The best gravel rides in Old Saint Hilary'S Open Space Preserve

There are over 25 gravel bike trails in Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve, offering a variety of experiences. You'll find options ranging from moderate to difficult, with 7 moderate and 21 difficult routes to explore.

The terrain in Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve is varied, featuring rolling grasslands and fire roads. You'll encounter unique serpentine soil, which is the state rock of California. While some paths like the Vistazo Fire Road are relatively flat, others, such as the Heathcliff Fire Road, involve climbs and descents, providing a dynamic riding experience.

Yes, the preserve is rich in natural beauty and history. You can see the historic Old St. Hilary's Church, a Carpenter Gothic style building from 1888. The preserve also encompasses the John Thomas Howell Wildflower Preserve, which is home to over 200 species of plants, making it particularly beautiful in spring.

Many routes offer spectacular panoramic views. From various points, especially along the Heathcliff Fire Road and higher elevations, you can see the San Francisco skyline, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, the Marin Headlands, and several bays including San Pablo, San Francisco, and Richardson Bay.

The trails in Old Saint Hilary's Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views, the unique natural environment, and the rewarding climbs that lead to breathtaking Bay Area vistas.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, consider the Tiburon Linear Park Bike Trail – Corte Madera Pathway loop from Tiburon. This difficult route spans 57.4 miles (92.4 km) and typically takes around 7 hours and 48 minutes to complete, offering extensive views across the bay.

Absolutely. The Sausalito — Mill Valley Path – Marincello Trail loop from Marin City is a difficult 29.3-mile (47.1 km) path that traverses diverse landscapes, including sections with rolling grasslands and scenic overlooks, providing a varied riding experience.

Yes, many routes in the preserve feature dynamic elevation changes. For example, the Bothin Marsh Preserve – Pantoll Road loop from Tamalpais-Homestead Valley is a difficult 30.2-mile (48.6 km) route with over 1290 meters of ascent, offering a challenging and rewarding ride.

The hillsides of the preserve are frequented by various birds of prey, including American kestrels, red-tailed hawks, and northern harriers. Keep an eye out for these majestic birds as you ride.

For a challenging ride that's a bit shorter, the Marincello Trail – Sausalito — Mill Valley Path loop from Alta is a great option. This difficult 20.4-mile (32.9 km) trail leads through varied terrain and can typically be completed in about 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Spring is particularly spectacular for viewing wildflowers in the John Thomas Howell Wildflower Preserve, with species like California poppies and lupines. However, the preserve offers beautiful scenery year-round, with panoramic views that are enjoyable in most seasons, weather permitting.

Many routes will take you through areas where you can appreciate the unique geology, including faults and rocks of the Franciscan Complex. You might also encounter burbling streams, lichen-covered rocks, and stands of horsetail, a primitive plant, especially along trails that follow natural water features.