Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from San Anselmo
Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from San Anselmo
3.2
(10)
23
riders
Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from San Anselmo
02:06
37.8km
810m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. 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 29, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.86 km
Fairfax
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
2.08 km
Marin Museum of Bicycling
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
2.22 km
Splitrock Tap & Wheel
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
2.46 km
Coffee Roastery
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
11.6 km
Mount Tamalpais Watershed
Nature Reserve
14.5 km
Alpine Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
18.5 km
Fairfax—Bolinas Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
23.1 km
Alpine Dam
Highlight (Segment) • Structure
Tip by
37.8 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
34.1 km
2.50 km
969 m
152 m
Surfaces
37.7 km
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Elevation
Highest point (450 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 9 July
29°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a quintessential Marin County road cycling experience that truly earns its reputation, the Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from San Anselmo delivers. This moderate 23.5-mile (37.8 km) road cycling route features a significant 2667 feet (813 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 6 minutes. It's a challenging yet rewarding ride, perfect for experienced cyclists seeking one of the best road bike loops in Marin County.
What to expect on Alpine Lake – Alpine Dam loop from San Anselmo
Starting from San Anselmo, you'll enjoy a relatively flat warm-up through quaint Marin County neighborhoods before the terrain shifts dramatically. The route quickly transitions into steep and twisty ascents, particularly on Fairfax-Bolinas Road, which includes a four-mile climb past the Meadow Club golf course. After reaching Alpine Dam, the road continues to climb with incredible switchbacks up the backside of Mount Tamalpais. You'll cycle through dense redwood and oak forests, enjoy serene views of Alpine Lake, and pass the historic dam built in 1917. Higher elevations provide expansive vistas stretching across San Francisco, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and the sparkling Bay, with glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and Stinson Beach from Mount Tam's ridge. This ride demands good to very good fitness, offering demanding climbs and exhilarating descents.
Planning your visit
The Alpine Dam loop is mostly well-paved, though some sections may have experienced broken pavement in the past, with many areas now repaved. While specific parking details aren't provided, starting from San Anselmo offers easy access to the loop. The dam's spillways are a notable sight during the wet season, creating a cascade with a "pleasant Japanese look." For the best experience, plan your ride during favorable weather conditions, ensuring you're prepared for significant elevation changes and varied microclimates throughout the route.
Trail details
- Distance: 23.5 miles (37.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 2667 feet (813 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 6 minutes
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