the no-traffic gravel bike routes?
Yes, several routes offer access to beautiful natural features. You might pass by the impressive 30-foot Dawn Falls, especially striking after winter rains. The preserve is also home to ancient redwood groves and the historic Southern Marin Line Fire Road. Consider exploring highlights like the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road Trail for stunning views or the Southern Marin Line Rd Trail for a ride through redwood groves.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is beautiful year-round. After heavy winter rains, Dawn Falls is at its most impressive, and Larkspur Creek is often swollen. Spring brings wildflowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage from big-leaf maples. The shaded redwood forests provide a cool escape during warmer months.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic gravel bike trails?
While many trails are rated moderate to difficult, some fire roads offer a more gradual experience. For a moderate option, consider the Phoenix Lake โ Fish Gulch trail junction loop from Larkspur, which covers about 20 km with manageable elevation gain, making it suitable for families with some biking experience.
Can I bring my dog on the gravel bike trails?
Yes, some fire roads within the preserve allow dogs, often off-leash under voice control. It's always best to check specific trail regulations before heading out, but generally, the wider fire roads are more dog-friendly than narrower singletracks.
What is the difficulty level of the gravel bike trails in this preserve?
The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve are predominantly rated as moderate to difficult. Out of 36 routes, 10 are moderate and 26 are difficult, indicating that many routes involve significant elevation changes and longer distances.
Are there any loop routes for gravel biking?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes are designed as loops. For example, you can explore the challenging Lagunitas Trail loop from Corte Madera or the Fern Creek and spring โ Pantoll Road loop from Mill Valley, both offering extensive rides through the preserve.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene redwood groves, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the stunning views from trails like the Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road Trail, which offers expansive vistas of the bay.
Where can I find parking for these gravel bike trails?
Parking is typically available at various access points around the preserve, including trailheads in nearby towns like Mill Valley, Larkspur, Corte Madera, and San Anselmo. Specific parking details often accompany individual route descriptions on komoot.
Are there any historical elements to discover while gravel biking?
Yes, the preserve holds remnants of its past. The Southern Marin Line Fire Road follows the path of a historic railroad grade, and you might also encounter an old quarry where blue basalt was once extracted, adding a historical dimension to your ride.
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