The best MTB trails in Deer Island Open Space Preserve
4.9
(55)
150
riders
14
rides
Mountain biking in Deer Island Open Space Preserve offers routes through a diverse landscape characterized by a central hill, mixed oak woodlands, and expansive grasslands. The preserve features varied terrain, including areas near seasonal wetlands and marshlands, providing scenic views of Marin and the surrounding natural features like Big Rock Ridge and Mount Burdell. While the preserve itself is relatively compact, the mountain bike trails in the area extend to nearby hills and ridges, offering a range of elevations and environments for riders.
Best mountain bike trails in Deer Island Open Space Preserve
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Big Rock Ridge – 680 Trail loop from Novato Hamilton, a 26.9 miles (43.3 km) difficult trail that takes 4 hours 46 minutes to complete. This challenging route features significant elevation gain and expansive views.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Burdell Mountain – Old Town Novato loop from Novato Downtown, a moderate 12.6 miles (20.2 km) path. This route winds through varied terrain, offering a mix of climbs and descents.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Novato Rail-Rowland Bike Trail loop from Novato Downtown, a 18.1 miles (29.1 km) trail leading through urban and natural landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 13 minutes.
- Mountain biking in Deer Island Open Space Preserve is defined by oak woodlands, grasslands, and views of surrounding hills and wetlands. The network offers options for moderate and difficult ability levels, with no easy routes available.
- The routes in Deer Island Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from around 50 reviews. More than 150 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Deer Island Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
4
riders
20.2km
01:51
470m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
29.3km
02:14
470m
470m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
riders
20.2km
01:51
490m
490m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
55.3km
04:42
1,150m
1,150m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
29
riders
43.3km
04:46
1,450m
1,450m
The Big Rock Ridge – 680 Trail loop offers a truly epic mountain biking experience, taking you from shaded lower sections to the exposed, grassy upper reaches of Marin County's second-tallest peak. As you climb, the landscape transforms, opening up to continuous, sweeping views that stretch across the Bay Area, encompassing landmarks like Mount Tamalpais and the distant Pacific Ocean. This route combines flowing singletrack with grueling fire road ascents, providing a diverse and demanding ride.
This is a difficult mountain biking route, covering 26.9 miles (43.3 km) with a substantial 4760 feet (1451 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 45 minutes. You'll need very good fitness and advanced riding skills to tackle the steep grades, some of which can exceed 20%. Plan to start early, especially on warmer days, and ensure you carry ample water for this challenging and exposed journey.
What makes this loop particularly notable is its blend of trail types and the sheer scale of its panoramic rewards. The 2.5-mile Big Rock Trail singletrack is considered a local "treasure" for its pleasant, non-technical descent, a rarity in Marin County. This route also serves as a strategic connector, allowing access to other trails within the Marin County Open Space and Marinwood Open Space Districts, making it a cornerstone for advanced riders exploring the region.
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Tips from the Community
Pierre Joske Grove offers hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians a peaceful oak-shaded retreat amid sweeping grasslands. Sitting at roughly 800 feet elevation just off Deer Camp Fire Road, the grove’s mature oaks invite rest, birdwatching, and wildflower spotting in spring. It also serves as a community focal point for habitat restoration, most recently hosting milkweed planting events to support monarch butterflies.
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Spanning 1,627 acres, this park features extensive trails for hiking, running, and biking. The main attractions include Mount Burdell, standing at 1,558 feet above sea level, and Hidden Lake, a seasonal pond. Throughout the park, there are ample opportunities to encounter wildlife, including frogs, salamanders, cattle, and deer.
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This is a small park with a 10-acre pond and some trails along the shore. There are usually quite a few birds around, you might even spot a large pelican from time to time.
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At the junction of Chicken Shack Fire Road and Ponti Ridge Trail. There are benches, a great view, and trail markers.
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Loma Alta literally translates to "high hill" and is the highest point in the Loma Alta Open Space Preserve. A few different dirt roads and trails lead to the bald summit that looks over the surrounding hillsides.
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Embark on an adrenaline-fueled mountain biking adventure through Big Rock. The trail reaches its peak at the towering landmark, a colossal rock that adds a unique touch to the experience. Exercise caution on the descent; the pavement can get slippery, adding an exhilarating challenge to this thrilling ride.
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Big Rock Ridge, a striking ridge near Novato, California, standing as Marin County's second-tallest peak. Spanning 5 miles from northwest to east, it creates a natural boundary for central and southern Marin County. Named after the rock at the base of Big Rock Trail, this ridge promises awe-inspiring views and invigorating trails.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is mountain biking permitted within Deer Island Open Space Preserve itself?
No, mountain biking is generally not allowed on the trails within Deer Island Open Space Preserve. The preserve is primarily designated for activities like hiking, jogging, and dog walking. However, the komoot guide focuses on mountain bike trails in the broader area surrounding Deer Island, extending into nearby hills and ridges where mountain biking is permitted.
What types of mountain bike trails can I find in the area around Deer Island Open Space Preserve?
The area offers a variety of mountain bike trails, primarily falling into moderate and difficult categories. You'll find routes that wind through diverse terrain, including mixed oak woodlands and expansive grasslands, with views of surrounding hills and wetlands. There are no easy routes available in this specific selection.
How many mountain bike trails are featured in this guide for the Deer Island Open Space Preserve area?
This guide features 15 mountain bike trails in the area surrounding Deer Island Open Space Preserve, offering a range of experiences for moderate to difficult skill levels.
What are some notable mountain bike routes in the vicinity?
Some highly-rated routes include Burdell Mountain – Old Town Novato loop from Novato Downtown, a moderate 12.6-mile path, and the more challenging Big Rock Ridge – 680 Trail loop from Novato Hamilton, which spans 26.9 miles with significant elevation gain.
What is the typical length and duration of mountain bike trails in this region?
The mountain bike trails in this area vary in length, generally ranging from about 10 to over 25 miles (16 km to 43 km). Depending on the route and your pace, they can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to nearly 5 hours to complete.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in the Deer Island Open Space Preserve area?
The trails featured in this guide are categorized as moderate to difficult, meaning there are no easy routes specifically designated as family-friendly for beginner mountain bikers. These trails often involve significant climbs and varied terrain.
What kind of natural features and views can I expect on these mountain bike trails?
While riding in the area, you can expect to encounter mixed oak woodlands, open grasslands, and views of the surrounding hills and wetlands. Some routes offer expansive vistas of Marin, including Big Rock Ridge and Mount Burdell.
Is the area around Deer Island Open Space Preserve suitable for dog-friendly mountain biking?
While Deer Island Open Space Preserve itself is popular for dog walking, the allowance of dogs on specific mountain bike trails in the surrounding area can vary by land manager. It's always best to check local regulations for each trail before heading out with your dog.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in this area?
The mountain bike trails in the Deer Island Open Space Preserve area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from around 50 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, challenging climbs, and rewarding views.
Where can I find parking or public transport access for these mountain bike trails?
Many routes in the area, such as Burdell Mountain – Old Town Novato loop from Novato Downtown and Novato Rail-Rowland Bike Trail loop from Novato Downtown, start from Novato Downtown or Novato Hamilton, which typically offer parking options. For public transport, you would need to research local bus services to these starting points.
What wildlife might I encounter while mountain biking in this region?
The broader region is home to diverse wildlife. While mountain biking, you might spot deer, various bird species including raptors, and smaller mammals. The seasonal wetlands nearby attract numerous waterfowl.
Are there any amenities like cafes or pubs near the mountain bike trails?
Since many of the routes start or pass through areas like Novato Downtown, you'll find various amenities such as cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Novato, which is a convenient base for your ride.
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