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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
Marin County
Fairfax

Fairfax – Twin Knolls loop from Fairfax

Hard

4.9

(3450)

15,975

riders

Fairfax – Twin Knolls loop from Fairfax

03:02

41.3km

940m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 28, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Mount Tamalpais State Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

159 m

Fairfax

Highlight • Settlement

This town, nestled in the forested hills among unspoiled open space in Marin County, is a nice respite from the large nearby metropolis. It is a quirky, hip place with a small-town vibe filled with restaurants, music venues, and independent shops. Fairfax is home to many musicians who live here, and on any given night, you can find live music featuring local and national touring acts jamming in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. It has a very cycle-friendly culture, and be sure to take the time to visit the Museum of Bicycling while you are here!

Tip by

2

690 m

Bolinas Park

Highlight • Forest

Beautiful grove of tall redwood trees along a small streambed along Bolinas and Park Roads in downtown Fairfax.

Tip by

3

6.63 km

Pine Mtn Ridge

Highlight • Climb

This ridge is the culmination of the first major climb segment coming from Fairfax. The road then drops to the west to cross Alpine dam, before it climbs the Bolinas ridge.

Tip by

9.66 km

Mount Tamalpais Watershed

Nature Reserve

5

20.7 km

Twin Knolls

Highlight • Viewpoint

Twin Knolls offers a sweeping view of Stinson Beach from the height of the 7 Sisters, the informal name of Ridgecrest Blvd.

Tip by

6

28.3 km

Alpine Lake Dam

Highlight • Lake

A beautiful reservoir in the valley of Mt. Tam. It has a great climb up both ways to either get back to Fairfax or to summit Mt. Tam. This is a cycling paradise. Get ready to climb! We enjoy stopping on the damn for a snack break and find the sun!

Tip by

7

41.1 km

Marin Museum of Bicycling

Highlight • Monument

Premier bicycle history museum and cultural center in Fairfax, displaying key examples from the 19th century Golden Age of Cycling, home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, showcasing the birth and evolution of the mountain bike, and features many more bicycles: road, track, racing, touring and everyday transportation; extraordinary bikes dating from 1868 onward. Moved the Hall of Fame from Created Butte, CO, to Fairfax. Now, the bikes, biographies, photos and Fame are on display.
1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, CA 94930
$10
Open:  THURSDAY—SUNDAY 11am-5pm
Closed: Mondays—Wednesdays
Closed: - Thanksgiving Day
- 24 & 25 December, January 1-16
mmbhof.org

Tip by

B

41.3 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

40.7 km

493 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

35.6 km

5.59 km

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (580 m)

Lowest point (30 m)

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Weather

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Today

Sunday 5 July

26°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a serious challenge on two wheels, the Fairfax – Twin Knolls loop from Fairfax delivers. This difficult touring cycling route spans 25.6 miles (41.3 km) and packs in a significant 3087 feet (941 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 1 minutes to complete. It's a demanding ride best suited for cyclists with very good fitness who appreciate a substantial climb.

What to expect on Fairfax – Twin Knolls loop from Fairfax

This loop is primarily a paved journey, winding through the rolling hills and extensive green spaces characteristic of Fairfax County. While specific landmarks aren't detailed, you can expect a ride that transitions through woodlands and stream valleys, offering scenic views of forests and potentially lakes along the way. Be prepared for a physically demanding experience; the substantial climbing means you'll be working hard, even if the surfaces are smooth. This route is ideal for experienced touring cyclists ready for a rigorous workout.

Planning your visit

Given the significant elevation gain, planning your visit during cooler parts of the day or year is advisable to manage the effort. While the route is accessible, its difficulty means you should ensure your bike is in good condition and you carry enough water and nutrition. Parking information for the trailhead isn't specified, but Fairfax offers various public access points to its extensive trail network.

Trail details

  • Distance: 25.6 miles (41.3 km)
  • Elevation gain: 3087 feet (941 metres)
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Estimated time: 3 hours and 1 minutes

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