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Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
Marin County
Mill Valley

Corte Madera Pathway – San Anselmo-Fairfax Bikeway loop from Mill Valley

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
Marin County
Mill Valley

Corte Madera Pathway – San Anselmo-Fairfax Bikeway loop from Mill Valley

Moderate

4.5

(1645)

9,842

riders

Corte Madera Pathway – San Anselmo-Fairfax Bikeway loop from Mill Valley

02:17

36.5km

360m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 2.48 km for 105 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

124 m

Mill Valley Railroad Depot & Book Cafe

Highlight • Cafe

On the center square of Mill Valley the historic former Railroad Depot is now a convenient meeting place with outdoor and indoor seating, offering a variety of coffee, fresh sandwiches combined with books and magazines in the Book Cafe

Tip by

2

4.67 km

Camino Alto summit viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

At the summit of Camino Alto grade between Larkspur and Mill Valley, the view opens up to the south on clear days, offering views across the bay and parts of the San Francisco skyline.

Tip by

3

10.2 km

Corte Madera Pathway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

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.

Tip by

4

11.5 km

Ross Common

Highlight • Rest Area

In 1911, Annie Ross Worn, the eldest daughter of James and Annie Ross, gave the Town of Ross the land for this park, the Ross Common. Its north-western section today abuts the Ross School.
Ross Grammar School was built in 1911 and then replaced in 1941. In 1991, Child Magazine named Ross Elementary School as one of the top ten schools in the nation. The academic ranking is in the 99th percentile, the highest any school can achieve.

Tip by

5

13.3 km

Retro mission style admin center in the small cute downtown of San Anselmo. Free library wifi on the bench in the little park.

Tip by

6

13.6 km

San Anselmo-Fairfax Bikeway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This bikeway offers a better alternative to the much busier Center Boulevard, which does not have a shoulder and an even better route than the Sir Francis Drake Blvd highway. Lansdale and San Anselmo Avenues are quiet residential streets that run parallel and provide a pleasant passage through town away from busy traffic.

Tip by

7

16.1 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

8

23.3 km

In 1967, the family of Natalie Coffin Greene gave 25 acres of Phoenix Lake land for a park in her memory. Locals know about the little park at the end of Lagunitas Road in Ross, although they may not know its name. Most people think of it as the shady little park just below Lake Phoenix, and the place to park your car and set off on a hike or or mountain bike ride on the extensive Marin Municipal Water District’s watershed lands and Mt. Tamalpais. It is a very private, secluded and peaceful spot to set out on a day hike or bike ride. The park also makes a great destination in and of itself. It has picnic tables, Ross Creek running through it, and restrooms.
The fire road up to Phoenix Lake continues around the north side of the lake, and connects with fire roads running throughout the watershed lands up to the top of Mt. Tam. The south side of the lake is strictly a hiking trail, so no bikes allowed. However, dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash. The round trip walk from the park up and around the lake is about 2.7 miles.
The tiny parking lot is usually full on summer weekends, so it's better to bike in. Up at the lake, there are a couple of benches for relaxing and enjoying the view and the quiet; you can also fish, but there are no people or boats allowed in the water, which would be nice to cool off in the summer!

Tip by

B

36.5 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.2 km

8.20 km

6.15 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

30.1 km

6.27 km

222 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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

Highest point (100 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

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Today

Sunday 12 July

31°C

13°C

9 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a solid touring cycling loop that connects some of Marin County's charming towns, the Corte Madera Pathway – San Anselmo-Fairfax Bikeway loop from Mill Valley is a fantastic choice. This moderate route covers 22.7 miles (36.5 km) with 1173 feet (357 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete. It's an ideal option for cyclists who enjoy varied terrain and the convenience of multi-use pathways.

What to expect on Corte Madera Pathway – San Anselmo-Fairfax Bikeway loop from Mill Valley

This cycling loop offers a journey through the heart of Marin County, connecting the communities of Mill Valley, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, and Fairfax. As you pedal, you'll experience the blend of suburban charm and natural beauty characteristic of the region. The route utilizes dedicated bikeways and multi-use pathways, providing a generally smooth and enjoyable ride. While the 1173 feet (357 metres) of elevation gain means you'll encounter some steady climbs, the moderate difficulty rating suggests it's manageable for most regular cyclists, offering a good workout without being overly strenuous.

Planning your visit

The loop starts conveniently in Mill Valley, making it accessible for those in the southern Marin area. Parking is generally available in Mill Valley, though it's always wise to arrive earlier on weekends to secure a spot. Marin County's climate is often mild, making this a pleasant ride for much of the year, but checking local weather conditions is always recommended, especially during the warmer summer months or potential winter rains. Bring enough water, particularly if you plan to extend your ride or visit during midday.

Trail details

  • Distance: 22.7 miles (36.5 km)
  • Elevation gain: 1173 feet (357 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 2 hours and 17 minutes

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