Marin Headlands Loop

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San Francisco, CA, US

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Route Overview

SuperPro Racing

Big rides. Hard races. Remote places.

18 mi.

2,664 ft.

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Route Details

This classic mixed terrain loop just north of San Francisco combines a ride across one of the most iconic bridges in the world with majestic views of the San Francisco Bay, Mount Tamalpais, and an ex-Cold War military base. This route is fantastic any time of the year, but sunsets are the most scenic, particularly in the early summer when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Start out at the Golden Gate Bridge plaza, and cross the @photo[Golden Gate Bridge](1089260) on the correct bridge sidewalk (see notes below). When crossing the bridge on the east sidewalk, take special care to ride on the *left* side of the sidewalk with the bicycle markings. This sidewalk can be quite busy with tourists on foot during the day; we advise a leisurely pace to avoid any mishaps and to take in the views of the bridge.

When crossing on the east side of the bridge, follow the bike path across the exit ramp to Vista Point and along US-101 to the Alexander Ave exit. Follow signs to the Marin Headlands by turning left on Alexander Ave. After passing through the tunnel under US-101, take the first right turn (Conzelman Road) up the hill.

When crossing on the west side of the bridge, continue uphill through the parking lot, and turn left on Conzelman Road when the road ends.

This first section of Conzelman Road is steep, but it quickly eases at the overlook  for @point[Battery Spencer](d,3823.14). Continue on Conzelman Road until you reach the @point[roundabout](d,5174.66) with McCullough Road. Exit the roundabout at the dirt parking lot, then continue through the parking lot to reach the Coastal Trail.

Enjoy the smooth singletrack descent of Coastal Trail until reaching the @point[gate](d,21242.91). Follow the dirt road straight down to Bunker Road.

Make a left turn on to paved Bunker Road, then an @point[immediate right turn](d,7968.6) on the dirt access trail to Rodeo Valley Trail. Take @point[another right turn](d,8063.66) to cross a bridge. At Rodeo Valley Trail, @point[turn left](d,8182.34) toward Bobcat and Miwok Trails.

At the intersection of Bobcat trail, @point[turn left](d,8559.79). Then @point[turn right](d,8651.32) at the intersection of Miwok Trail. The fire road climb up Miwok is tough one -- it averages almost 10% for a little over a mile. At the top, enjoy the expansive views of nearby @photo[Hill 88](1170716) (the site of a Nike Missle air defense control center), @photo[Tennesee Valley](1089288), and @photo[Gerbode Valley](1089337) below. At the intersection of the Old Springs Trail, @point[turn left](d,10926.54).

Old Springs Trail is a twisty singletrack trail down to the [Miwok Livery Stables](http://www.miwokstables.com/). The lower section is armored with water-deflecting waterbars. Pro tip when crossing these: faster is easier. Upon reaching the bottom, please **walk your bike** though the stables area to keep the horses happy. Follow the gravel road toward the Tennessee Valley trailhead, then take the @point[first right turn](d,13035.04) to Marincello Road.

Marincello fire road is a steady 9% climb. This road was slated to become the main entrance to a [planned city](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marincello) of 30,000 residents that would have covered a large portion of the land in the Marin Headlands. Conservation efforts in the 1960s stalled the project, and all that remains of the planned community is a small section of curb near the bottom of Marincello Road. Upon reaching the top, follow Bobcat Trail down the hill after taking in the views of @photo[Mount Tamalpais](1089318) to the north, Sausalito and Richardson Bay to the east, and the Golden Gate Bridge peeking through Slacker Hill to the south.

Bobcal Trail @point[intersects with Alta Trail](d,16585.66) after a short climb. Follow Bobcat trail (straight) down to the @point[intersection with Rodeo Valley Trail](d,19859.34). When descending Bobcat, be cautious in the loose gravel turns. Veer left at the intersection with Rodeo Valley Trail. Follow the route in reverse to find your way back to Bunker Road. Take the first right off Bunker Road to access the Coastal Trail climb back to Conzelman Road. Often shrouded in @photo[fog and wildflowers](1089255), the climb back to Conzelman Road is gentle.

Follow Conzelman Road up to the top of Hawk Hill (not shown on this route) for some @photo[postcard photos](1089345) of the Golden Gate Bridge, or call it a day and head back down Conzelman Road to the bridge to return to the starting point.

# More resources

* [National Park Service website for the Marin Headlands](http://www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm)
* [Golden Gate Bridge Resources for Bicycles](http://goldengatebridge.org/bikesbridge/bikes.php)

# Important Reminders

Even though the Marin Headlands are only a few miles from San Francisco, many areas are completely without mobile coverage. Be prepared with food, water, and supplies.

When crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, be aware of the schedule for bikes:

Use the west sidewalk:
* 3:30PM to 9:00PM Monday-Friday
* 6:00AM to 9:00PM Saturday-Sunday

Use the east sidewalk:
* 9:00PM to 3:30PM Monday-Friday
* 9:00PM to 6:00AM Saturday-Sunday

The east sidewalk can be accessed directly from the south Golden Gate Bridge plaza. West sidewalk access requires riding under the bridge on a multi-use path from the plaza.

See the [official GGB page](http://goldengatebridge.org/bikesbridge/bikes.php) for more information on bike access.

Although there is parking in the Golden Gate Bridge south plaza, there are numerous transit options for getting to the start. Parking can be *extremely* difficult.

Marin Headlands Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

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