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Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from Larkspur

Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from Larkspur

Hard

4.9

(4052)

19,213

riders

Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from Larkspur

04:09

76.7km

1,410m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.10 km

Corte Madera Pathway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This is a great protected bike path that follows the creek.

Tip by

4.23 km

From this point upstream the bed of Corte Madera Creek is canalized in a narrow concrete channel. Downstream it opens into a partially tidal estuary that lost much of its wetlands, but still has a lot of natural features.

Tip by

10.5 km

Fairfax

Highlight • Settlement

This town, nestled in the forested hills among unspoiled open space in Marin County, is a nice respite from the large nearby metropolis. It is a quirky, hip place with a small-town vibe filled with restaurants, music venues, and independent shops. Fairfax is home to many musicians who live here, and on any given night, you can find live music featuring local and national touring acts jamming in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It has a very cycle-friendly culture, and be sure to take the time to visit the Museum of Bicycling while you are here!

Tip by

19.8 km

Mount Tamalpais Watershed

Nature Reserve

22.6 km

Alpine Lake

Highlight • Lake

This lake was formed by the building of Alpine Dam in 1917. It sits between Kent Lake and Bon Tempe Lake, and is popular for a variety of outdoor activities.

Tip by

38.2 km

Bolinas Wharf

Highlight • Structure

Small roadside docks for still active fishing boats.

Tip by

39.0 km

Mesa Park

Highlight • Forest

The uplands above Bolinas are covered in a dense forest, with large eucalyptus sections.

Tip by

49.2 km

Fairfax—Bolinas Road

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Bolinas-Fairfax Road climbs steeply but without car traffic on a well paved road from Hwy 1 at sea level to about 500 m elevation at the top of the Bolinas Ridge where it intersects with W Ridgecrest Boulevard to the south, continuing to climb to the top of Mount Tamalpais.

Tip by

53.2 km

Alpine Dam

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

Constructed in 1917 this dam forms Alpine Lake, which sites between Kent and Bon Tempe Lakes. The road across the top of the dam make it a great place to ride on a loop around the lake.

Tip by

76.7 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

55.0 km

19.9 km

1.10 km

398 m

138 m

118 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

72.0 km

4.45 km

245 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (460 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 12 July

31°C

13°C

9 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Description

The Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from Larkspur is one of Marin County's most celebrated road cycling routes, a truly challenging 47.6 miles (76.7 km) journey with a significant 4630 feet (1411 metres) of elevation gain. Rated difficult, this loop typically takes around 4 hours and 8 minutes to complete, making it ideal for experienced cyclists seeking a rewarding physical test and stunning scenery.

What to expect on Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from Larkspur

This route unfolds as a diverse journey through Marin County's varied landscapes. You'll roll through charming towns like Larkspur, Kentfield, Ross, and Fairfax, before the terrain shifts dramatically. Expect to climb through iconic redwood forests, with views opening up to the serene Mt. Tamalpais Watershed, Alpine Lake, and the impressive Alpine Dam itself. The ride features challenging climbs, including a four-mile steep and twisty ascent and the

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Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from Larkspur

Corte Madera Pathway

Corte Madera Creek

Fairfax

Alpine Lake

Bolinas Wharf

Mesa Park

Fairfax—Bolinas Road

Alpine Dam

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