The best gravel rides around Lagunitas-Forest Knolls

There are 14 gravel bike routes documented around Lagunitas-Forest Knolls on komoot, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult.

You can expect a diverse mix of terrain, including flowy doubletrack and fire roads. Some segments are unpaved and can be challenging, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills. The region features rolling hills, redwood forests, and scenic areas along Lagunitas Creek.

While many routes are challenging, there is one easy route and three moderate routes available. For a more accessible experience, the Cross Marin Trail, though paved, offers a beautiful ride alongside Lagunitas Creek and through redwood forests, and connects to other gravel trails. Options like Old Railroad Grade and trails around Bon Tempe Lake also provide a mix of road and gravel surfaces suitable for beginners.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Alpine Dam – Alpine Lake loop from Sleepy Hollow, which covers 65.2 km with significant elevation gain, are popular. Another demanding option is the Fairfax – Big Rock Ridge loop from Fairfax, spanning 52.4 km with over 1500 meters of ascent.

Absolutely. Many routes provide stunning vistas, especially those on Bolinas Ridge, which offer views of rolling hills and redwood groves. You'll also ride through magnificent redwood forests, particularly along the Cross Marin Trail and within Samuel P. Taylor State Park, with Lagunitas Creek often paralleling the paths.

Beyond the trails, you can explore Marin Museum of Bicycling in Fairfax, which celebrates cycling history. Nature lovers might enjoy Bon Tempe Dam or the nearby Samuel P. Taylor State Park. For a unique natural wonder, the renowned Point Reyes National Seashore is home to Alamere Falls, a rare 'tidefall' that flows directly into the ocean.

Yes, the region features several waterfalls. You might encounter Upper Peters Dam Road Waterfall or Carson Falls. Further afield, the spectacular Alamere Falls at Point Reyes National Seashore is a notable natural attraction.

The gravel biking experience in Lagunitas-Forest Knolls is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Over 100 gravel bikers have explored the varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes, from redwood forests to rolling hills, and the mix of doubletrack and fire roads.

Yes, many of the gravel routes are designed as loops. For example, the moderate Phoenix Lake – Fish Gulch trail junction loop from Fairfax is a popular option, as is the more difficult Fish Gulch trail junction – Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Fire Road Trail loop from Fairfax.

Ride durations vary significantly based on the route's distance and difficulty. Moderate loops like the Phoenix Lake – Fish Gulch trail junction loop from Fairfax can take around 2 hours 27 minutes, while more challenging routes such as the Fairfax – Alpine Lake - Bon Tempe Dam loop from Fairfax typically require about 4 hours 9 minutes to complete.

Yes, the Cross Marin Trail is an excellent choice for experiencing the redwood forests. While paved, it follows an old railway bed alongside Lagunitas Creek and through towering redwoods, and it connects to various gravel trails that lead into more forested areas.